If you’re reading this, chances are endometriosis has touched your life in some way—maybe you’ve been diagnosed, maybe you’re still searching for answers, or maybe you’re trying to support someone in your team who is struggling. No matter where you are on this journey, I hope this blog can be helpful in understanding what employees with endometriosis experience and how you can better support them.
So, What Exactly is Endometriosis?
Every month, the body prepares for a potential pregnancy by thickening the lining of the uterus. But with endometriosis, tissue similar to this lining starts growing in places it should not—like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even outside the pelvic area. This tissue behaves just like the lining in the uterus—it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. But unlike a regular period, this blood has nowhere to go, causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes, scar tissue.
It’s a condition that affects 1 in 10 people assigned female at birth. Yet, it often takes years (sometimes over a decade!) for people to get a diagnosis.
Is it Just Bad Period Pain?
It is so much more than just bad period pain. Endometriosis can cause intensely painful periods, but it’s also responsible for:
- Chronic pelvic pain – Not just during a period—all the time.
- Pain during or after sex – Which can make intimacy stressful.
- Painful bowel movements or urination – Especially around a period.
- Heavy, irregular bleeding – Sometimes with clotting or spotting between cycles.
- Fatigue – Because the body is constantly dealing with inflammation.
- Bloating (‘endo belly’) – Severe swelling that can be painful and limiting.
- Fertility struggles – (Not always, but it can be a challenge).
It’s not just about the physical impact but also the emotional toll—feeling dismissed by doctors, explaining to colleagues why plans must change at the last minute, or struggling at work because pain doesn’t take a day off. It’s exhausting in every area of life, including the workplace.
As a manager, this might mean unknowingly expecting high performance from someone who is physically and emotionally drained. For those experiencing endometriosis, it can feel like a constant battle to be understood and supported.
Getting a Diagnosis Can Be a Long Journey.
With all these symptoms, you would expect that getting a diagnosis would be easy, but that isn’t the case.
The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is through a laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgery where a doctor looks inside the abdomen). But even getting to that stage often means:
- Tracking symptoms religiously over months or years.
- Advocating for yourself in medical appointments.
- Seeking second (or third, or fourth) opinions.
For many employees, this means juggling work, pain and uncertainty, all while waiting for answers.
Treatment Options: What Can Help?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are some common ways to manage symptoms:
- Pain management – Over-the-counter painkillers (like ibuprofen) can help, but many need stronger prescriptions or nerve pain medication.
- Hormonal treatments – Birth control, IUDs, or GnRH agonists can sometimes slow the growth of endo tissue.
- Surgery – Laparoscopic excision is the gold standard for removing endometriosis tissue.
- Lifestyle changes – Anti-inflammatory diets, gentle exercise, pelvic floor therapy, and acupuncture—some people find relief with these.
- Support & advocacy – Joining support groups, talking to others with endo, and advocating for better care can make a huge difference.
How Employers & Managers Can Make a Difference.
Creating a supportive work environment isn’t just about policies (though it’s a good place to start), it’s about understanding and making small changes that can have a big impact. Here’s how you can help:
- Encourage open conversations – Employees should feel safe discussing their health without fear of judgment. This isn’t about oversharing—it’s about trust.
- Offer flexibility where possible – Allowing remote work or flexible hours can help employees manage flare-ups and medical appointments without additional stress.
- Understand reasonable adjustments – Small changes, like access to a quiet space, extra breaks, or adjusting workloads during flare-ups, can make all the difference.
- Educate your team – The more people understand conditions like endometriosis, the more compassionate and inclusive the workplace becomes.
- Consider menstrual and reproductive health benefits – If your company offers workplace health support, ensuring it includes conditions like endometriosis can be life-changing for affected employees.
Women Are More Than Their Pain.
Endometriosis can be all-consuming, but Endometriosis Awareness Month isn’t just about education—it’s about reminding those affected that they are seen, believed, and supported.
Whether you are an employer supporting your team, a manager navigating this condition yourself, or a colleague wanting to be more understanding, know that your empathy and awareness make a difference.
Never feel guilty for prioritising your health. With the right support, employees with endometriosis can thrive, both personally and professionally.
