Recent research presented at the World Congress of Endometriosis suggests that women with freckles, moles and easily-burned skin are more likely to suffer from endometriosis .

Endometriosis is a problem in which the tissue which normally gows inside the uterine lining, grows outside of the uterus. It is estimated that 6% of reproductive aged women may have endometriosis. Common places where endometriosis is found includes the ovaries, the walls of the abdomen, and the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can be a cause for infertility or pelvic pain or both.

The study looked at 100,000 French women. researchers reviewed the medical history of these women and found about 4000 of them had endometriosis. The researchers found that women with a higher number of moles or freckles, or a greater susceptibility to sunburn, had a greater likelihood of having endometriosis.

Previously it was thought that women with red hair were more likely to have endometriosis.  A previous U. S. study of 90,000 women did not find a relationship between hair color and the risk of endometriosis. Likewise, the current study did not find a ling with skin color or hair color.

The new study also suggests that there may be a genetic link to malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. They state, however, that this needs further study before any definite conclusions can be drawn. 

The gold standard for the diagnosis of endometriosis is laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a type of surgery performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon places a thin fiber optic telescope through the belly buttton and can then inspect the abdominal cavity for signs of endometriosis.