Understanding Endometriosis Signs and Symptoms

Written By Lora Shahine, MD

Endometriosis is a common yet often misdiagnosed chronic inflammatory disease associated with pain and infertility..

Never heard of endometriosis? You’re not alone. Despite it being a painful condition, it can take, on average, 7 - 8 years to get a correct diagnosis. 

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and given the often debilitating pain this condition can cause — and how hard it can be for people in pain to be HEARD by medical professionals — we think it’s really important for everyone to be aware of it.

If you know someone who experiences excessive pain during their period, please share this episode. And if that person is you, please continue to advocate for yourself and your health care — find a doctor who will listen and conduct the necessary tests. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] What is endometriosis, and how common is it?

[3:38] What are the symptoms, and how is it diagnosed?

[7:23] What is the connection between hormonal contraception and endometriosis?

[10:02] Signals that endometriosis may be present

[14:46] The importance of advocating for yourself 

Resources mentioned: 

American Society of Reproductive Medicine: 

www.asrm.org/news-and-events/asrm-news/latest-news/resource-roundup-endometriosis

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis

National Institutes of Health:

medlineplus.gov/endometriosis.html 

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Lora Shahine, MD

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of California in San Francisco and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, and authoring multiple blogs and books including best selling, ‘Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.’

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