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Endometriosis Awareness: Recognising the Signs Early
Could Your ‘Normal’ Period Pain Be Something More?
Period pain is common, but severe or persistent pain that interferes with everyday life should not simply be accepted as something you have to live with.
Endometriosis is a long-term gynaecological condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb. It can cause significant pain and other symptoms, yet recognising the condition is not always straightforward.
For some people, symptoms may be present for years before endometriosis is diagnosed.
Knowing the potential signs and seeking medical advice when symptoms are affecting your life can be an important first step towards getting the right assessment and support.
When Period Pain Isn’t ‘Just Period Pain’
Many people grow up being told that painful periods are simply part of having a menstrual cycle. But there is an important difference between manageable period discomfort and pain that is severe, persistent or disruptive.
You should consider speaking to a healthcare professional if your period pain:
Stops you from going to work, school or carrying out normal activities
Requires you to regularly rely on pain relief to get through your period
Is becoming worse over time
Continues beyond your period
Is accompanied by pelvic or lower back pain
Affects your relationships, wellbeing or quality of life
Severe period pain that affects your daily activities can be a sign of endometriosis and deserves proper assessment.
What Are the Signs of Endometriosis?
Endometriosis can affect people differently, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms.
Possible symptoms include:
Painful periods
Pain may be significantly more severe than typical menstrual cramps and may interfere with normal activities.
Pelvic pain
Pain can occur in the lower abdomen or pelvis and may be present outside your period.
Pain during or after sex
Deep pelvic pain associated with sexual intercourse can be one of the symptoms of endometriosis.
Pain when opening your bowels or passing urine
Some people experience bowel or bladder symptoms, particularly around their period.
Heavy periods
Heavy menstrual bleeding can occur alongside other symptoms.
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness can also occur and may have a substantial impact on everyday life.
Difficulty becoming pregnant
Endometriosis can sometimes be associated with fertility difficulties.
Importantly, having one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have endometriosis. Similar symptoms can occur with other gynaecological and gastrointestinal conditions, which is one reason specialist assessment can be valuable.
Why Can Endometriosis Be Difficult to Diagnose?
There isn’t one simple test that can identify every case of endometriosis. Symptoms can vary considerably from person to person and can overlap with other conditions, including adenomyosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
A healthcare professional will usually consider your symptoms and medical history and may recommend examinations or investigations such as an ultrasound scan or MRI, depending on your circumstances.
Importantly, a normal ultrasound does not necessarily rule out endometriosis. NICE guidance recommends that investigation and management should be guided by symptoms and clinical assessment, with referral to specialist services where appropriate.
This is why describing your symptoms accurately and explaining how they affect your everyday life can be so important.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Your Symptoms
You know your body better than anyone. If you have repeatedly been told that severe period pain is something you simply have to tolerate, but your symptoms are affecting your everyday life, it is reasonable to ask for further assessment.
Keeping a record of your symptoms can help you and your healthcare professional understand patterns over time.
You may wish to record:
When your pain occurs
Where you experience pain
How severe it feels
Whether it relates to your menstrual cycle
Any bowel or bladder symptoms
Bleeding patterns
Pain during or after sex
Fatigue or other symptoms
The effect your symptoms have on work, relationships and everyday activities
A symptom diary can provide useful information when discussing your concerns with a GP or gynaecologist.
What Happens After Endometriosis Is Suspected?
There is no single treatment that is right for everyone.
Management depends on factors including your symptoms, their impact on your life, your preferences and whether fertility is currently a priority.
Treatment may include medication to manage pain, hormonal treatment, other approaches to managing symptoms and, in some circumstances, surgery.
Where symptoms are severe, persistent or not responding adequately to treatment, specialist gynaecological assessment may be appropriate.
The important point is that treatment should be individualised. The aim is not simply to treat a diagnosis on paper, but to understand how your symptoms are affecting you and develop an appropriate plan around your circumstances.
Pain Management Is About More Than Getting Through Each Period
Living with recurring pelvic pain can affect much more than the days when you are menstruating.
Pain can influence sleep, work, relationships, exercise, emotional wellbeing and general quality of life.
Depending on your circumstances, your healthcare professional may discuss different approaches to symptom management, including medication and hormonal treatment. Other forms of support may also be considered where symptoms are affecting areas such as fertility, fatigue or emotional wellbeing.
The most appropriate approach will depend on your individual circumstances.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Recognising possible symptoms doesn’t mean assuming that you have endometriosis. It means recognising when your symptoms deserve further attention.
If painful periods or pelvic symptoms are repeatedly interfering with your life, seeking medical advice can help begin the process of understanding what may be causing them.
You shouldn’t feel that you have to simply put up with debilitating symptoms without asking questions.
When Should You Speak to a Gynaecologist?
Consider seeking medical advice if:
Your period pain is severe or getting worse
Your symptoms interfere with normal daily activities
You have ongoing pelvic pain
You experience pain during or after sex
You have pain when opening your bowels or passing urine, particularly around your period
You have heavy periods alongside significant pain
You are experiencing difficulty becoming pregnant
Previous treatment has not improved your symptoms
A specialist assessment can help explore your symptoms in greater detail and determine whether further investigation or treatment may be appropriate.
Specialist Endometriosis Assessment at Her Care
At Her Care, Dr Annette Reid provides personalised gynaecological care for women experiencing symptoms including pelvic pain and suspected endometriosis.
As a Consultant Gynaecologist and Gynaecological Surgeon, Dr Reid can assess your symptoms, discuss your concerns and help you understand the options available to you.
The aim is simple: clear answers, specialist care and a treatment approach tailored to you.
You Don’t Have to Normalise Severe Period Pain
If your periods are affecting your ability to work, sleep, study, exercise, maintain relationships or enjoy everyday life, it is worth talking to a healthcare professional.
Your symptoms are worth discussing.
Early recognition can be the first step towards understanding what is causing your pain and finding appropriate support.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general information and educational purposes only. It does not provide a diagnosis or replace an individual medical assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional. If you have severe or urgent symptoms, seek appropriate medical attention.
