Risk for and consequences of endometriosis: A critical epidemiologic review

Journal article

Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Characteristics robustly associated with a greater risk for endometriosis include early age at menarche, short menstrual cycle length, and lean body size, whereas greater parity has been associated with a lower risk. Relationships with other potential characteristics including physical activity, dietary factors, and lactation have been less consistent, partially because of the need for rigorous data collection and a longitudinal study design. Critical methodologic complexities include the need for a clear case definition; valid selection of comparison/control groups; and consideration of diagnostic bias and reverse causation when exploring demographic characteristics, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Reviewers and editors must demand a detailed description of rigorous methods to facilitate comparison and replication to advance our understanding of endometriosis.

Authors: Shafrir, AL; Farland, LV; Shah, DK; Harris, HR; Kvaskoff, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Best Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Volume: 51
• Pages: 1-15
• Publication date: 2018-07-03
• Acceptance date: 2018-06-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.06.001
• EISSN: 1532-1932
• ISSN: 1521-6934
• Keywords: risk factors; study design; epidemiology; incidence; endometriosis; comorbidities