Why does my period hurt so much? is a question that too many people dismiss as normal. For those with endometriosis, it's more than just a painful cycle, it's a chronic, often invisible condition that can take years to diagnose. 

What is Endometriosis? 🩺

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue, kind of like the lining of the uterus, starts growing outside of it, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic organs. It is a condition that affects around 1.5 million women in the UK, yet it is a chronically under-diagnosed and under-funded with limited treatment options. 

Now here's the tricky part: even though this tissue is not exactly the same as endometrial lining, it behaves similarly, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. Although, unlike your period this blood has nowhere to go. That's what can lead to inflammation, severe pain, scar tissue and in some cases, fertility challenges

So, How common is it ? 🧠

Endometriosis affects about 10% of women and girls of reproductive age worldwide. That’s a staggering 190 million people globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It's usually diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 29, but it can show up before your first period or even after menopause. The frustrating part? So many people go undiagnosed for years, sometimes even decades. Endometriosis isn’t just about physical symptoms; it can hit your mental health hard too. Chronic pain, exhaustion, and the stress of dealing with a condition that's often misunderstood can leave people feeling lonely, anxious, and even depressed. On top of that, getting an accurate diagnosis often means endless doctor visits and invasive tests, which only adds to the emotional toll. That’s why spreading awareness and building supportive communities is so important, it’s about creating a space where people feel heard, understood, and cared for.

The symptoms aren't always obvious 😣

The experience of endometriosis can vary a lot from person to person. For some, it is a few days of discomfort. For others, it can be completely debilitating. 

Common symptoms can include :

• Severe period pain that doesn't respond to painkillers
• Chronic pelvic pain (even outside your period) 
• Pain during or after sex
• Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation 
• Heavy or irregular periods 
• Fatigue, bloating, and digestive issues
• Difficulty getting pregnant 

But here's the thing: you can endometriosis and not have any noticeable symptoms, often known as silent endometriosis. It’s thought that about 20 to 25% of women with endometriosis have this “silent” type. No wonder it’s so often misunderstood or missed. 

What causes it? 🧬

No one knows the exact cause of endometriosis yet. Researchers are exploring several possible factors, including: 

• Genetics (it can run in families)- Turns out, some heirlooms are less antique vase and more chronic pelvic pain

• Immune system differences- Some studies suggest that people with endometriosis may have immune systems that don't recognize and destroy the tissue growing outside the uterus, which sounds like a betrayal, honestly. 

• Hormonal and inflammatory imbalances- Hormones like estrogen may encourage those rogue tissues to grow, and chronic inflammation can make things worse. Basically, it's like the body's internal group chat got a little chaotic. 

• Retrograde menstruation - This is when the menstrual blood flows backwards into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body like it's supposed to. It is one of the oldest theories, but it doesn't explain all cases, so it is still under debate.  

Recently researchers have started looking into the possible impact of chronic stress or early life trauma, and whether those experiences might influence how the body processes pain, inflammation, or immune responses. But it is still early days, and the key takeaway is: this is not your fault. No one chooses endometriosis, and no single factor fully explains it. 

How is it diagnosed? 

Endometriosis cannot be confirmed with a blood test or ultrasound alone. The gold standard for diagnosis is a laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure where a camera is inserted into the abdomen to look for endometrial-like tissue.

Ultrasounds and MRIs can be useful for spotting cysts or other issues tied to endometriosis, but they can’t give a 100% confirmation. If you’re dealing with stuff like chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, or trouble getting pregnant, your doctor might suspect endometriosis. However, the only way to know for sure is through a laparoscopy. The good news? During this procedure, they can also treat or biopsy any visible lesions or adhesions. Catching it early and taking action can make a big difference in managing symptoms and improving your day-to-day life. 

Challenges & Obstacles in Diagnosis 🚧

According to Endometriosis UK, it takes an average of 8 years to get diagnosed with endometriosis in the UK. That's nearly a decade of symptoms being dismissed, normalised or misunderstood. 

Small bit to read : "The long road to endometriosis diagnosis in the UK"

Endometriosis UK's Call to Action 📢 

To tackle the long delays in diagnosis and improve care, Endometriosis UK recommends:

• Reducing the average diagnosis time to one year or less by 2030
• Urgently drive down gynaecology waiting times by urging the NHS commissioners
• Training all healthcare professionals in menstrual health and endometriosis awareness
• Launching public health campaigns to help people recognise common symptoms early 
• Investing in research to better understand the causes, improve treatment, and develop less invasive diagnostic tools

Myths vs. facts about Endometriosis 🧯

Looking ahead: new tools, trials, and treatments for endometriosis 

For decades, diagnosis of endometriosis has been  a tricky puzzle to solve because it's symptoms often mimic other conditions. But a recent comprehensive review reveals how tech and techniques are helping doctors spot it earlier and with more accuracy: 

🖥️ AI & Better scans 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being trained to analyze medical imaging like Transvaginal Ultrasound (A wand-shaped device enters inside the vagina to get clear scans or images of pelvic organs. It is especially useful for spotting cysts or deep-seated tissue growths linked to endometriosis), Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) and ultrasound to spot patterns linked to endometriosis, potentially improving early detection, especially for deep-infiltrating types that are harder to catch. Imagine fewer diagnosis and less medical ping-pong. 

💊Emerging Treatments 

When it comes to Endometriosis, hormonal therapy has always been the go-to and it is necessary to take Into account the risk factors for hormone treatment intolerance for more advanced ages. However, more recently, newer approaches are in the works: 

• Clinical Trials are underway for non-hormonal and post-laparoscopic surgery hormonal drugs targeting inflammation and nerve growth, tackling the pain without disrupting hormones
• Precision Medicine is also catching up by understanding how endometriosis shows up differently in each person could lead to more tailored, effective treatments. 

🎙️A Voice that matters  

I've talked all about the science, stigma, the systems that need changing, but endometriosis is not just a research topic or a list of symptoms. It is something people live with every single day. 

That's why i sat down with my friend (Himaya Perara) who has been navigating life with endometriosis for years. In this honest and relaxing chat, we talked about everything from diagnosis delays and flare-up days, to how she makes sense of her symptoms in a world that often doesn't. 

🎧 Listen to our conversation below. 

I hope this conversation not only gives you insight into what living with endometriosis can really feel like, but also reminds you that you're not alone, your pain is valid, your voice matters, and only you have every right to advocate for answers, support and care. Whether you're just starting to ask questions or deep into your journey, may this story help you feel seen, and help you take your next step forward with a little more clarity and courage.

ENDOMETRIOSIS TALK : PART 1

ENDOMETRIOSIS TALK : PART 2