A government report released yesterday estimates that 14% of women aged 44-49yo have been diagnosed with endometriosis. It’s a disease where tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside of the uterus, causing severe pain and making it harder to get pregnant. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report also pointed to hospitalisations rising by 43% over the last decade to 40,500 in 2021-22. There’s no suggestion that endo is becoming more common – the report speculates that it “may reflect increased awareness”. Still, it’s taking 6-8 years between symptoms presenting and a diagnosis. Glass half-full: that time gap is shrinking. Glass half-empty: the cost of endo for each person with the disease is estimated to be about $31,000/year in health costs and lost productivity (aka time on the couch with a hot water bottle/whatever takes the edge off).