Painful Periods | Endometriosis? 7 Symptoms to Watch For

Endometriosis

More Than Just a Medical Condition

Endometriosis is more than just a medical condition—it’s a daily battle with invisible pain. For many, it’s a relentless cycle of agony that extends far beyond menstruation. Painful periods become a constant companion, haunting every moment before, during, and after. The pain can infiltrate even the most intimate moments, turning simple acts like sexual intercourse, bowel movements, and urination into excruciating ordeals.

But the impact doesn’t stop there. Endometriosis casts a long shadow over every aspect of life. Chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, and crippling fatigue become constant companions. The emotional toll is equally profound, with many facing depression, anxiety, and overwhelming feelings of isolation. Worst of all, endometriosis can shatter dreams of motherhood, with infertility lurking as a heartbreaking possibility.

Yet, despite the silent suffering, there’s hope. By shedding light on the realities of endometriosis, we can pave the way for better understanding, support, and treatment options. Together, let’s break the silence, raise awareness, and offer compassion to those living with this debilitating condition.

My Endometriosis Symptoms

7 Key Signs to Watch For

1 – Irregular and Extremely Heavy Periods

One of the most harrowing challenges of endometriosis is never knowing when your period will arrive. For me, periods came unpredictably—every 18 days, 21 days, or even every other week—and were accompanied by heavy bleeding that was difficult to manage.

I remember standing in the bathtub, feeling blood pour down my legs for an hour or more. One particularly embarrassing incident occurred on my best friend’s birthday. Despite being on my period, I decided to join my husband and friends at a pub. Within 15 minutes, I felt a sudden rush of blood and had to leave immediately to avoid humiliation.

Such experiences were mortifying, but they taught me the importance of resilience and self-compassion. If you’re experiencing irregular or heavy periods, it’s crucial to seek medical advice—it could be a sign of endometriosis.

2 – Being woken up during the night

Heavy periods often disrupted my sleep, leaving me to wake up in a damp, bloody patch. The routine of rinsing sheets in cold water became all too familiar. At times, I’d stand in the bathtub, washing sheets while blood ran down my legs.

To manage, I used three sanitary towels, two in the front and one in the back, along with an extra-large Tampax. For sleeping, I doubled up with two bath towels underneath me, hoping to sleep through the night. Unfortunately, I was often jolted awake, needing to change the sheets once more.

This exhausting routine took a toll on my physical and emotional well-being. If you’re experiencing similar symptoms, don’t suffer in silence—endometriosis could be the cause.

3 – Passing Large Blood Clots

Living with heavy periods often meant passing large blood clots, which was both painful and embarrassing. There were moments when I hadn’t noticed a clot had fallen out, leading to mortifying situations.

My best friend once lightened the mood by saying, “You left a friend in the bathroom.” Her humour helped me find levity in those uncomfortable moments.

Passing these clots was excruciating. My mom likened it to giving birth—waves of pain followed by relief when the clot passed, only for the cycle to begin again. If you’re experiencing similar symptoms, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.

4 – Insane Pain That Radiates Beyond the Pelvis

The pain of endometriosis isn’t confined to the pelvic area—it can radiate to the back, legs, and even unusual places like the ears. Each month, I’d develop a painful lump below my earlobe, which grew to the size of a marble before my period.

Pelvic pain dominated my monthly cycle, leaving me in agony for about three weeks out of every month. Back pain was equally severe, often causing me to faint during my period.

Despite trying various prescriptions, the most effective solution for me was a combination of ibuprofen and paracetamol. If you’re experiencing debilitating pain, don’t hesitate to seek help—endometriosis could be the culprit.

5 – Painful sex

Sexual intimacy can become a daunting challenge for those with endometriosis. The pain and discomfort can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy. It’s difficult to communicate with your partner when you need to stop or adjust due to pain, and this can create guilt or fear of disappointing them.

Open communication and mutual understanding are key. If you’re experiencing pain during sex, it’s important to discuss it with your partner and your doctor.

6 – Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriages

Endometriosis can have devastating effects on fertility. For me, a tilted womb caused by scar tissue from endometriosis led to recurrent miscarriages. Each loss was heart-wrenching, but I eventually found love again and became pregnant.

Sadly, the joy was short-lived. Excruciating pain led to another loss, highlighting the heartbreaking reality of infertility for many women with endometriosis. If you’re struggling to conceive, endometriosis could be a factor.

7 – Constant Fatigue and Digestive Issues

Living with endometriosis often means battling constant fatigue, bloating, nausea, and digestive issues like diarrhoea or constipation. The severity of pain doesn’t always correlate with the extent of the disease, making it a complex condition to manage.

If you’re feeling drained and experiencing these symptoms, it’s worth exploring whether endometriosis could be the cause.

Why Endometriosis Is So Challenging to Diagnose

Doctors

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding during each menstrual cycle. Unlike the uterine lining, this tissue has no way to exit the body, leading to internal bleeding, inflammation, and scar tissue formation.

Doctors often focus on symptom management, as a definitive cure remains elusive. If you suspect you have endometriosis, early diagnosis is crucial. Seek support from organisations like the Endometriosis Society and explore resources like The Endometriosis Natural Treatment Program by Valerie Ann Worwood or Recipes & Diet Advice for Endometriosis by Carolyn Levett.