Endometriosis Awareness: Don't Ignore These 7 Symptoms

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, but awareness shouldn’t be limited to just one time of year. Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. It affects millions of women, yet it often goes undiagnosed for years. Many people are told their pain is “normal,” that heavy periods are “just part of being a woman,” or that they’re overreacting. 

Dr. Andrea Das, Dr. Louisa Griggs, Dr. Djamilia Kryukov, and Dr. Patricia Tagamolila at Advanced OB/GYNE Associates know the truth: Severe or disruptive menstrual symptoms are not something you have to accept. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it may be time to talk to our team. 

1. Severe menstrual cramps 

Cramping is common. Debilitating pain is not. Endometriosis pain often: 

• Starts before your period begins
• Feels sharp, stabbing, or deep
• Radiates to the lower back or legs
• Interferes with work, school, or daily activities

If you regularly need to miss plans or rely heavily on pain medication just to function, it’s worth investigating further. 

2. Heavy or irregular periods  

Endometriosis can cause abnormal bleeding patterns that go beyond typical cycle changes. You might notice: 

• Extremely heavy flow
• Periods lasting longer than 7 days
• Spotting between cycles
• Bleeding that disrupts sleep 

Heavy bleeding isn’t just inconvenient; it can also lead to fatigue and anemia. 

3. Pain during or after sex

Painful intercourse (also called dyspareunia) is a common but often underreported symptom of endometriosis. This pain may: 

• Be deep or internal
• Feel sharp during certain positions
• Linger for hours after intimacy

Sex should not be painful. Persistent discomfort is a signal that something isn’t right. 

4. Chronic pelvic or lower back pain

Endometriosis pain doesn’t always follow a near-monthly pattern. Some people experience ongoing discomfort throughout the month. This may include: 

• Persistent pelvic pressure
• Aching lower back pain 
• Pain that worsens with sitting
• Sharp pains unrelated to your cycle 

When pain becomes chronic, it can affect sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. 

5. Digestive issues around your period

Endometriosis can impact more than just reproductive organs. Some patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms that flare around their cycle. Common signs include: 

• Bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea
• Painful bowel movements

If your “stomach issues” seem to follow your menstrual cycle, they may be hormonally connected. 

6. Pain with bowel movements or urination 

Depending on where endometrial-like tissue grows, it can affect surrounding organs. You might notice: 

• Pain during bowel movements
• Discomfort when urinating
• Symptoms that worsen during menstruation

These are often overlooked or misattributed to other conditions, but they’re important to mention to our team. 

7. Difficulty getting pregnant

Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility. While not everyone with endometriosis struggles with conception, difficulty becoming pregnant can be a sign. If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, it may be helpful to discuss the following with one of our doctors: 

• Cycle history
• Pain patterns
• Past symptoms

Early evaluation can improve treatment options and outcomes. 

In the end, if any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth having a conversation with us. Early awareness leads to better care, better treatment, and better quality of life, so give us a call at 847-755-1111 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment today. We have offices in Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates, Illinois.