March 2025 is endometriosis awareness month and at Morehealth, we’re joining the global campaign to raise awareness of this common, but often poorly understood condition.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to your uterus lining (endometrium) grows outside your uterus (womb). It commonly affects your reproductive organs including your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the lining of your pelvis, but can also affect your bladder and bowel. Rarely, endometriosis can develop in areas outside your pelvis, such as your chest.
The build up of this abnormal tissue can lead to inflammation, scarring and painful cysts. Scar tissue can also build up between your reproductive organs causing your organs to “stick together” and resulting in pain and fertility problems.
Endometriosis can affect anyone assigned female at birth and of reproductive age (from when your periods start to when they stop).
Endometriosis symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild or non-existent to severe and debilitating. The symptoms of endometriosis can resemble those of other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or fibroids which may lead to the condition being misdiagnosed or remaining undiagnosed for months or even years.
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain in the lower abdomen (pelvis). This pain may be worse during your period, during or after sex or when passing urine or opening your bowels.
Other symptoms of endometriosis may include:
It isn’t fully understood what causes endometriosis, but possible causes include:
Your GP or specialist will start by asking you about your symptoms, including what your symptoms are, how severe they are, when or if they get worse or better and how long you have been experiencing them.
They will perform a physical examination, including an internal (vaginal) examination and an examination of your abdomen.
If your doctor suspects endometriosis, they may refer you for further tests including:
There is currently no cure for endometriosis, and treatment focuses on managing and relieving symptoms such as pain. Depending on your symptoms and how your endometriosis affects you, your doctor may refer you to another specialist for support with issues like depression or infertility.
The first line of treatment for endometriosis is usually medication. There are two main types of medication used to treat endometriosis:
If medication hasn’t helped relieve your symptoms, or your endometriosis is severe or affecting your fertility, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common type of endometriosis surgery is laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. This is a minimally invasive procedure where the surgery is performed through small incisions in your abdomen using a light, a camera and special instruments. For more severe or complex endometriosis, your doctor may recommend open surgery (laparotomy).
Endometriosis surgery may be used to:
In addition to conventional medicine, there are a range of alternative treatments available that may reduce your risk of developing endometriosis or help relieve your symptoms.
Alternative endometriosis treatments include dietary changes, exercise, supplements, herbs and acupuncture. It’s important to remember that just because a treatment is “natural,” it doesn’t mean it’s safe and effective. Many alternative treatments for endometriosis lack scientific evidence and some may even be harmful or interact with other medications you are taking. Always talk to your doctor before starting any alternative treatment for endometriosis.
Some studies have found that traditional Chinese herbal medicine may reduce the inflammation and pain associated with endometriosis.
Studies on the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture found that it can help reduce the severity and duration of endometriosis-related pain and improve your well-being and quality of life.
There is a possible link between diet and endometriosis, though more research is needed.
Regular exercise (around four hours per week) is recommended for people with endometriosis. Physical activity may help ease endometriosis symptoms by regulating your body’s hormone levels and reducing body fat. Exercise also releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, reduces stress and increases wellbeing.
The best exercise for endometriosis includes:
Research into supplements to relieve symptoms of endometriosis is still in the early stages and remains inconclusive. A 2022 review concluded that some supplements including vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, omega 3, vitamin C, and vitamin E may be beneficial as a complementary treatment for endometriosis.
Most PMI does not cover chronic (long-term) conditions such as endometriosis, however some aspects of your treatment may be covered.
For further information, advice and support on living with endometriosis contact Endometriosis UK, a registered charity that offers support groups, a helpline, a webchat and an online community.