What it is
Endometriosis is a long-term inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the womb: on the ovaries, the pelvic lining, the bowel or the bladder. It responds to monthly hormones, causing inflammation, pain and scarring. It affects roughly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide.
Symptoms to take seriously
- Period pain that painkillers do not control, or that makes you miss school or work
- Pain during or after sex
- Pelvic pain between periods
- Painful bowel movements or passing urine during periods
- Heavy or irregular bleeding
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Fatigue, bloating and low mood
Why diagnosis takes so long
Women often wait years for a diagnosis because period pain is dismissed as normal. Ultrasound or MRI can show some forms, such as ovarian cysts (endometriomas) and deep disease. A normal scan does not rule it out. Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) can confirm it and treat it at the same time.
Proven treatments
- Pain relief: anti-inflammatory painkillers, taken early in the period
- Hormonal treatment: the combined pill, progestogens (pills, implant or hormonal coil) or medicines that lower oestrogen
- Surgery: laparoscopic removal of endometriosis, especially for severe pain or fertility problems
- Fertility support: referral for assisted conception where needed
Where lifestyle and other approaches fit
An anti-inflammatory eating pattern, regular exercise, good sleep and pelvic physiotherapy can help some people manage pain alongside medical treatment. There is growing interest in whether weight-loss medicines such as GLP-1 agonists affect endometriosis inflammation. So far there are no robust clinical trials, and no medicine of this kind is approved for endometriosis. Be cautious of anyone who claims a supplement, peptide or injection cures it.
How we help
We do not replace your gynaecologist. If your symptoms suggest endometriosis, the doctor will tell you so and point you to the right specialist assessment. Where weight, energy, sleep or general wellbeing are also affected, we can support you alongside that care.
Talk it through with a doctor
Whether any of these medicines is right for you depends on your health, your history and your goals. The first phone consultation is free, and there is no obligation.
Book a free consultation