Endometriosis: More than "Bad Periods"

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological conditions, but also one of the most misunderstood. For centuries, women’s pain was brushed off as exaggeration or “hysteria.”

Even today, many women with endometriosis wait close to ten years before receiving a correct diagnosis, often after seeing multiple doctors who dismissed their symptoms (Backman, 2024).

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in places it shouldn’t, like on the ovaries, intestines, or bladder. Each month, this tissue responds to hormonal changes just like the uterus does. The result can be inflammation, scarring, and pain that can spread beyond the pelvis. Despite how common it is, the condition is still too often minimized as “just bad cramps” (NICHD, 2002).

Researchers now understand that endometriosis is not just a reproductive issue; it is a chronic, systemic disease that can affect the entire body. Studies show that women with endometriosis are more likely to also experience autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. They are also at higher risk for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and thyroid disorders (NICHD, 2002). These connections suggest that the immune system may play a bigger role in the disease than doctors once thought. 

Artwork by Shea Davis

At Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Hugh Taylor and his team are working to change how the medical community understands endometriosis. He explains that menstrual pain is the only kind of pain society tells women to accept as normal. Because of that, many women don’t realize their experiencing isn’t typical or that they deserve to have it investigated (Backman, 2024). This idea that women’s pain is just part of womanhood has deep roots in medicine. For years, doctors were taught that symptoms like pelvic pain, fatigue, and bloating were psychological. This mindset still lingers, leading to late diagnoses and years of unnecessary suffering (Backman, 2024).

Recognizing endometriosis as a whole-body disease is key to changing that. The condition can affect more than fertility. It can impact digestion, immunity, and even mental health. A better understanding of these connections can help women and doctors spot it sooner.

For women wondering what to look out for, some common signs include severe period pain that interferes with daily life, pain during sex, fatigue, digestive problems, and difficulty getting pregnant. If any of these sound familiar, it’s important to bring them up with a healthcare provider and ask specifically whether endometriosis could be the cause.

Endometriosis affects nearly 10 percent of women of reproductive age, which is more than 190 million people worldwide (Backman, 2024).

The good news is that more research and advocacy are finally bringing awareness to a disease that has been overlooked for too long. Listening to women’s experiences, validating their pain, and pushing for earlier diagnosis can make a real difference. Understanding that this is more than “bad cramps” is the first step toward better care and a future where women don’t have to fight to be believed.

For more information, here are some references:

Backman, I. (2024, March 20). Endometriosis: Changing the trajectory of a painful systemic disease. Yale Medicine Magazine. Retrieved from https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/endometriosis-changing-the-trajectory-of-a-painful-systemic-disease/ 

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (2002, October). Women with endometriosis may be more likely to have autoimmune diseases. Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/endometriosis