Could your painful periods be endometriosis?

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Endometriosis is an oestrogen driven, chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to various symptoms, including painful periods,” says Mr Hemant Vakharia, consultant gynaecologist, specialising in endometriosis and advanced minimal access surgery at London Gynaecology. “If you have been told your scan is normal but have persistent symptoms, such as chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, or pain during sex, it’s essential to advocate for yourself and seek a specialist for further evaluation.” How can women differentiate between mild, moderate, and severe menstrual pain, and when should they seek medical help? “It can be difficult to differentiate between ‘normal’ periods and ‘heavy or painful’ periods as there is often no objective way of comparing,” says Mr Narendra Pisal, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology. ” But, it’s also important to remember that not all patients who have painful, heavy periods and pain with intercourse will have endometriosis.