BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — For many women, painful periods are something they’ve been told to simply live with. But health experts say severe pain should never be ignored because it could be a sign of endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects millions of women worldwide.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The condition can cause inflammation, scar tissue, and persistent pain that often disrupts daily life. It can also make it more difficult for some women to become pregnant.
Dr. Tatiana C. Saavedra, a women’s health expert, said one of the biggest challenges is that many women spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis.
“Pain that keeps you from going to school, work, or participating in everyday activities is not something you should consider normal,” Saavedra said. “If your symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider.”
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common warning signs include painful or heavy periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, discomfort during bowel movements or urination while menstruating, and fertility concerns.
Because those symptoms often overlap with other conditions, endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose. That can leave many women feeling frustrated or dismissed.
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“Every woman’s experience is different,” Saavedra said. “The important thing is to listen to your body and advocate for yourself. You know when something doesn’t feel right.”
While there is no cure, treatment options continue to improve. Depending on a patient’s symptoms and goals, care may include medication, hormone therapy, pain management, or surgery. Early evaluation can also help prevent symptoms from worsening and improve long term health outcomes.
Health experts encourage women not to dismiss severe menstrual pain as something they simply have to endure. Starting the conversation with a healthcare provider could be the first step toward finding relief, receiving an accurate diagnosis, and improving overall quality of life.
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