Could your period pain be endometriosis?

Living with endometriosis period pain

Laura, 36, from Birmingham first started developing symptoms of endometriosis when she was 27. Over time, her periods got heavier and more painful. It took over four years of doctor's appointments to receive an endometriosis diagnosis.

Initially, Laura's endometriosis symptoms were thought to be due to irritable bowel syndrome, but as things got worse, Laura knew there must be another reason.

"To start with, my periods just seemed a bit more painful than normal," she says. "Then the pain started to take longer and longer to go away. I had to take time off work with my periods, and it seemed to worsen from there."

After numerous clinic appointments and investigations, Laura was diagnosed with endometriosis. By this time, she was missing up to a week of work every month because of her endometriosis period pain.

Laura's case is not unusual. It can take up to 7 or 8 years for some women with endometriosis to be diagnosed and receive help. This is something that charities such as Endometriosis UK and other campaigners are keen to change.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when cells normally found in the lining of your womb start to grow in other parts of your body. These cells are then shed every month in the same way as your womb sheds its lining causing a period. This shedding of endometriosis tissue causes pain. It can happen in places all over your body including your bowel, ovaries and even in your lungs.

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Missed periods

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When should I be concerned about my period pain?

As already mentioned, most women regularly experience some period pain, but it should not be severe. If your periods are becoming progressively more painful and heavy, it is a good idea to see your doctor, especially if simple painkillers do not help in the way they used to.

Developing pain throughout your menstrual cycle that then worsens again during your period can be a sign of endometriosis. Other symptoms may be an indication that you may have endometriosis.

One of the problems of diagnosing endometriosis is that it can cause a wide range of often vague signs and symptoms, depending on the location of the tissue. Endometriosis symptoms may include a sensation of heaviness in your pelvis if the endometrial tissue is in that area.

Laura says: "I have long-term pain in my pelvis, bleeding when I pee and extreme pain when I have sex. I also feel constantly bloated and tired. I have tried a range of treatments - including the pill - and have now had three surgeries. The last one has helped a little but I still have so many symptoms to deal with."

Getting an endometriosis diagnosis

Remember that you are not alone - it's thought that around 1 in 10 women have some degree of endometriosis.

Start by discussing things with your doctor. Explain your endometriosis symptoms and what you are concerned the problem may be. Endometriosis is an under-diagnosed condition. One of the reasons for this is that pelvic examinations and ultrasound scans often may appear normal even in the presence of endometriosis. As such, it is important to ask for referral to a specialist should your symptoms not improve.

Endometriosis treatment options

There are a range of treatments available that can help women with endometriosis symptoms. These include painkillers, laxatives to help constipation and treatments to help bloating and tummy cramps. Your doctor may also suggest a hormonal treatment. Occasionally, surgery is required.

Keeping yourself active, having a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight can also be helpful. Endometriosis is a condition that can affect many different areas of a woman's life, so please do not be afraid to seek help.

If you are concerned about your painful periods or if they are affecting your quality of life, seeing a doctor and receiving the treatment you need can make a big difference.