A systematic review by Sarah Harris, PhD, and colleagues reveals that patients, often starting with severe menstrual pain and abnormal bleeding in adolescence, frequently encounter normalization of symptoms by their families and healthcare providers. This normalization often leads to delayed diagnoses of conditions like endometriosis, with patients undergoing ineffective treatments. Misdiagnosis is common, with symptoms mistaken for other disorders, contributing to significant time spent in seeking appropriate care. Enhanced training for primary care providers and improved referral processes are necessary to address these systemic issues effectively.

Source: Women’s Reproductive Health