Family Ties

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All menstruating females are at risk for developing endometriosis, and there is no absolute prevention.  Genetics, starting periods early in adolescence, lengthier cycles and certain other factors may predispose a girl or woman to the disease.   That said, women and girls who have a first-degree family history of endometriosis may have as much as a ten time higher risk of developing the disease. [Albertsen et al.]  

It is also believed that some of those women who develop symptoms earlier in life may go on to develop more severe disease. [Chapron et al.]