Dairy consumption during adolescence and endometriosis risk
1Sania Ali, 2Uzma, 3Ambreen Shahriyar, 4Anam Mumtaz, 5Saima Jabeen, 6Uzma mastoii, 7Raishem
1PG Trainee, PUMHS, OBGYN
2Gynecologist BPS 18, FCPS, PUMHS, OBGYN
3Assistant Professor, PUMHS, OBGYN
4Senior Registrar M.S, Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS)
5Gynecologist, THQ sinjhoro, OBGYN
6PG Trainee, PUMHS, OBGYN
7Associate Professor FCPS, PUMHS, OBGYN
Vol: 14/02
Submission: 05 December 2025 | Acceptance: 29 December 2025 | Publication: 14 January 2026
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent condition that affects up to 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide and is a leading cause of pelvic pain and infertility. Dietary exposure during adolescence may influence lifetime risk. Dairy products, rich in calcium and vitamin D, have been hypothesized to play a protective role, yet evidence remains inconsistent and limited in South Asian populations.
Objective: To evaluate the association between adolescent dairy consumption and the risk of laparotomy- or histologically confirmed endometriosis among women attending PUMHS tertiary care, Nawab Shah.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to January 2025 at PUMHS, Nawabshah. A total of 200 women aged 18–45 years undergoing laparotomy for gynecological indications were enrolled. Adolescent dairy intake (12–19 years) was categorized as low, moderate, or high using a structured recall tool. Endometriosis was confirmed intraoperatively or histologically. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests/Mann–Whitney U, and logistic regression.
Results: Endometriosis prevalence was 31%. High adolescent dairy intake was associated with the lowest prevalence (25.0%), while moderate intake showed the highest (34.8%) and low intake intermediate (29.7%) (χ² p=0.49). Dysmenorrhea scores were significantly higher in cases (p<0.001). No significant differences were observed for age, BMI, parity, or menarche age.
Conclusion: Although not statistically significant, findings suggest a potential protective trend of high adolescent dairy intake against endometriosis. These results highlight the need for prospective studies and support integrating adolescent nutritional guidance into preventive reproductive health strategies in Pakistan.
Keywords: Endometriosis; Dairy intake; Adolescence; Diet; Reproductive health; Pakistan.