Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 7 women, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions. Despite its prevalence, many suffer in silence, struggling with symptoms that go far beyond painful periods. Endometriosis can impact multiple organs throughout the body, not just reproductive health.
Endometriosis is “a common disease where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body”, according to Endometriosis Australia.
The lack of awareness often leaves women feeling dismissed, forcing them to endure years of suffering before they are taken seriously, investigated further and diagnosed. In fact, research suggests that it takes an average of 7-12 years to get properly diagnosed.
Here are six lesser-known challenges of living with endometriosis, alongside some of the more commonly recognised struggles.
Pain that isn’t just during your period
Most people associate endometriosis with severe period pain, but for many, it’s an everyday battle. Pain can flare up unexpectedly—during ovulation, after exercise, or even just sitting for too long. In some cases, the pain isn’t even related to the reproductive system but instead affects areas like the lower back, legs, or bowels.
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Misdiagnosed digestive issues
Endometriosis commonly infiltrates the bowels, leading to severe bloating, IBS-like symptoms, nausea, and unpredictable digestion. Many women are wrongly diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) before doctors even consider endometriosis. The gut-brain-hormone connection plays a massive role here, and dietary changes can be key in managing symptoms.
The emotional and mental strain
The constant pain, misdiagnoses, and medical gaslighting many women face can take a serious toll on mental health.
Anxiety and depression are common among those with endometriosis, not just because of the condition itself, but because of the lack of medical support and options for treatment other than the birth control pill. The stress of managing symptoms and preventing the condition from getting worse, while maintaining careers, relationships, and daily life can feel overwhelming–especially when friends and family don’t understand just how debilitating it is or why you might need to cancel plans last minute.
The financial burden of finding answers
With limited treatment options in mainstream medicine, many turn to specialists, alternative therapies, and dietary interventions—often at a high personal cost. Surgery, functional medicine, and pain management strategies can be expensive, and not all are covered by insurance, not to mention the time off work required when banked up sick days are already running low. The financial strain adds another layer of stress to an already overwhelming condition
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The hidden toll of fatigue and inflammation
Chronic exhaustion is one of the most debilitating symptoms of endometriosis, yet it’s rarely talked about. Unlike typical tiredness, this fatigue is relentless—caused by ongoing inflammation, immune system dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. Many women feel drained even after a full night’s sleep and also experience anxiety and heightened emotional sensitivity.
The harsh reality of laparoscopy recovery
Laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing and removing endometriosis, but the recovery is far more challenging than many expect. Though it’s often labelled as a ‘minimally invasive’ procedure, recovery can take weeks or even months.
What surprised me most was the intense nausea that came with shoulder tip pain (the worst!), how sick and uncomfortable I felt driving even short distances for weeks—needing a folded towel over my stomach inside the seatbelt—and how hesitant I was to return to exercise, even months later, for fear of putting any pressure on my core. To any woman preparing for a laparoscopy, lean on your support network, ask for help, and take as much time off work as you can for an easier recovery (a minimum of 2 weeks).
And then there’s the better recognised challenges that endometriosis is widely known for
- Severe period pain that can cancel plans, and result in days off work needed each month
- Pain during sex, which is often unpredictable, and dismissed or unaddressed by doctors
- Heavy menstrual bleeding, leading to iron deficiency and fatigue
If you suspect endometriosis or are struggling with symptoms, advocating for yourself is key. Find a practitioner who listens to you, consider functional testing to assess underlying drivers, and educate yourself on how you can best support your health and hormones.
How diet and lifestyle can support endometriosis management
While there is no cure for endometriosis, the right diet and lifestyle strategies can significantly improve symptoms and, in some cases, reduce the need for repeated laparoscopies.
The focus isn’t just on symptom relief but also on slowing the progression of the condition and supporting overall well-being. Here’s how:
- Reducing inflammation – Chronic inflammation drives pain and tissue growth in endometriosis. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols can help calm inflammation and reduce flare-ups.
- Lowering prostaglandin production – Prostaglandins are chemicals that can worsen pain and cramping. An anti-inflammatory diet that includes magnesium-rich foods can help manage this.
- Balancing hormones – Endometriosis is often linked to oestrogen dominance, which can fuel excess tissue growth. Supporting liver detoxification, gut health, and stable blood sugar levels is key to keeping hormones in balance.
- Supporting energy levels – Chronic fatigue is common in endometriosis, often due to mitochondrial dysfunction, blood sugar instability, and inflammation. A well-balanced diet with adequate protein, iron, and B vitamins can help restore energy.
- Correcting nutrient depletions – Many women with endometriosis are low in iron (due to heavy periods), magnesium (needed for muscle relaxation), zinc, and vitamin D. Nutrient deficiencies are unique to the individual so a personal assessment is recommended.
- Improving stress tolerance and mental health – Endometriosis affects the nervous system, making the body more sensitive to pain and stress. Nervous system regulation through stress management techniques, sleep quality, and nervous system support can make a huge difference.
- Supporting digestion and gut health – Many with endometriosis experience bloating, IBS-like symptoms, and food intolerances. Gut health plays a major role in inflammation, immune function, and hormone balance, making digestion a critical focus.
- Potentially slowing the progression of the condition – While research is still developing, there’s promising evidence that reducing inflammation, managing hormone balance, and supporting immune function may help slow endometriosis progression—which could mean fewer surgeries or at least longer gaps between laparoscopies.
Need support managing your endometriosis?
Managing endometriosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Speak with your GP in order to get a referral, or directly with a specialist to receive practical, science-backed strategies to help reduce inflammation, balance hormones, improve digestion, and take control of your symptoms. Help is out there.
Madison Dohnt is a naturopath, scientist, endometriosis success story and founder of Modern Balance women’s health clinic.
