New Lessons about Endometriosis — Somatic Mutations and Disease Heterogeneity

Endometriosis is a common estrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder that affects 6 to 10% of women of reproductive age and up to 50% of women with infertility and pelvic pain.1 Endometriosis is a complex disease with risk influenced by many factors; its pathogenesis is poorly understood, and current treatments have limitations.2 A role for genetics is well established, with approximately 50% of risk due to genetic factors and 50% due to environmental or other causes.3 The disease is heterogeneous, with multiple ectopic lesions containing endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, primarily in the pelvic cavity.1 The lesions may be one of three types: . . .