Endometriosis is a chronic, often debilitating condition that affects 1 in 9 women and people assigned female at birth. Despite how common it is, endometriosis is frequently misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and dismissed as ‘normal period pain.’
For many, living with endometriosis means navigating a daily struggle with pain, exhaustion, and uncertainty—often without clear answers or adequate support. At Women’s Health Hub, we believe that no one should have to suffer in silence. Understanding the condition is the first step toward managing it effectively.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the endometrial lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These abnormal growths can develop on various pelvic organs including:
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Outer surface of the uterus
- Bowel and bladder
- Pelvic ligaments and peritoneum
Each month, this tissue behaves like the lining of the uterus—thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. But unlike normal menstrual blood, this tissue has no way to exit the body. This can lead to:
- Inflammation and swelling
- Scar tissue and adhesions
- Severe, chronic pain
- Potential complications with fertility
Why Is It So Hard to Diagnose?
One of the most frustrating aspects of endometriosis is how long it can take to receive a diagnosis—on average, 7 to 10 years from the first onset of symptoms.
This delay is often due to:
- Normalisation of period pain
- Lack of awareness among patients and healthcare providers
- Symptom overlap with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- The need for laparoscopic surgery for definitive diagnosis
At Women’s Health Hub, we are working to reduce this delay by providing early assessment, symptom tracking, and access to trusted specialists.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may affect many aspects of daily life. Common signs include:
- Chronic pelvic pain (not just during periods)
- Severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Pain with bowel movements or urination, particularly during menstruation
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- Fatigue and low energy
- Fertility challenges or difficulty conceiving
Each patient’s experience is different. Some may have significant disease with few symptoms; others may have intense pain with minimal findings on imaging. That’s why a personalised, holistic approach is essential.
How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis can involve a combination of:
- Thorough medical history and symptom assessment
- Pelvic examinations
- High-resolution pelvic ultrasound (ideally with a specialist provider)
- MRI (in some complex cases)
- Laparoscopy – a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows direct visualisation and biopsy of endometrial tissue (the only way to confirm diagnosis)
At Women’s Health Hub, we can organise and interpret relevant tests, and refer to gynaecologists for further investigation when needed. We also use clinical screening tools and evidence-based pathways to guide early intervention.
Treatment Options
There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but many treatment options can help reduce pain and improve quality of life:
Medical Treatments
- Pain relief medications, such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Hormonal therapies, including oral contraceptives, progesterone-only options, or GnRH agonists to suppress menstrual cycles
- Hormonal IUDs (e.g., Mirena) may also be effective for some patients
Surgical Management
- Laparoscopic surgery to remove or destroy endometrial lesions
- Surgery may improve pain and fertility outcomes for certain patients
Lifestyle and Allied Health Support
- Dietary modifications guided by a dietitian (e.g., reducing inflammation, managing IBS-type symptoms)
- Pelvic physiotherapy to reduce muscle tension and improve pelvic function
- Psychological support to manage the emotional impact of chronic pain
- Exercise programs tailored to the patient’s pain and fatigue levels
At Women’s Health Hub, we work closely with trusted partners such as Siles Health, Pelvic Pain Melbourne, and Claudia Cheng (Gynaecologist) to offer a team-based model of care.
Living with Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects far more than just reproductive health. It can:
- Disrupt careers and education
- Strain relationships and family life
- Lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation
- Create significant financial burdens due to healthcare costs and lost work
This is why we take a whole-person approach, acknowledging that medical treatment alone is not always enough. We offer compassionate support, patient education, and long-term care plans tailored to each individual’s goals and needs.
How We Support You at Women’s Health Hub
Our goal is to empower patients with knowledge, support, and collaborative care. When you visit Women’s Health Hub for endometriosis support, you can expect:
- GPs trained in women’s health and pelvic pain management
- Warm, confidential consultations
- A non-judgemental space to share your symptoms and experiences
- Personalised care plans
- Easy access to pathology, imaging, and referrals
- Ongoing support through telehealth or in-person reviews
- Collaboration with allied health and specialist providers
We also offer resources to help you understand your condition and navigate your options with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Endometriosis is a real, often invisible condition—but you are not alone, and your pain is valid. Early diagnosis, compassionate care, and a coordinated treatment plan can make a world of difference.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, we encourage you to seek help early. With the right team behind you, it’s possible to live well—and fully—even with endometriosis.
👉 Book an appointment today with our women’s health team to get started.