Science Friday Endometriosis Is Common. Why Is Getting Diagnosed So Hard?
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Nov 3, 2025 
Dr. Linda Griffith, a biological engineer and Scientific Director of the MIT Center for Gynopathology Research, dives into the complexities of endometriosis—a condition affecting 1 in 10 individuals with a uterus. She discusses the long diagnostic delays, often due to stigma and the lack of quantifiable tests. Linda also explores innovative research, including tissue engineering to model lesions and emerging treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs. Personal experiences inspired her shift to this vital research area, shedding light on future diagnostic advancements.
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Symptoms Often Start At Menarche
- Endometriosis causes severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, and gastrointestinal problems that can start before periods begin.
- Linda Griffith emphasizes onset around menarche and urges inclusivity when discussing women and girls.
Stigma And Missing Metrics Delay Diagnosis
- Diagnosis often takes years because menstruation is stigmatized and symptoms get dismissed.
- Griffith notes lack of definitive diagnostic metrics forces reliance on surgery for confirmation.
Personal Trigger For Research
- Linda Griffith recounts her niece being dismissed and misdiagnosed with GI issues and accused of faking symptoms.
- That experience, plus her own accidental diagnosis at 28, motivated her to study endometriosis.