Let’s get straight to some facts:
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women and girls of worldwide, an estimated 190 million people globally.
On average, it takes 7 to 10 years to receive a diagnosis.
The pain associated with endometriosis has been described in clinical literature as comparable in intensity to labour contractions.
Despite this, many of us live for years without answers, often told our symptoms are “normal,” “just bad periods,” or stress-related.
It is time we finally talk about it.
Severe period pain has been normalized for generations. Many of us were taught that cramps are simply part of being a woman. We were told to take something for the pain, to push through school or work, to assume that discomfort is expected.
But pain that disrupts your ability to function is not normal.
Pain that causes missed work, fainting, vomiting, or debilitating fatigue is not normal.
Pain that changes your quality of life month after month deserves investigation.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These tissue implants can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel, bladder, and in rare cases, other areas of the body.
Like the uterine lining, this tissue responds to hormonal changes. But unlike a menstrual period, the blood and inflammatory response from these lesions cannot exit the body normally. Over time, this can contribute to inflammation, scarring, adhesions, and significant pain.
These are some of the most common symptoms:
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Pain with ovulation
- Pain during or after sex
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Bowel or bladder discomfort, especially during menstruation
- General fatigue
- Fertility challenges
Not everyone with endometriosis experiences the same symptoms. Some have debilitating pain, while others struggle primarily with fertility. Some are told their symptoms are “mild” while still experiencing profound disruption to daily life.
Endometriosis is a complex, whole-person condition that can’t be isolated to a singular cause.
And no, it is not simply “bad cramps.”
Why it takes so long to diagnose
Clinically, endometriosis can be difficult to confirm. The gold standard for diagnosis has historically been laparoscopic surgery.⁴ Imaging can sometimes detect it, but not always. Symptoms vary widely and there is no single blood test.
But the delay in diagnosis is not only clinical, it is also very cultural.
Period pain has been minimized for generations. Women’s pain has historically been under-researched and under-treated. Studies show that women are more likely than men to have their pain dismissed or attributed to psychological causes.⁵ When discomfort is normalized from adolescence onward, it becomes easier for both patients and providers to assume nothing is wrong.
There is also a lack of widespread education about what a “normal” period actually is. Many women don’t realize that intense, life-altering pain warrants further assessment, so we suffer in silence (or are told to pop an ibuprofen and use a heating pad).
The whole-person perspective
We believe it’s important for women to understand that endometriosis does not exist in isolation. It affects the nervous system, the immune system, hormone regulation, mental health, relationships, and day-to-day functioning. Chronic pain can reshape how the brain processes sensation, and fatigue inevitably impacts work and family life.
When we look at endometriosis solely as a reproductive issue, we miss the broader impact it has on the whole person.
And we at The WOMB know that care cannot happen in a vacuum.
If something feels “off” in your body, it matters.
We often meet women who have been told for years that their pain is simply part of having a period. Some arrive with a diagnosis and are seeking collaborative support. Others arrive without a clear label but with a sense that what they’re experiencing isn’t being fully addressed.
Our role is not to rush to conclusions. It is to help you listen to what your body is saying, assess holistically, and connect you with the right combination of support.
That might include:
- Pelvic health physiotherapy
- Naturopathic medicine
- Counselling or trauma-informed therapy
- Cycle tracking and hormonal literacy
- Referrals to gynecologists or specialists
- Collaborative care planning across body-work disciplines
Endometriosis, and chronic pelvic pain more broadly, require an integrated approach. The physical symptoms are real, the nervous system component is real, the emotional toll is real. Addressing one without the others often leaves people feeling unseen.
If you are unsure what is happening in your body but know that something doesn’t feel right, you do not need to navigate that uncertainty alone. Our care team can help you ask better questions, and find a path forward that feels grounded and informed.
So no, you aren’t overreacting
Pain that disrupts your life is not something you should have to normalize.
Whether you are questioning your symptoms or have been living with a diagnosis for years, your unique experience deserves healthcare that actually CAREs.
It’s #EndometriosisAwarenessMonth, and this is our invitation to you:
Listen to your body. If your cycle feels unmanageable, if your pain is escalating, if your fatigue feels disproportionate, please know that this is vital information.
And we at The WOMB are here to nurture you through it.
Citations:
- World Health Organization. (2023). Endometriosis Fact Sheet.
- Nnoaham, K. E., et al. (2011). Impact of endometriosis on quality of life and work productivity. Fertility and Sterility.
- Coxon, L., et al. (2018). High pain intensity in endometriosis comparable to labour pain. Human Reproduction.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Endometriosis FAQ.
- Hoffmann, D. E., & Tarzian, A. J. (2001). The Girl Who Cried Pain: A Bias Against Women in the Treatment of Pain. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics.
