Endometriosis

If you’ve ever been told your painful, heavy periods are “normal” or that you just have a “low pain tolerance,” you’re not alone—and you’ve probably also been dismissed. But here’s the truth: extreme menstrual pain isn’t normal. It could be endometriosis.

What Are Endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus—on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic organs. This tissue reacts to hormonal changes just like the uterine lining does, thickening and breaking down each month—but with no way to exit the body.

The result? Inflammation, scarring, adhesions, and pain that goes way beyond “bad cramps.” Endometriosis is common, but it’s often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.

What Shapes Your Endometriosis Experience?

The severity and symptoms of endometriosis vary from woman to woman, but a few factors often play a role:

Hormonal Fluctuations

Estrogen fuels endometrial tissue growth and symptoms.

Genetics

Family history may increase your risk.

Immune & Inflammatory Responses

Chronic inflammation may worsen symptoms.

Delayed Diagnosis

Many women go years before getting answers, allowing the condition to progress.

How Endometriosis Feels in Real Life

Endometriosis symptoms can range from subtle to debilitating, and they often overlap with other conditions. Common experiences include

Fatigue

Severe, cramp-like pelvic pain during periods (not relieved by typical pain meds)

Mood

Heavy or irregular periods

Cravings

Pain during or after sex

Belly

Pain with bowel movements or urination (especially during your cycle)

Trouble

Fatigue and low energy

Confidence

Digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation

 if your period pain is interfering with your daily life, it’s not “normal.” It’s worth investigating.

What to Expect as a Patient

At Gaya Wellness, we approach endometriosis with compassion, validation, and evidence-based care. You don’t have to keep pushing through pain without answers.

Investigate: Getting the Full Picture
  • Comprehensive history and symptom evaluation
  • Hormonal testing and lab work to assess overall balance
  • Imaging or specialist referrals when needed for diagnosis
Restore: Relieving Pain and Restoring Balance
  • Hormonal Support: Therapies to reduce estrogen-driven tissue growth and manage symptoms
  • Pain Management: Strategies that go beyond over-the-counter fixes
  • Lifestyle & Nutrition Guidance: Anti-inflammatory nutrition and stress management to support whole-body wellness
  • Fertility Support: Helping women with endometriosis who want to conceive
  • Integrative Therapies: Supplements and holistic care to reduce inflammation and support resilience
Thrive: Long-Term Support
  • Regular follow-ups and adjustments as symptoms change
  • Virtual-first, judgment-free care that makes it easy to stay supported
  • Emotional validation and coaching—because living with endometriosis isn’t just physical, it’s emotional too

The Bottom Line

Endometriosis is real, it’s common, and it’s not “all in your head.” Living with chronic pelvic pain and unpredictable cycles is exhausting—but with the right support, relief is possible.

At Gaya Wellness, we’ll help you get answers, manage symptoms, and take back control of your health. We believe your pain is valid, your experience matters, and you deserve better than years of being dismissed.

Because your body isn’t broken—it’s calling for care. And we’re here to make sure you get it, with science, compassion, and just enough sass to remind you that you’re stronger than endometriosis.