Endometriosis affects one in 10 women. These are the signs to look for
The endometriosis symptoms women should look out for
- British singer and songwriter Ella Henderson announced she received an official diagnosis of endometriosis in January, describing it as a validating and empowering experience after years of struggling with physical pain and mental health.
- Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting one in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often leading to significant pain.
- Key symptoms include painful periods, painful intercourse, bowel issues, and can also involve chest pain during menstruation, difficulty conceiving, and ovarian cysts.
- Diagnosis can be challenging as the condition may not always show on standard imaging, with experts advising individuals to consult their GP and keep a detailed symptom diary if they suspect they have the condition.
- Treatment options for endometriosis vary from hormonal therapies, such as the combined pill or progesterone-only pill, to surgical procedures like laparoscopy, which can both diagnose and excise the affected tissue.