Poster Presentation ESA-SRB-APEG-NZSE 2022

An investigation of the comparative experiences of individuals with mate kirikōpū/endometriosis and/or huahua hua kūao/polycystic ovary syndrome in Aotearoa New Zealand. (#429)

Jamie Salemink-Waldren 1 , Zachary Adamson 1 , Deborah Bush 2 , Rebecca E Campbell 3 , Bryndl Hohmann-Marriott 4 , Neil Johnson 5 6 7 , Arianna Nisa-Waller 8 , Michael Pankhurst 1 , Jane E Girling 1
  1. Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
  2. Epp Coaching, Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
  3. Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
  4. Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
  5. Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
  6. Auckland Gynaecology Group, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
  7. Repromed, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
  8. Kōhatu: Centre for Hauora Māori, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand

Mate kirikōpū/endometriosis and huahua hua kūao/polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common diseases linked with oestrogen-dependence and androgen-excess, respectively.  Despite certain hypotheses suggesting that disease risk factors are diametrically opposed, there is a cohort of individuals with comorbid endometriosis and PCOS.  We hypothesised that disease comorbidity would alter symptom profiles relative to those with one disease only, and increase negative experiences with diagnosis and management. To obtain preliminary data, an anonymous online survey was distributed via social media (NZ residents, >18 years) that included questions related to diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and management of endometriosis and/or PCOS. A total of 1323 responses (median [range] = 31 years [18-72]) were received within a two-week period (endometriosis only: n=615, 48%; PCOS only: n=459, 35%; both diseases: n=247, 19%). In preliminary analyses, the onset of menarche was significantly reduced in individuals with endometriosis (mean ± SD: 12.2 ± 1.55 years) or both diseases (12.0 ± 1.70 years) relative to PCOS only (12.5 ± 1.70 years; p= <0.0012). Preliminary observations suggest there was a significant difference in age of diagnosis between individuals with endometriosis-only, PCOS-only and comorbid individuals; however, statistical analyses are yet to be done. In addition, early analyses suggest heavy menstrual bleeding may be more common in participants with disease co-morbidity, whilst hirsutism appears less common, than those with one disease. Although analysis is ongoing, the symptom profiles of comorbid individuals varies relative to those with only one disease. Remaining quantitative and qualitative data is still to be examined; however, our preliminary results indicate altered experiences between those with a single versus comorbid disease, highlighting the need for further research into the intersection of these two common diseases.