On average, 1 in 10 women worldwide suffer from endometriosis, but it can take up to 10 years to get a definitive diagnosis. How can the symptoms of the disease change throughout a woman's life? And how can you distinguish "ordinary" menstrual pain from endometriosis?
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found outside the uterus, for example, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or intestines. The misplaced tissue, just like the lining in our uterus, reacts to regular hormonal fluctuations. It grows, breaks down, and bleeds during menstruation, which triggers an inflammatory reaction and often leads to painful menstruation and a host of other unpleasant symptoms.
I have painful periods. Could it be endometriosis?
The menstrual period is often accompanied by various symptoms, including fatigue, mood swings, breast tenderness, or skin changes, and up to 50–90% of women worldwide experience painful menstruation at some point in their lives. (1)
Pain and cramps during menstruation are a typical sign of endometriosis. But while "normal" menstrual pain can be completely or partially relieved by over-the-counter medicines, rest, warm compresses on the abdomen, gentle massage, herbs or stretching, in the case of endometriosis, the pain can be so severe that it completely prevents a woman from functioning daily, and usual methods are not enough.
Other symptoms of endometriosis may include (2):
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chronic pelvic pain (during menstruation and outside of it)
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pain during intercourse
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pain or discomfort during urination or bowel movements
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fertility problems
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irregular menstruation
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heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding outside the cycle
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fatigue and general exhaustion
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other gastrointestinal problems: bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and others
However, endometriosis often affects not only the pelvic area but the entire body. For example, research shows that women with endometriosis have higher rates of depression and anxiety. (3)
If any of the above symptoms bother you, or if you suspect endometriosis or another health problem, contact your doctor as soon as possible to identify the causes of your problems early.
You may not have heard about these menstrual symptoms. Read the full article here.
Endometriosis throughout life
Endometriosis can undergo various changes throughout a woman's life, depending on hormonal fluctuations and life stages:
Adolescence
The first symptoms of endometriosis can appear already in adolescence with the onset of first menstruation (menarche). At this time, the disease is often difficult to diagnose, partly because many girls and adult women may consider the severe menstrual pain often associated with endometriosis to be normal. Typical symptoms may include painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), abdominal pain outside of menstruation, and pain or discomfort during urination or bowel movements.
Reproductive age
In reproductive age, endometriosis is usually most active because it is dependent on the hormonal cycle. The hormone estrogen promotes the growth of the endometrium, causing inflammation and pain. Women may experience very severe menstrual pain, chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and fertility problems. Many women also struggle with irregular menstruation or excessive bleeding during this period.
Pregnancy
With pregnancy, the symptoms of endometriosis may subside. During pregnancy, estrogen levels decrease, and since endometriosis is largely dependent on this hormone, the usual pain or other uncomfortable symptoms of endometriosis may diminish or disappear completely for a certain period. However, once regular menstruation returns after childbirth, symptoms may reappear or even worsen due to hormonal fluctuations.
Menopause
As estrogen levels decrease with age, endometriosis may become less active, and symptoms may eventually not appear at all. However, even after menopause, some women with endometriosis may still experience certain symptoms of the disease, especially if they are using hormone replacement therapy, which can increase estrogen levels in the body.
Read how menstruation changes with age.
Endometriosis in the workplace
Endometriosis affects 10 to 15% of women of reproductive age worldwide, and diagnosis takes an average of 7 to 10 years. (endometrioza/">4) During this period, women often face chronic pain that can affect their daily lives, including work productivity.
The Femvie study shows that a quarter of women suspect some health complications related to hormonal health, which can include endometriosis. Almost a quarter of women surveyed stated that menstrual pain regularly disrupts their work productivity. However, 64% of women feel no support from their superiors if they need to adjust working conditions during menstruation.
These data show us how important it is to open up the topic of hormonal health in workplaces and talk more about menstruation-related problems, including health conditions such as endometriosis. It is necessary to focus on how these difficulties affect women at work and to look for ways to provide support from superiors that will help women manage these challenges without having to sacrifice their work productivity or health.
The results of the Femvie study, including specific proposals for improving working conditions during menstruation, can be downloaded in the PDF document Menstruation and menstrual hygiene at the workplace HERE.
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With love,
the Femvie team
Femvie products that can help you
We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 🌿 Endometriosis support complex — specially formulated supplement for women with endometriosis
- 📖 Guide: Anti-inflammatory diet for endometriosis — 6 + 1 ways to naturally reduce pain through nutrition
- 💊 Magnesium — supports muscle relaxation and cramp relief
- 🩹 Menstrual patches — natural relief from painful menstruation
- 🎯 Endometriosis support package — complete set for daily support
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have endometriosis?
Endometriosis manifests as severe painful menstruation, pain during intercourse, fatigue, and digestive problems. The only way to definitively confirm it is laparoscopy. If symptoms limit you in everyday life, consult a gynecologist.
How long does it take to get a diagnosis?
The average time from the first symptoms to a diagnosis of endometriosis in the Czech Republic is 7–10 years. Many women are dismissed for a long time, being told that painful menstruation is normal.
Can endometriosis be treated naturally?
Endometriosis cannot be completely cured, but symptoms can be naturally alleviated with an anti-inflammatory diet, dietary supplements, exercise, and stress reduction. Natural support does not replace medical care but can significantly improve quality of life.
Are organic menstrual products better for women with endometriosis?
Yes. Conventional tampons and pads may contain pesticides and chemicals that irritate sensitive tissue. Femvie's organic cotton products are certified and free of harmful substances.
