March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time to spotlight a condition that affects 1 in 7 Australian women. Despite how common it is, endometriosis is still widely misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and too often dismissed as "just bad period pain."
Let's change that.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, and other pelvic organs, but it is not exclusively found here. Endometriosis has also been discovered in nearly every part of the body, including the lungs, skin, diaphragm and the brain.
Endometriosis is not just a painful period. It's a complex inflammatory disease that can impact every area of life, from work and school to relationships and mental health.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
While symptoms vary, some of the most common include:
- Severe pain that stops you from functioning
- Pain during or after sex
- Painful bowel movements or urination during your period
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Bloating
- Fatigue
If your period pain is interfering with daily life, that's not normal and is worth investigating with your health care professional.
Why Awareness Matters
In Australia, the average time to diagnosis is still 6-8 years. That's years of people being told their pain is normal, being misdiagnosed or learning to 'push through' debilitating symptoms.
Organisations like Endometriosis Australia are working to change that, advocating for education, research and better access to care.
Early diagnosis and proper management can make a huge difference, and awareness is the first step.
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Currently, the only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery. However, doctors may also use:
- Pelvic ultrasounds
- MRI scans
- Symptom tracking
- Clinical history
If you suspect endometriosis, speak to your GP and ask for a referral to a gynaecologist experienced in pelvic pain. You deserve to be heard and validated. Debilitating period pain is not normal.
Managing Endometriosis
There's no cure yet, but there are management options. Treatment plans are highly individual and may include:
- Hormonal therapies (like the pill, IUD or Nuvaring)
- Pain management strategies
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Pelvic physiotherapy
- Pain management psychology
- Anti-imflammatory diet adjustments
- Mental health support
Period Products & Endometriosis: Choosing What Feels Right
For people living with endometriosis, periods can often be heavier, longer and more painful. So comfort really matters.
Many people find that reducing internal products (like tampons) can help them feel more comfortable on their period.
Soft, breathable, and reusable period protection designed to absorb heavier menstrual flow can make all the difference when dealing with flare-ups.
For those suffering from endometriosis, we recommend our Super Period Full Brief, which can absorb between 5 - 6 regular tampons.
The Bottom Line
You are not overreacting. Endometriosis may be an invisible disease, but that doesn't make it any less real.
Endometriosis Awareness Month is about:
- Believing people when they say they're in pain
- Educating people that extreme period pain isn't normal
- Funding research
- Breaking the stigma around menstrual health
If this sounds like your experience, trust your instincts. Keep asking questions and keep advocating for yourself.
Your pain is valid.
Your period shouldn't control your life.
You deserve answers.