Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Support

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. 💛

Since Endometriosis affects an estimated 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women worldwide (World Health Organization), we reached out to one of our referral partners to share insights on this important topic! At Jones Physical Therapy, a clinic that specializes in complex pelvic conditions, we identify
undiagnosed endometriosis almost every week.

Many of the women we see can trace their symptoms back to their teenage years—often starting around their very first period. This is why it’s so important that we talk with our daughters about what is normal and what isn’t. If a teen suddenly develops GI symptoms she never had before—constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, or IBS—pay attention. These can be early red flags and may even present up to two years before a first period. Other signs can include fatigue, back or hip pain with periods, nausea or vomiting, headaches, or pain traveling down the legs. Too often, young girls are told to take MiraLAX, change their diet, see a GI, or start birth control. While ruling out other conditions matters, we also want to make sure we’re looking for the root cause, not just managing symptoms. And I strongly caution the use of birth control in young women for treatment of painful or irregular periods.

See the “lawn paint” description in the Dandelion Analogy referenced below. There are many risks to be aware of with birth control that must be understood: increased risk of anxiety/depression, lack of ovulation, which is vital for bone, heart, brain, and gut health. Many women we see in their 40s have quietly lived with endo for decades while on hormone suppression or birth control instead of getting to the root of what is going on. This is where it becomes so important to seek care from providers who truly understand endometriosis and are willing to step back and look at the whole picture, not just the symptoms. When looking for a primary care provider, I encourage families to ask if the provider regularly reads fertility charts or can help your daughter learn to chart her cycle. Cycle charting can reveal important patterns about hormones, pain, GI symptoms, and overall health, helping guide more thoughtful and individualized care. For more resources, visit EndoND.com. Under Resources, you will find “The Dandelion Analogy” referenced above, and the Endo Summit Facebook page, which has phenomenal information from some of the top practitioners in this field.

If you’re supporting a daughter through these symptoms—or you’ve been living with them yourself—please know you’re not alone. Your pain deserves to be heard and taken seriously. 🤍