Consultant and nutritionist Kelly Richardson explains how endometriosis impacts women as The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare releases new data on its rising prevalence.
The institute revealed the hospitalisation rate for the condition has doubled among Australian women aged 20 to 24 over the last decade.
“What happens is cells that line the uterus, they actually grow in areas outside of the uterus,” Ms Richardson told Sky News Australia.
“So this can cause areas within the pelvic region to actually join together and fuse, so it can cause very painful scarring of the tissues.”
She said the condition is accompanied by symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding, bloating and discomfort in the pelvic region.
“What we know is that endometriosis is on the rise – now we’re not sure whether this is due to actual levels of endometriosis rising or more people are aware.
“More people are talking about it, doctors know more about it and we’re able to diagnose it much faster.”
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