I was always the young woman whose period came on with no symptoms – a blessing if you asked me. Until everything changed…

When I started to experience crippling pain from cramps as well as extreme nausea, I knew something was wrong. For years, my gynae and I met regularly to find the source of my discomfort, PCOS was evident and we suspected adenomyosis, but it was only in December 2024 when I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on this often misunderstood and under-diagnosed condition that affects millions of women. Whether you have endometriosis, suspect you might have it, or simply want to learn more to understand what someone with the condition is going through is the first step toward advocacy and better management.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. To my surprise, that misplaced tissue had spread and made a comfortable home on some of my other organs.

Because this tissue responds to hormonal changes like the uterine lining – it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during each menstrual cycle. However, unlike normal menstrual blood, this blood has no way to exit the body, leading to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue or adhesions.

Symptoms of endometriosis

Symptoms of endometriosis vary from person to person. Some individuals experience excruciating pain, while others may have mild symptoms or none at all. The most common signs include:

• Pelvic pain (especially during menstruation)
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Pain during or after sex
• Painful bowel movements or urination (especially during menstruation)
• Chronic fatigue
• Bloating (often referred to as ‘endo belly’) and weight gain
• Difficulty conceiving (infertility)
• Gastrointestinal issues (such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea)

Since these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), getting an accurate diagnosis can be challenging.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

A definitive diagnosis of endometriosis typically requires a laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a doctor inserts a small camera into the abdomen to look for abnormal tissue growth. Other diagnostic tools, such as pelvic ultrasounds or MRIs, may be used to identify cysts or adhesions but cannot confirm endometriosis on their own.

Management and treatment options

There is no cure for endometriosis, but various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include:

1. Pain management

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help with mild discomfort.
• Prescription pain medications may be necessary for more severe cases.

2. Hormonal therapy

• Birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings can help regulate periods and reduce symptoms.
• Progestin therapy (such as the hormonal IUD or progestin-only pills) can suppress tissue growth.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can temporarily stop the menstrual cycle and reduce pain, but they come with side effects.

3. Surgical treatment

• Laparoscopic surgery can remove endometriosis tissue, providing relief for many individuals.
• In severe cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended, though this is not a guaranteed cure.

4. Lifestyle and holistic approaches

• Dietary changes: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods, fibre, and omega-3s may help manage symptoms.
• Regular exercise: Movement can reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being.
• Pelvic floor therapy: This can help relieve muscle tension and pain associated with endometriosis.
• Stress management: Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can help manage stress, which may worsen symptoms.

Raising awareness and supporting those with endometriosis

One of the biggest challenges with endometriosis is the lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis.

On average, it takes 7-10 years for someone to receive a proper diagnosis. By talking openly about this condition and supporting ongoing research, we can push for earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.

Receiving any diagnosis is not a fun experience. For me, the diagnosis is still fresh and I have recently had to incorporate many changes to my daily life through trial and error. After years of ignorance around the endometriosis symptoms I had been struggling through, it was both challenging and a relief to finally receive a diagnosis.

My lack of awareness and education around the condition knocked the wind out of me, but I have slowly started to learn more about endometriosis.

If you or someone you know is struggling with endometriosis, remember that you are not alone. Connecting with support groups, seeking medical guidance, and advocating for your health can make a significant difference.

This March, let’s amplify the conversation around endometriosis, support those affected, and continue pushing for more awareness, research, and treatment options.

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