Endometriosis is a gynecologic, chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of tissue histologically resembling endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterus. The condition can be associated with substantial symptoms and a range of comorbidities. The economic burden of endometriosis symptom and comorbidity pharmaceutical management has been examined in a limited number of studies using insurance claims data; no studies to our knowledge have captured the clinical complexity of the condition using information on the number and types of prescription medications in the general population. I examined the history of endometriosis diagnosis and current prescription medication use in a cross-sectional analysis of U.S. individuals ages 20-54 years using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from years 1999 to 2006 (unweighted n=5,550). History of endometriosis diagnosis and number of current prescription medications were collected by self-report. Prescription number was categorized as ⁹́Æ2 prescriptions (vs. <2) within 30 days of the NHANES interview, and polypharmacy was defined as ⁹́Æ5 prescriptions (vs. <5). I conducted log-binomial regression to estimate the prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relationship between endometriosis history and prescription medication use, adjusting for age, education, insurance status, body mass index, and smoking, and accounting for the complex survey sampling design. Prevalence of endometriosis diagnosis history, current use of ⁹́Æ2 prescriptions, and polypharmacy were 9%, 32%, and 8% respectively. Those with a history of endometriosis diagnosis (vs. without) had a 40% greater prevalence of taking ⁹́Æ2 prescription medications (PR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.3, 1.7). I observed a stronger association with polypharmacy use (PR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3, 2.7). My results suggest endometriosis is associated with greater prescription medication use, highlighting the clinical complexity of the condition and the multiple medications that may be needed to manage symptoms and comorbidities.℗
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