So I was curious. I’ve been reading that the usual age women are diagnosed with Endometriosis is in their 20s and 30s, sometimes after years of misdiagnoses and tests. But, what’s the age of the youngest and oldest person ever recorded to have been diagnosed with Endometriosis? Aaaaand….Google!
Youngest:
There are conflicting sources for the youngest age: I’ve seen 8, 10 (diagnosed just after her second period), 11, and 13 years old. Even though the vast internet has conflicting ages, I’m very shocked at how young these girls were. I didn’t even start my period until I was about 13 or 14 years old (I should find that date in my old diaries…). I cannot imagine being that young and suffering with this disease. And imagine the psychological and social effects it must have on those poor girls at that age.
Oldest:
This poor woman…78 years old! After a full lifetime of likely dealing with Endo symptoms, hoping to find some relief in her post-menopausal years….and *blamo* – Endometriosis is back! And she had had a hysterectomy 20 years prior (just more proof that a hysterectomy is not a cure). There are theories that post-menopausal women still suffer from Endometriosis due to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
So, today I’ve learned : Endometriosis can begin at any pubescent age and continue to progress even deep into our Golden Years. But we can keep on fighting and living; right, Warriors?
Sidenote:
One of the EndoWarriorsI personally know and love has told me that her Endo symptoms started when she was seven years old!!! UGH! AND there have been documented cases of unborn fetuses having endometriosis-like deposits in their pelvic cavities…double ugh!
**updated March 7, 2019**
Resources:
Clinical Research Associates of Tidewater
Climacteric (Abstract, 2008) – Endometriosis in Post-Menopausal Women Without Previous Hormonal Therapy: Report of Three Cases
Fertility and Sterility (Study, March 2005) – Endometriosis in Premenarcheal Girls Who Do Not Have an Associated Obstructive Anomoly
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (Abstract, June 2003) – Adolescent Endometriosis: Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Yonago Acta Medica (Abstract, Dec. 2013) – Dysmenorrhea and Endometriosis in Young Women
~ Again, 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
Wow thats such a vast difference in age!
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