Shining A Light on Endometriosis: Understanding and Managing a Complex Condition

Endometriosis Action Month

Every March, Endometriosis Action Month brings much-needed attention to a condition that affects millions of women around the world - yet is often missed, misunderstood, or minimised.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is not just a bad period. It’s a chronic, systemic condition that can impact every part of life. Raising awareness of this condition is about more than just education - it’s about empowerment. When we understand our bodies better, we’re better equipped to manage symptoms, advocate for care, and support one another in meaningful ways.

The most common symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, digestive issues, and infertility. Many women find that these symptoms are dismissed or misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary suffering and ongoing health problems. That’s why Endometriosis Action Month is so important—it’s about breaking the silence and offering hope through education and support.

Common symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain or painful periods

• Pain during intercourse

• Digestive issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhoea)

• Fatigue

• Infertility

Unfortunately, many women spend years seeking answers - often having their pain dismissed or misdiagnosed. This is exactly why Endometriosis Action Month is so important. It’s about raising awareness, sharing real experiences, and helping women feel seen, heard, and supported.

Why is Endometriosis so Complex?

Endometriosis isn’t just a hormonal imbalance or period problem—it involves several systems in the body working in a delicate balance. Let’s break it down:

Stress & the HPA Axis

The body’s stress response—governed by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis - can play a big role in endometriosis. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can sensitise pain pathways and increase pain sensitivity. Studies suggest that cortisol’s effect can be more pronounced in internal organs than in skin and muscle tissue. And that pain can lead to even more stress—a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

Hormonal Imbalance

Many women with endometriosis experience oestrogen dominance, where oestrogen levels are high relative to progesterone. Oestrogen stimulates the growth of both the normal uterine lining and endometrial-like tissue growing elsewhere in the body, leading to pain and inflammation. Progesterone resistance, which reduces the body’s ability to balance oestrogen, can further worsen symptoms.

Gut Health

The gut does more than aid digestion—it helps detoxify oestrogen and regulate inflammation. Elevated levels of beta-glucuronidase—an enzyme in the colon—can unbind oestrogen before it's excreted, allowing it to re-enter circulation and worsen oestrogen dominance. Issues like gut infections, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies (such as zinc, magnesium, and omega-3s) will further exacerbate hormonal imbalances.

Oxidative Stress

Endometriosis can increase oxidative stress, where free radicals damage tissues and make the body more sensitive to pain.

Challenges in the Diagnosis of Endometriosis

Despite affecting 1 in 10 women, endometriosis is notoriously difficult to diagnose. Many sufferers endure years of debilitating symptoms before being given a concrete diagnosis. Here’s why:

• Many symptoms are dismissed as normal menstrual pain.

• There’s a lack of awareness and specialist training among healthcare providers.

• A definitive diagnosis often requires a laparoscopy—a surgical procedure not easily accessible to all.

Regular ultrasounds can help spot larger growths or cysts, but they can’t detect superficial endometriosis, which is often the most painful kind. We need more education, research, and compassionate care to bridge this gap.

Holistic Strategies for Managing Endometriosis

While there’s currently no cure, a whole-body approach can make a real difference. These strategies aim to reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and support mental and physical wellbeing.

Mind-Body Practices

Chronic stress can heighten symptoms. Gentle practices like mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga can help calm the nervous system and ease pain.

Movement

Movement doesn’t need to be intense. Activities like walking, stretching, swimming, or Pilates can boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and release endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers.

Acupuncture

Many people find relief from pelvic pain and hormone-related symptoms through acupuncture, which supports blood flow, eases inflammation, and promotes the body’s natural healing.

Nutrition & Gut Support

An anti-inflammatory diet can be incredibly helpful. Even small changes can ease symptoms over time:

• Focus on whole foods: fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats.

• Add in omega-3 fatty acids (found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and oily fish).

• Cut back on sugar, processed foods, and alcohol.

• Support your gut with fibre, fermented foods, and polyphenols that promote a healthy microbial balance.

Living with Endometriosis

Everyone’s experience with endometriosis is different, but here are some practical strategies that can help day to day:

• Track Your Symptoms: Use a journal or app to track your cycle, symptoms, and triggers. This helps you anticipate flares and have more informed conversations with your healthcare providers.

• Manage Stress Daily: Even a few minutes of deep breathing, mindfulness, or stretching each day can help reduce tension and ease symptoms.

• Nourish Your Body: Focus on nutrient-rich foods and reduce known triggers (such as processed foods and gluten or dairy, if they affect you). Small dietary shifts can lead to big improvements.

• Build Your Support Team: Work with practitioners who understand endometriosis - whether that’s a gynaecologist, nutritionist, or complementary therapist.

• Connect With Others: You’re not alone. Support groups, online communities, and advocacy organisations can provide both emotional support and practical advice.

  
  

Let's Break the Silence

This Endometriosis Action Month, let’s keep the conversation going. Share your story, support someone who’s struggling, or simply start a conversation about endometriosis. Awareness leads to compassionate understanding, earlier diagnoses and better care for those who need it. Together, we can create a world where no one’s pain is ignored—and where every person living with endometriosis feels seen, supported, and empowered.