Understanding Endo Together

It's not an official medical term, but if you've experienced it, you know exactly what it means. A flare finally settles down, the worst of the pain eases, and yet you still feel completely wiped out. Your body feels heavy. Your brain feels foggy. Even simple tasks seem overwhelming. Some people say it feels like recovering from the flu. The pain may be better, but you're far from feeling normal. Why does this happen? When your body spends hours—or even days—dealing with inte

Persistent pain with endometriosis may not always come from lesions alone. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common but overlooked contributor — and treatable with the right care.

This Black History Month, we reflect on how history has shaped the way women’s pain is understood — and why improving awareness, diagnosis, and care for endometriosis remains so important today.

Endometriosis pain doesn’t arrive gently. Sometimes it comes like a wave—sudden, violent, and impossible to escape. It pulls you under, releases you just long enough to breathe, and then crashes over you again. This is what many Endo warriors live through every month, in a cycle that breaks more than just the body.

Sciatic pain that worsens during your period may not be a back issue. Catamenial sciatica is a rare form of endometriosis that affects the sciatic nerve, causing burning or electric pain down the leg that follows the menstrual cycle. Often misdiagnosed, this condition highlights how endometriosis can impact the nervous system far beyond the pelvis.

Missing school because of your period isn’t normal. This teen-friendly guide explains common signs of endometriosis and reminds you that your pain is real — and worth taking seriously.

For many people living with endometriosis, the pain, inflammation, and fatigue don’t tell the whole story. A growing number of patients are discovering that their symptoms overlap with another condition: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) . While research is still emerging, the relationship between Endo and MCAS is becoming too significant to ignore. What Is MCAS? Mast Cell Activation Syndrome happens when mast cells , immune cells involved in allergic and inflammatory resp

Explore the different drug treatments for endometriosis, how they work, and what patients should know about benefits and risks.

“all too familiar with the negative impact that endometriosis can have on a person’s day-to-day life.” Their story, their connection The Friedrichsen Cooper family has long been touched by the impact of endometriosis. Community information shows that they “are all too familiar with the negative impact that endometriosis can have on a person’s day-to-day life.” Sinai Health+1 While details of who in the family was directly affected are not publicly detailed, the family in the

Our Daughters Matter: Talking to Teens About Period Pain For too long, young girls have been told that painful periods are “normal.” The truth is — severe pain is not. Our Our Daughters Matter campaign empowers parents, teachers, and teens to talk openly about period pain and recognize the early signs of Endometriosis. Because when we listen, we can help our daughters get care sooner, feel understood, and know their pain matters

When it comes to adenomyosis, ablation is not only ineffective, it can sometimes make symptoms worse.

The Connection Between Seasons and Endometriosis While the reasons behind the link between seasonal changes and endometriosis symptoms are not fully understood, several factors may contribute to this connection. Hormonal shifts, lifestyle changes, and environmental influences play a significant role in how the condition presents itself during different seasons. For example, about 50% of women with endometriosis report worsened symptoms during their menstrual cycle, which can

Endo is more than just "bad periods." I wish someone had told me how much it would affect my whole body, mind, and daily life. From flare-ups to medical gaslighting, here's what I've learned, and what I wish I knew from the start.

What does endometriosis feel like? It can be much more than painful periods. From pelvic pain and fatigue to bloating, bowel issues and back pain, endometriosis affects everyone differently. Learn about 25 common signs, when to seek medical care, and why severe period pain should never be ignored. Whether you're looking for answers for yourself or someone you love, this guide is here to help.

My period started when I was 11. By the age of 14 I was put on the birth control pill. My high school years, besides going to classes, I spent a lot of time in the nurse’s office, writhing in pain. Horrendous, heavy, painful periods was my life. Chronic pain was my life and everything I did needed to be scheduled around my period; otherwise, I would be at home in bed with a hot water bottle and OTC pain medication. That was my normal. I had been to the ER several times, only

Diaphragmatic endometriosis is a lesser-known form of extra-pelvic endometriosis that can cause pain in the ribs, upper abdomen, chest, shoulder, or upper back — often around a person’s period or hormonal flares. Because these symptoms do not always sound “gynecological,” they can be confusing, dismissed, or mistaken for something else. This article explains what diaphragmatic endometriosis is, why shoulder and rib pain can happen, what symptoms to track, and when to seek med

Living with endometriosis and chronic illness can change who we are, but it does not take away our worth, strength, community, or ability to find moments of joy.

Many patients are told that a hysterectomy will cure their endometriosis. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception. While a hysterectomy can help some symptoms—especially heavy bleeding or adenomyosis—it does not eliminate endometriosis , because endometriosis exists outside the uterus . For some people, symptoms may return months or even years after surgery. If you previously had endometriosis removed and underwent a hysterectomy but still experience cyclical flare-ups

Menstrual education is key to breaking stigma, improving health literacy, and empowering young people to understand their bodies with confidence. By providing accurate information and encouraging open conversations, we can reduce shame, challenge myths, and help individuals recognize when to seek care — building a healthier, more informed future for all.

As Canadian healthcare systems explore new technologies, integrating AI into gynecologic surgery could help address long-standing challenges such as delayed diagnosis, limited specialist access, and inconsistent surgical outcomes for endometriosis patients.