Epidemiological and clinical risk factors for endometriosis

Abstract

The etiology and risk factors associated with endometriosis are unclear. Over the recent decades substantial work has investigated epidemiological risk factors for the disease. While some clear patterns emerge with regard to risk, many studies are plagued with complex methodological issues and bias. This chapter will present the current state of the epidemiologic knowledge on risk factors for endometriosis including in utero factors, menstrual and reproductive factors, lifestyle factors, physical characteristics, anthropometric factors, dietary factors, and environmental factors. It will further explore the relationships between endometriosis and other chronic diseases. Future work should aim to fill gaps in knowledge while taking the complex methodological issues into account.