Groundbreaking research from the UK has uncovered a significant and concerning link between hormonal contraceptive pills and the delayed diagnosis of two major gynaecological conditions: endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study suggests that the very medication used by millions of women may be hiding the crucial symptoms that would otherwise lead to a timely diagnosis.
The Masking Effect on Symptoms
The research, conducted by TFP Fertility, surveyed 2,000 women across the UK. It found that a staggering 66% of women diagnosed with either PCOS or endometriosis believe that their use of hormonal contraception directly delayed their diagnosis. This masking effect is particularly acute for younger women, with a shocking 81% of those aged between 25 and 34 reporting a delayed diagnosis they attribute to the pill.
The symptoms of these conditions, such as heavy or irregular periods and pelvic pain, are often mistakenly attributed to normal side effects of hormonal birth control or are suppressed by it. This means the red flags that should prompt further medical investigation are going unnoticed.
Profound Impact on Health and Fertility
This diagnostic delay is not a minor issue; it has profound and long-term consequences for women's health and wellbeing. Both PCOS and endometriosis have a significant impact on fertility. The research revealed that more than half of the women surveyed had to change their plans for having children following their diagnosis.
For those who do try to conceive, the journey is often longer and more complex. The study found that only 36% of women with these conditions were able to conceive naturally, while almost a quarter required fertility treatment.
Beyond fertility, the conditions carry other serious health risks. PCOS can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also causes physical symptoms like weight gain, acne, hair loss, and excessive hair growth, which can severely affect mental health.
Endometriosis, on the other hand, is known for causing debilitating pain that can prevent women from working or maintaining their daily routines. It is also commonly associated with low mood, anxiety, and chronic fatigue.
A Call for Greater Awareness and Action
Dr Justin Chu, Medical Director at TFP Fertility, emphasised the urgency of these findings. He stated: "These findings show just how far we still have to go in raising awareness of gynaecological conditions like PCOS and endometriosis."
"Too often, symptoms are overlooked or misunderstood, with women left waiting years for answers. Delayed diagnoses mean delayed treatment – and for many women, this can mean putting their dreams of parenthood on hold."
The research also highlighted typical diagnosis timelines. Most women with PCOS are diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 34. For endometriosis, the path to diagnosis is even longer, with almost a third of patients not receiving a diagnosis until after the age of 35.
While there is currently no cure for either condition, treatments are available to help manage symptoms. These can range from hormonal contraception to regulate periods for PCOS, to prescription painkillers and surgery for endometriosis. The crucial first step, however, remains obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis.
Women who are concerned about their symptoms are encouraged to seek information from the NHS website or contact support charities such as Endometriosis UK and Verity.
