Beyond Normal Period Cramps: What Does Endometriosis Pain Feel Like?

If you've ever had a period, you've probably (at some point or another) been told to deal with the discomfort: the cramps, the aches, the fatigue, the nausea, the headaches, and, at times, severe pain.

“This is just the way it is,” we're told by our teachers, coaches, co-workers, friends, mothers and even our doctors. “Now, stop whining and get back to your day!”

And for the most part, that's what we do. From the moment we start menstrual periods, we grin and bear the pain through clenched teeth. We take deep breaths through paralyzing cramps and do our best not to show it. We often don't even talk about it in the fear that it could make other people uncomfortable.

And that's the problem. 

A lack of research on menstruating bodies paired with the “periods are taboo” mindset create a space in which pain is belittled to normalcy. So when that pain actually is abnormal, how are we to know the difference? 

The first time I'd ever heard the term ‘Endometriosis' was when my friend described the long and horrific journey she took to getting an endometriosis diagnosis. She discussed how the chronic pelvic pain that started developing in adolescence worsened to a point where she couldn't leave the bathroom floor for days during her periods. She would be sick to her stomach throughout her cycle, and was dismissed by handfuls of doctors until she found one who actually listened. 

Endometriosis (or “endo”) is a disease in which endometriosis tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus to form lesions, cysts, nodules, scar tissue, and other growths. Because the location of these growths vary, symptoms of endometriosis can look different for every single person who develops it. 

It is estimated that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and unmeasured numbers of trans and gender diverse people. As we head into Endometriosis Awareness Month (March), let's stop normalizing painful periods and educate ourselves on symptoms of endometriosis, paths to getting endometriosis diagnosed, and where to find support.

Identifying Symptoms of Endometriosis

While the symptoms of endometriosis vary from person to person, the most common can include: 

• Painful menstrual cramps/pelvic pain
• Lower back, pelvic or abdominal pain
• Painful intercourse
• Painful bowel movements or urination
• Bloating, nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Extreme fatigue  
• Ovarian cysts
• Internal scar tissue 

For a more detailed list of endometriosis symptoms, visit The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. 

How to Treat Endometriosis

While there's currently no cure for endometriosis, there are many ways to help treat endometriosis pain and relieve symptoms. If you're experiencing severe symptoms, a great place to start to seek a medical professional or endometriosis specialist.

A qualified medical professional can perform a pelvic exam, detect endometrial cells or abnormal tissue, and potentially diagnose endometriosis. Early treatment can help slow or even cease the progression endometriosis tissue and lesions, while reducing the long-term symptoms.  

It's extremely beneficial to research health care providers who have direct experience working with patients with endometriosis. This may take some time, so try to be patient with yourself by asking for support from friends and family and continual self-advocacy. On average, it takes 5 years for people in Canada to get a diagnosis.

Online resources like The Endometriosis Network has compiled a list of health providers with direct endo experience. They also include helpful questions to ask during your appointments! 

Medications (like anti inflammatory drugs nsaids) and birth control options (like oral contraceptives) are also options that many folks find helpful, though it depends entirely on your own health needs.

Excision (where the entire endometriosis lesions are removed) or ablation (which treats the surface of the endometriosis lesions) surgeries are considered to be highly-effective and minimally invasive surgery option to treat and remove endometriosis tissue—especially for those with severe endometriosis.

Other forms of hormone therapy, too, are possible treatment options that can help manage pain and new scar tissue from forming.

Exploring Alternative Remedies

But what can you do to help treat endometriosis symptoms and lessen severe pain? 

Keeping track of your diet and taking note of any changes to your symptoms based on the foods you eat can be helpful, especially during your menstrual cycle.

If you know which foods cause you to flare up, you can search for anti-inflammatory alternatives. Drinking lots of fluids and picking fiber-rich foods can also help keep you regular to avoid constipation and uncomfortable bowel movements.

Light exercise like yoga and stretching can help with pelvic pain relief during menstrual periods, and it's encouraged to research relaxation and meditation techniques that reduce stress. Heating pads, warm baths, pain medications, and cramp ointments can help soothe muscles and ease cramping.

Finding Relief in Community Support 

Because an endometriosis diagnosis can be very isolating—as can painful menstrual periods—consider reaching out to people who offer safe spaces for you. Though friends, family, and spouses may not know exactly what you're going through, sharing your experiences and feelings with them can be therapeutic and calming.

Alternatively, research different support groups so that you can speak with people who are going through a similar journey. The more people talk about painful periods, the more research and education will come from shedding light on this chronic disease that impacts the lives of so many.

If you know someone suffering with endometriosis, the best thing you can do is listen. Let them share their story with you. Explore their support options with them. Offer to help with chores or tasks if they're struggling. Let them know that you're there for them 100% of the way. 

Unfortunately, we live in a society where menstruation has been downplayed, dismissed, and (in many cases) completely ignored in the world of medical testing and treatment. Because of this, asking questions and addressing concerns can feel awkward. It can even feel downright uncomfortable! But, painful endurance and silent resignation are not the way ahead. 

Endometriosis advocates and allies have been proving that through their strength and persistence. It's only by sharing in the stories of our pain and pushing back against dismissal that we can move forward by saying, “Actually, no! That's not just the way it is anymore!” 

Sources:

https://msmagazine.com/2023/01/23/menstruation-clinical-trials-research-women-periods-covid/

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis

https://www.yourperiod.ca/endometriosis/what-are-the-symptoms-of-endometriosis/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis

https://endoact.ca/

https://endometriosisnetwork.com/

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri/conditioninfo/treatment

https://www.endofound.org/advocacy

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We hope you found this post informative—but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition.

We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.