Endometriosis is not just a "bad period"

What Endometriosis Is + Why Understanding It Matters

Today I want to chat about some common and not so common symptoms of endometriosis. This disease is very poorly misunderstood and is commonly written off as just a “painful period,” a “hormonal imbalance,” or “just a reproductive disease.”

But before we dive into what the symptoms of this disease are, I want to take a moment to actually talk about what endometriosis is, because understanding the correct definition of this disease is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of this condition.

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, inside the abdominal, pelvic cavity and other parts of the body. And it's super important to emphasize the “similar to” part because this disease is very routinely described incorrectly. Many doctors and providers say that endometriosis tissue is the SAME AS the lining of the uterus and this is just not true.

But that’s a huge reason why medications like hormonal birth control, Lupron, and Orlissa are commonly recommended for this disease — because it is truly viewed as a period disease. And I do want to note, that yes, endometriosis tissue does act very similar to the lining of the uterus in which it sheds every single month (causing you to have a period once a month).

These endometriosis lesions can thicken (just like the lining of your uterus), shed, and bleed into your abdominal/peritoneal cavity, which can lead to scar tissue, adhesions to other organs in the abdomen (and even your abdominal wall), and lots of discomfort.

You Don’t Need an Official Diagnosis to Seek Support

Endometriosis symptoms can show up in more places than just your period. And here’s what no one will tell you: you don’t have to have an official diagnosis to start connecting the dots and advocating for yourself so you can get answers, understand yourself better, and start taking action!

We know endo can cause painful periods, but let’s chat about OTHER ways it can show up in your life. I’ll be breaking it down into categories so you can SEE how it’s MORE than just a period problem.

Menstrual & Pelvic Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Severe period cramps that can lead to passing out or vomiting

• Pain that starts days or even a week or more before your period and lingers after

• Brutal PMS or even PMDD symptoms that come with histamine symptoms like rashes, palpitations, dizziness, headaches, or food reactions

• Heavy bleeding or clots + long cycles

• Pain with ovulation

• Pelvic pain or pressure unrelated to your cycle

Digestive Symptoms Linked to Endometriosis

• Bloating (aka ‘endo belly’)

• Reflux

• Food sensitivities / reactions

• Constipation and/or diarrhea

• Nausea or vomiting around your period

• IBS diagnosis that doesn’t improve with meds or diet changes

• Recurrent SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

• Painful bowel movements

• Rectal pain

• Rectal bleeding

Bladder Symptoms That May Indicate Endometriosis

• Interstitial Cystitis can overlap with endo

• Pain or pressure when your bladder is full or with certain trigger foods

• Burning or pain with urination

• Urinary frequency

Other Possible Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Fatigue that feels bone-deep

• Lower back or leg pain during your cycle and/or the second half of it

• Pain during or after sex

• Pelvic floor dysfunction

• Unexplained infertility

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

You’re Not Alone in This Journey

You don’t have to check every single box or even have painful periods to have endometriosis. And you don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to start supporting your body in the way it’s asking for. While excision surgery is a huge part of endo management, there’s a lot we can do from a functional and holistic standpoint to improve quality of life.

If you resonate with the symptoms mentioned in this post, you’re not crazy and you’re certainly not alone.

How I Help Women with Endometriosis

I help women with endo and suspected endo improve symptoms, find relief, and get their lives back — so you can feel like you’re in the driver’s seat of your body again.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can do the same, book a strategy call using the link at the bottom of this page or DM me “INFO” on Instagram to chat about my 1:1 programs.

Stay tuned — over the next month I will be dropping more content around endo. ❤️