Endometriosis - Complications

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Of additional concern are studies suggesting that women with endometriosis have a higher risk for other cancers, particularly for early-onset breast cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

Emotional Effects

The emotional effect of severe endometriosis can be almost as devastating as the pain. It can affect marriage and work. In one survey conducted by the Endometriosis Association, patients reported the following emotional effects from this disease:

• 84% of patients reported feeling depressed during periods of pain
• 75% felt irritable
• More than 50% reported feelings of anxiety and anger
• About 20% said they felt hopeless

In one study, during the days around menstruation 30% of women with endometriosis increased their alcohol intake compared to 14% of women with other gynecological problems and only 9.5% of women with no gynecological disorders.

Review Date: 06/13/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital

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