đź’› Endometriosis
The Silent Struggle That Deserves a Voice
Knowledge is power — and it’s time to take yours back.
You’re not overreacting. It’s not “just a bad period.” And you’re not alone.
Endometriosis is a chronic, often painful condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women — yet many go undiagnosed for years. This page is here to help you understand what endometriosis really is, how it affects the body, and what steps you can take to advocate for yourself and find support.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus — often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, or bladder.
This tissue behaves like the lining inside the uterus: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each cycle — but it has no way to exit the body. This can cause:
- Inflammation
- Severe pain
- Scar tissue (adhesions)
- Cysts (endometriomas)
It’s a full-body condition that can affect not just your reproductive system, but your gut, bladder, nervous system, and mental health.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endo symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
- Severe period pain (worse than normal cramps)
- Pain during or after sex
- Chronic pelvic pain (even outside your period)
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Bloating (aka “endo belly”)
- Painful bowel movements or urination during periods
- Heavy or irregular periods, using more products
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving
Many women are told these symptoms are “just part of being a woman.” But they’re not normal — and they deserve to be taken seriously.
What Causes Endometriosis?
There’s no single known cause, but leading theories include:
Retrograde menstruation – when period blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes
Genetics – endometriosis often runs in families
Immune dysfunction – your immune system may struggle to eliminate errant tissue
Hormonal imbalances – estrogen fuels endometrial tissue growth
Research is ongoing, and the reality is likely a mix of these factors.
Why Diagnosis Takes So Long
On average, it takes 7–10 years for someone with endometriosis to get a proper diagnosis. Why?
Period pain is often dismissed or normalised
Symptoms can mimic IBS, UTIs, or ovarian cysts
Diagnosis often requires laparoscopy, a type of surgery
If you suspect endometriosis, trust your gut. Keep a symptom diary and advocate for further investigation with your doctor or a gynaecologist who understands endo.
How Endometriosis Affects Daily Life
Endometriosis is more than physical pain — it can impact your:
đź’Ľ Career or school life (due to frequent absences)
🛏️ Energy levels and sleep
❤️ Relationships and intimacy
🧠Mental health – many women with endo experience anxiety or depression
You are not weak. Living with chronic pain takes immense strength. The more we talk about this, the less invisible it becomes.
Treatment Options
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” cure — but there are options:
Pain management:
NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
Heat therapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy
Hormonal treatments:
Birth control pills or IUDs
GnRH agonists (to reduce estrogen)
Progestin-only therapies
Surgical:
Laparoscopic excision surgery is the gold standard for removing endo lesions
Surgery may also help restore fertility
Holistic support:
Diet changes (anti-inflammatory focus)
Acupuncture
Mind-body practices like yoga and breathwork
🤝 You Deserve Support
You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence or figure this out alone. Connect with others, share your story, and learn what works for your body.
🌟 Coming soon: Our Menstrual Madness community forum for open, judgement-free conversations.
đź“š Further Resources
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
Books: Beating Endo by Iris Orbuch & Amy Stein, Period Power by Maisie Hill
❤️ Final Thoughts
You are not alone in this. Endometriosis is real, valid, and worthy of attention. The more we learn and share, the faster we can break down the stigma, get earlier diagnoses, and create real change for women everywhere.