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Main article: Endometriosis Overview
Updated: 18-February-2023
Causes of Endometriosis
To begin understanding endometriosis and find some common links, numerous epidemiology studies were carried out. We know women with short menstrual cycles, above average height and early menarche are at higher risk of endometriosis, whilst giving birth, smoking and higher BMI is associated with a lower risk of endometriosis. Genetically women with a family history of endometriosis are also at greater risk, with the condition found to be 9 times more likely in Asian women compared to European or American women.
| Factors associated with increased risk |
| – Low birth weight / Small for gestational age – Earlier age of menarche – Shorter menstrual cycle length – Taller height – Vitamin D deficiency – Alcohol intake – Caffeine intake |
| Factors associated with decreased risk |
| – Nulliparity – Current oral contraceptive use – Smoking – Higher body mass index – Regular exercise – Fish and omega 3 fatty acids– – |
Risk factors for Endometriosis
Experts suggest these factors are more likely a consequence and not the cause of endometriosis.
Although the exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, there are 6 main theories:
- Retrograde menstruation
- Coelomic Metaplasia
- Embryonic Rests
- Lymphovascular metastasis
- Stem Cell Origin
- Low testosterone
Some experts also suggest the condition could be multifactorial.
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