Endometriosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care for Connecticut Women
- TMW Health
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month. If you have ever been told your painful periods are just something to push through, this post is for you.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic disease characterized by the development of endometrial-like tissue, specifically endometrial glands and stroma, in locations outside the uterine cavity. Each month, that tissue responds to hormonal changes the same way the uterine lining does. But because it has nowhere to go, it causes inflammation, scarring, and significant pain over time.
It is estimated to impact more than 190 million women and people assigned female at birth worldwide. Despite how common it is, endometriosis remains widely underdiagnosed.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common include:
Severe menstrual cramps that interfere with daily life
Chronic pelvic pain, not only during your period
Pain during or after sex
Painful bowel movements or urination, especially around your cycle
Heavy periods or bleeding between cycles
Fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, and mood changes
Difficulty getting pregnant
Chronic pelvic pain is closely associated with endometriosis, which has been identified as the cause in 71% to 87% of women suffering from it. The disease can negatively affect health-related quality of life and hinder social, emotional, and sexual well-being, as well as daily routines, family planning, and productivity. It is also worth noting that some women with endometriosis have no symptoms at all, which is part of why diagnosis can be so difficult.
Why Does It Take So Long to Get Diagnosed?
This is one of the most important things to understand about endometriosis. Diagnostic delay is approximately 7 to 9 years after first symptoms. Long delays in diagnosis are common, and symptoms often persist or recur after treatment is initiated. These impacts are made worse by stigma and social beliefs that often ignore or downplay period pain.
That delay is not a reflection of how you described your pain. It is a systemic problem, and one we take seriously at TMW Health.
How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
There is no single simple test, and diagnosis is not always straightforward. Providers may begin with imaging such as pelvic ultrasound or MRI to assess what is happening, but these tools have limits. The gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis is laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a provider to directly visualize and confirm the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It is the only way to know for certain.
That said, the most important first step is finding a provider who takes your symptoms seriously, asks the right questions, and builds a care plan around you.
What Are the Treatment Options?
There is currently no known cure, but endometriosis symptoms can be treated with medication or, in some women, surgery. Treatment is highly individualized and depends on your symptoms, your goals, and whether future pregnancy is a priority. Options may include pain management with NSAIDs, hormonal therapies to reduce inflammation and slow tissue growth, or a surgical referral when needed. Treatment should be offered according to the woman's symptoms, preferences, and priorities rather than the stage of endometriosis alone.
When Should You Make an Appointment?
If your periods regularly disrupt your life, if you have been managing pelvic pain for months or years without answers, or if you have concerns about your fertility, it is time to talk to a gynecologist. You should not have to figure this out alone.
TMW Health is currently accepting new gynecology patients in Connecticut. Our providers offer comprehensive, compassionate care across the full spectrum of women's health. Book your appointment at tmw-health.com.
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