Which Form of Birth Control Is Right for Me?
Family planning can help you determine the size and timing of your family. There are many types of birth control that help you do this, but which form is best for you? Read on to explore your options.
Does Endometriosis Get Worse With Age?
Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (known as the endometrium) grows outside of your uterus. An estimated 10% of women of reproductive age suffer with endometriosis δΈ€ that’s 190 million women around the world who struggle with sometimes debilitating pain.
If you’re one of those women, you might wonder if your symptoms will get worse with age.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr. Essam Taymour and the team at Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group in Long Beach, California, is taking this opportunity to shed light on endometriosis and answer questions about how the condition affects you as you age.
Endometriosis basics
This is an inflammatory condition that causes tissue that resembles endometrial tissue to grow outside of your uterus. Endometrial lesions can form on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterosacral ligaments.
Endometriosis can cause severe pelvic pain, fertility issues, and a range of symptoms such as painful periods, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems. The severity of symptoms and the progression of the disease is unique to each individual.
The link between age and endometriosis
As you age, hormonal fluctuations and changes in reproductive health are inevitable. While it's not accurate to generalize that endometriosis worsens with age for everyone, some trends and factors should be considered.
Hormonal shifts during menopause
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, meaning its growth is fueled by estrogen. With age, women typically experience a decline in estrogen levels, especially during menopause. This hormonal shift may lead to a reduction in symptoms for some individuals, according to a 2020 case study.
There’s only a 2%-5% reported incidence of endometriosis in postmenopausal women compared to the 10% of incidence in women of reproductive age. These numbers indicate that endometriosis doesn’t necessarily get worse with age.
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can suppress the growth of endometrial tissue and provide a temporary respite.
Individual factors
The impact of age on your endometriosis symptoms varies from person to person. While some may find relief as they age, others might continue to experience symptoms or even see a progression of the condition.
Delayed diagnosis
Endometriosis is often diagnosed in women of reproductive age, but it can persist beyond menopause. A delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis can contribute to ongoing symptoms regardless of your age.
What can you do about endometriosis?
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, regardless of your age, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group team. We offer a variety of options to help reduce your symptoms. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Taymour may recommend:
- Pain medication
- Hormone therapy
- Minimally invasive surgery to remove endometrial lesions
- Hysterectomy (for severe cases)
If you’re experiencing painful symptoms of endometriosis, take action this March for Endometriosis Awareness Month and schedule your appointment today. Give us a call at 562-595-5331 or request an appointment online.
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