Endometriosis is one of the major causes of menstrual pain and a significant contributor to female infertility. Often termed the “silent condition”, for endometriosis suffers this condition is debilitating and is mostly hidden until diagnosed via conventional laparoscopic surgery.

This disease affects one in nine, with the average diagnosis taking around 8-10 years. For many people, painful periods begin in their teens and mis-diagnosis continues until their reproductive years. Sadly, the average for diagnosis is 28 years.

The long- term effect on health for individuals living with endometriosis impacts both their physical and mental wellbeing. Not to mention the huge economic burden that endo suffers face managing their condition.

Symptoms include:
– Pelvic pain
– Dysmenorrhea: pain during period (97% of cases)
– Dyspareunia: pain on intercourse (59%)
– Menorraghia : heavy bleeding
– Vomiting, bed rest or hospitalisation due to excruciating pain.
– Chronic digestive issues like – Irritable Bowel Syndrome, pain with bowel movements (68%)
– Bladder urgency and pain;
– Depression
– Uteruo-sacral ligament nodularilty
– Perimenstrual tenesmus;
– Pain at any time in the lower back, leg, sciatica; Bloating;
– Irregular & abnormal bleeding and/or periods; Infertility
– Pain between periods (62%)
– Fatigue, exhaustion (64%)
– Infertility (47%)
– Pre-menstrual spotting
– Flooding with period

Endo suffers will also experience symptoms associated with their period such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, stomach upsets and heavy bleeding. 🩸

Adhesions associated with endo may also cause dyspareunia or chronic and severe pelvic pain throughout the menstrual cycle.

In recent research, it was found that 42% of women diagnosed with adenomyosis will have endometriosis.

Amanda is the founder of Angea and has over 12 years of experience working with women to support their health journey. In addition to being a registered doctor of Chinese medicine, Amanda is a yoga teacher and founder of Mindful Pregnancy Yoga Training. Amanda offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and womb healing treatments at Angea.