Endometriosis is a disease which affects women of reproductive age.

It is a condition where the tissue that lines the inside of a woman’s uterus grows outside of it, leading to a range of symptoms, including severe pain, irregular periods, and issues with fertility. While endometriosis is most commonly diagnosed in women in their 20s and 30s, it can also affect teenage girls.

1. Delayed diagnosis

One of the biggest dangers of endometriosis in adolescence is the delay in diagnosis. This is because many of the symptoms of endometriosis, such as heavy and painful periods, are often dismissed as being a normal part of adolescence.

As a result, young women may suffer for years before being diagnosed with the condition, leading to a delay in treatment and increased risk of complications.

2. Decreased fertility

Endometriosis can lead to decreased fertility in women. This is because the tissue growth can interfere with the functioning of the ovaries, leading to the formation of cysts and scar tissue.

If left untreated, this can result in a decreased ability to conceive, ectopic pregnancies, and complications during pregnancy.

3. Chronic pain

Chronic pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis, and it can have a significant impact on a young woman’s quality of life.

The pain can be severe and debilitating, affecting not just physical health but also mental and emotional wellbeing. It can interfere with school attendance, social activities, and lead to feelings of isolation and depression.

4. Hormonal imbalances

Endometriosis can also cause hormonal imbalances in young women. This can lead to the development of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical symptoms like acne and weight gain.

Hormonal imbalances can also make it more difficult to manage the symptoms of endometriosis, further impacting a young woman’s quality of life.

5. Increased risk of ovarian cancer

Women with endometriosis are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. This is because the abnormal tissue growth can lead to the formation of cysts and other abnormalities in the ovaries.

While the risk of developing ovarian cancer is still relatively low, it is important for young women with endometriosis to be aware of this risk and to undergo regular cancer screening.

6. Difficulty obtaining a diagnosis

Obtaining a diagnosis of endometriosis can be difficult for many young women. This is because the disease is often overlooked by healthcare providers, who may not be aware of the condition or its impact on young women.

This can lead to a prolonged period of suffering and decreased quality of life as a result of untreated symptoms.

7. Limited treatment options

While there are treatments available for endometriosis, there are limited options for young women. This is because many of the medications used to treat the condition are not approved for use in adolescents.

Surgery is also an option, but it carries risks and may not be suitable for all young women. This can leave many young women with few options for managing their symptoms.

8. Impact on mental health

The impact of endometriosis on mental health cannot be overstated. Young women with the condition may experience feelings of hopelessness, frustration, and anger as a result of their symptoms.

The pain and difficulties associated with the disease can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, impacting on their social and emotional wellbeing.

9. Limited access to support

Young women with endometriosis may struggle to access support, both from healthcare providers and from their peers.

This is because the condition is often dismissed as being a normal part of adolescence and young women may feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their symptoms. This can leave them feeling isolated and unsupported, exacerbating feelings of anxiety and depression.

10. Impact on education and career

The impact of endometriosis on a young woman’s education and career cannot be overstated. The chronic pain and other symptoms associated with the condition can interfere with school attendance and performance.

It can also make it difficult for young women to pursue their career goals and aspirations. This can have lifelong consequences, impacting on financial security, personal fulfillment, and quality of life.