title: The epidemiology of endometriosis.
abstract: The epidemiologic study of endometriosis presents researchers with unique challenges. As a result, few well-designed studies have been published. The authors briefly describe the primary pathogenic hypotheses, discuss methodologic issues specific to endometriosis, and review the small body of literature addressing risk factors. Finally, they offer a brief interpretation of these findings and suggest hypotheses for future research.
authors.affiliation: Ob/Gyn Epidemiology Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 121 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. smissmer@hsph.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Stacey A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Missmer
authors.forename: Daniel W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Cramer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors