Painful periods are often dismissed as a normal part of womanhood but debilitating menstrual cramps that interfere with daily life are not something anyone should simply “put up with.” One of the most overlooked causes behind such pain is endometriosis, a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to a host of distressing symptoms, many of which are often misunderstood or ignored.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Rushali Nikhil Jadhav, Consultant - OBGY, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune listed red flags of endometriosis.
Endometriosis Red Flags
Severe menstrual cramps that require painkillers or force one to miss work or school are among the most common signs. While some discomfort is expected during menstruation, pain that becomes unmanageable is a major red flag.
Another symptom that often goes unspoken is deep pain during or after sexual intercourse. This pain is not just physical but can have emotional and relational impacts and should never be ignored.
Heavy bleeding and irregular periods are also signs to watch for. Bleeding that lasts longer than a week, comes with large clots or leads to frequent pad changes can point toward underlying issues like endometriosis. Chronic pelvic pain, especially when not linked to menstruation or any clear cause warrants further investigation and should not be dismissed as routine.
Endometriosis is also a hidden cause of infertility. Women struggling to conceive may later discover that endometriosis was affecting their reproductive health all along. Moreover, bowel and bladder symptoms such as pain during urination, constipation, diarrhoea or bloating that worsens during periods can also be linked to endometrial tissue affecting nearby organs.
One of the less obvious but equally impactful symptoms is chronic fatigue. Women with endometriosis often report persistent exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest, likely due to chronic inflammation and the body’s constant response to pain.
The doctor said the normalisation of painful periods has kept too many women from receiving the diagnosis and treatment they need. It’s time to challenge that narrative. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to consult a gynaecologist. Endometriosis is real and early recognition can make all the difference in managing the condition and improving quality of life.