Fibroids and Endometriosis Can Shorten Women's Lives

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology. Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA Team.

A standing black woman's lower torso in a pink bikini

Endometriosis and fibroids are two of the most common gynaecological conditions affecting millions of women globally, yet their long-term health implications are often overlooked. These conditions, frequently accompanied by severe pain, irregular bleeding and fertility challenges, have traditionally been considered isolated reproductive health issues.

However, emerging research now links them to broader health risks, including a shortened lifespan.

What Are Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This can cause severe pain, heavy periods and infertility and about 10% of women of reproductive age are affected worldwide.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus, with a prevalence of 15-30% among women. Symptoms range from heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain to complications during pregnancy.

Both conditions are influenced by genetic, hormonal and inflammatory factors, thereby making their management complex.

About the Study

The study involved 110,091 women in the United States, aged 25–42 years, who had no history of hysterectomy, cardiovascular diseases or cancer before being diagnosed with endometriosis or fibroids. The research spanned three decades, from 1989 to 2019.

Its primary aim was to determine the extent to which these conditions contribute to premature deaths, defined as deaths occurring at age 70 or younger.

What the Study Found

The study revealed that women with endometriosis or uterine fibroids had differing risks of premature death compared to those without these conditions.

Women with endometriosis had a 31% higher risk of premature death and the condition was strongly associated with deaths from cancer and respiratory diseases, including a nearly threefold increase in mortality from gynaecological cancers and significant rises in deaths related to nervous system diseases.

While uterine fibroids were not directly linked to an overall increase in premature deaths, women with fibroids had a 22% higher risk of cancer-related deaths, particularly from gynaecological cancers.  

Why These Findings Matter

For African women, these findings are particularly relevant. Reproductive health conditions like endometriosis and fibroids are frequently undiagnosed due to limited access to healthcare, cultural stigmas and low awareness. This underdiagnosis means many women might face increased risks without realizing it.

Poor diet and rising obesity rates across the continent highlight the urgency of addressing these issues. Tackling these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates education, improved healthcare access and the promotion of healthier lifestyles.

Wrap Up

In many African societies, discussing reproductive health is taboo, leaving many women to suffer in silence. Education campaigns can play a vital role in breaking this silence, empowering women to seek care without fear of judgment.

Community health workers can also be instrumental in reaching rural areas where healthcare services are limited. By offering education and basic diagnostic services, they can help bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare access.

Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are not just conditions of inconvenience—they carry significant health risks, including untimely death as the study showed. For African women, addressing these risks requires a joint effort from individuals, healthcare providers and policymakers.

By raising awareness, improving access to healthcare and encouraging healthier lifestyles, the burden of these conditions can be reduced, enabling women to live healthier and longer lives.

Source:

Wang Y-X, Farland LV, Gaskins AJ, Wang S, Terry KL, Rexrode KM, Rich-Edwards JW, Tamimi R, Chavarro J, Missmer SA. Endometriosis and uterine fibroids and risk of premature mortality: Prospective cohort study. BMJ 2024;387:e078797. doi: 10.1136/bmj-2023-078797. Available from here

Related:

Endometriosis: What you need to know

Fibroid: What Every African Woman Should Know

Common Gynaecological Cancers in African Women

Published: December 14, 2024

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