So, how many of you folks with Endometriosis know that there’s a theory out there that it’s a hereditary disease? That it’s in our genes…? That we may inherit more than our mother’s good looks and our father’s charm?
After my June 2014 diagnosis, I went on the hunt for answers.
My doctor had hinted that someone in my family may have suffered from Endometriosis. I asked my mother and her sisters. None of them have ever had it (let alone heard of it), although I suspect one Aunt may have it but doesn’t know it (for years all I’ve ever heard was how long and painful her periods were…). So I moved on to my father’s family and asked an Aunt…BINGO! My dad’s mother was diagnosed with Endometriosis in her 20s and had a hysterectomy in her 30s! My very own grandma! I inherited my grandmother’s Bloomin’ Uterus!! Mystery solved…
A study in 2010 found that there may be genetic variants that may increase a woman’s chance of having Endometriosis. Literally, in our genes. It’s too scientific for my brain to summarize.
The results of the 2010 study will simply lead to more studies. One that’s going on RIGHT NOW and YOU can participate in is the ROSE Study (Research Outsmarts Endometriosis). I’m a participant in this one 🙂 They’re collecting DNA, medical histories, etc. to try to identify links in our Endometriosis on a genetic level.
So, I’m curious. If you have Endometriosis, do others in your family? Have you asked? Will you ask? I’m curious to see how long the chain goes in your family. For me, it’s just myself and my dead grandmother. Not a long chain, but definitely large enough. And one day, through research and hard work, this chain will be broken! There WILL be a cure!
Resources:
Nature Genetics (Abstract; 2010) – Genome-wide Association Identifies a Locus at 7p15.2 Associated with Endometriosis
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics
~I am a layman. I do not hold any college degrees, nor mastery of knowledge. Please take what I say with a grain of salt. If curious, do your own research 😉 Validate my writings. Or challenge them. And ALWAYS feel free to consult with your physician. Always. Yours ~ Lisa
Bloomin' Uterus 