Endometriosis challenges in adolescents: a narrative review and a call for collective awareness

This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge about endometriosis in adolescents. It highlights the barriers to early diagnosis and the significant impact of the disease on physical and mental health, affecting adolescents’ social and educational lives as well as their general well-being. Using PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, we identified and analyzed 56 articles, including quantitative and qualitative studies, meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Endometriosis can appear as early as the first menstrual period. However, the disease is usually diagnosed much later. Trivialization of menstrual symptoms and stigmas shared within society are one of the main obstacles to early diagnosis.A multidisciplinary approach, incorporating awareness-raising and health education not only for adolescents, but also for their social environment, would enable a better understanding of endometriosis and consequently reduce the delay in diagnosis. This would improve pain management and enhance the quality of life of adolescents. This narrative review highlights the need for a holistic approach integrating education to improve early recognition of endometriosis in adolescents. It concludes with the need for further research to better understand the specificities of the disease in young patients and develop effective strategies to promote their health.