You’re not imagining it
If you’re living with pelvic pain, heavy periods, or fatigue that just won’t quit, you’re not imagining it. For many women, these symptoms are part of a chronic, often misunderstood condition: endometriosis.
Whether you’re managing monthly pain, exploring treatment options, or wondering what this might mean for your fertility, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll unpack what endometriosis is, how it shows up in everyday life, and what support is available. From diagnosis and treatment to emotional wellbeing and community connection.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. These growths can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic wall, and sometimes beyond.
Each month, this tissue responds to hormonal changes just like the uterine lining: thickening, breaking down, and bleeding. But unlike your period, this blood has nowhere to go. The result? Inflammation, scarring, and often intense, ongoing pain.
It’s estimated that more than 830,000 Australians live with endometriosis. This is about 1 in 7 of those assigned female at birth.
Endometriosis Symptom Checklist
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms - especially if they’re interfering with daily life - it’s worth having a conversation with your GP. You don’t need to tick every box to seek support.
• Severe period pain that doesn’t respond well to pain relief
• Pelvic pain at other times in your cycle
• Pain during or after sex
• Pain with bowel movements or urination (especially during your period)
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Chronic fatigue or low energy
• Bloating or digestive issues, especially around menstruation
• Trouble conceiving or maintaining pregnancy
• Feeling dismissed or unheard when reporting these symptoms
If this list resonates with you, you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for answers. Keeping a record of your symptoms over time can help your healthcare provider understand the bigger picture.
How Endometriosis Can Affect Your Life
The impact of endometriosis goes far beyond period pain. Depending on the severity and location of the tissue growth, it can influence:
Daily function and energy: Chronic pain and fatigue can make work, study, and relationships feel harder to manage. You may find yourself planning life around your cycle or feeling like you’re “pushing through” pain that others can’t see.
Gut health: Endometriosis can cause bloating, constipation, diarrhoea or nausea - especially around your period - sometimes mimicking IBS.
Intimacy: Pain during or after sex (dyspareunia) is a common but under-discussed symptom. It can affect relationships and your sense of confidence or body autonomy.
Fertility: For some women, endometriosis can interfere with ovulation, damage reproductive organs, or contribute to inflammation that affects implantation. Not everyone with endometriosis will struggle to conceive, but it’s a recognised risk factor.
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Currently, laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) is the only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis. However, some GPs and gynaecologists may start treatment based on symptoms and imaging (like pelvic ultrasound), especially when surgery isn’t immediately indicated.
If you feel like your concerns have been brushed off in the past, know that you’re not alone. Many women report waiting 7–10 years for a diagnosis.
Real-life insight from clinical care: Many of the women I’ve supported through pregnancy had their endometriosis recognised only after years of being told their pain was “just bad periods.” Your pain deserves to be heard and understood.
Treatment Options for Endometriosis
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment depends on your symptoms, your goals (e.g., pain relief, fertility), and how endometriosis affects your life. Options might include:
1. Medication
• Hormonal treatments (like the pill, IUD, or Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone analogues) aim to suppress menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms.
• Pain relief medications, including anti-inflammatories.
2. Surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery can remove or destroy endometrial-like tissue. It may relieve symptoms and improve fertility.
3. Allied health support
• Pelvic physiotherapy can help with pelvic floor tension and chronic pain patterns.
• Dieticians with experience in inflammatory conditions can support gut symptoms and overall wellbeing.
• Psychologists familiar with chronic illness can help you manage the emotional load.
• Multi-disciplinary care makes a real difference - don’t hesitate to ask for referrals.
When Fertility Is a Focus
If you’re trying to conceive and have endometriosis, a fertility specialist (often a reproductive endocrinologist) can help assess your individual case. You may be offered options like ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF depending on factors like age, egg reserve, and disease severity.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about this path. Seeking support early doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re giving yourself more choices.
Finding the Right Support Team
General Practitioners, Gynaecologists and Obstetricians: Your GP can help coordinate care, arrange referrals, and support pain management. Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (and sometimes reproductive gynaecologists) can provide medical and surgical expertise.
Allied Health Professionals: Don’t underestimate the power of your extended care team. Pelvic physios, psychologists, naturopaths, dieticians, and even acupuncturists may form part of your circle of care.
Finding a Like-Minded Community: Endometriosis can feel isolating — but you’re not alone. Whether it’s online support groups, Instagram communities, or in-person meetups, many women find comfort and connection in talking to others who truly “get it”.
We recommend visiting Endometriosis Australia for up-to-date resources, real stories, and local support.
You Deserve Support That Sees the Whole You
Living with endometriosis means navigating more than physical symptoms. It’s about advocating for your health, feeling heard, and being supported by a team that understands the nuances of this condition.
If this guide has sparked recognition or relief, know that this is just the beginning of feeling better informed, better supported, and more empowered.
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