Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Endometriosis and adenomyosis: diagnosis and management SUMMARY Endometriosis and adenomyosis are common chronic gynaecological conditions with significant health and economic impacts.Endometriosis and adenomyosis present with diverse and overlapping symptoms and can coexist.Symptoms may include pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue and subfertility, contributing to impaired quality of life and reduced participation in work, education and social activities.General practitioners are often the first point of contact and play a critical role in early recognition, preliminary diagnosis, initiation of treatment and referral.The current Australian guideline supports clinical diagnosis and early management without waiting for surgical confirmation.First-line management includes analgesia and hormonal therapies, tailored to patient priorities, goals, fertility intention, comorbidities and concomitant medications.Timely investigation, person-centred care and appropriate referral are essential to reducing diagnostic delay, symptom burden and long-term impacts. Epidemiology Epidemiology of endometriosisIn Australia, 14% of women will be diagnosed with endometriosis by the age of 48 years, 6 and many women have suspected endometriosis without a formal diagnosis.Although diagnosis has previously been described as taking approximately 8 years from symptom onset, 7 recent analysis of Australian general practice data suggests this might be decreasing.8 The cause of endometriosis is uncertain, but those with a family history of endometriosis appear to be at greater risk.9 Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, with symptoms typically improving after natural menopause.However, premature menopause is not uncommon in this population, often resulting from surgical management such as bilateral oophorectomy, and carries significant morbidity, long-term health risks and economic burden.10 Persistent or recurrent disease after menopause is uncommon but has been reported, particularly in association with menopausal hormone therapy and other forms of exogenous estrogen exposure.11 Endometriosis has significant adverse impacts on women's lives, including on their physical and mental health, fertility, relationships and ability to engage in study, employment and social activities.12 The annual economic burden of endometriosis and pelvic pain
Source: Australian Prescriber
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7219617742
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