March is a significant month for women’s health. It’s Endometriosis Awareness Month, International Women’s Day, and, in the UK, many celebrate Mother’s Day - a time to honour womanhood everywhere.
Yet amid these celebrations, when it comes to health equality, the truth is: we still have a long way to go.
This year’s BAFTA awards brought attention to this reality. The short film “This is Endometriosis” won British Short Film and sparked a viral conversation on social media, with women sharing their personal experiences of living with the disease. For many, it was a breath of fresh air - a long-overdue recognition of the millions of women worldwide living with chronic, silent, and painful gynaecological conditions.
But this raises the question: does it really take a BAFTA for women’s pain to be acknowledged?
The reality is stark: around one in ten women lives with endometriosis worldwide(1). And that figure doesn’t even account for other debilitating conditions like adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or fibroids - many of which can take years to be diagnosed, often after long periods of unexplained symptoms, sometimes up to around 12 years.
These statistics highlight a profound gap in medical understanding, chronic underfunding in research, and a pressing need for greater workplace and societal support for women managing these conditions, many of which significantly affect daily life.
As a Clinical Nutritional Therapist, I frequently meet women who have come to accept severe, chronic pain as their “normal” simply because effective treatment options are limited, even after years of fighting for a diagnosis.
In this article, we’ll explore what these conditions are, the challenges women face every day, and practical ways lifestyle choices, nutrition, and carefully selected supplements can support health and vitality.
What is Endometriosis Awareness Month and why it matters
Endometriosis Awareness Month shines a light on a common yet often misunderstood women’s health conditions. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, most commonly affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the pelvis. These tissue deposits respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which can lead to inflammation, swelling, scarring, and persistent pelvic pain. Despite its prevalence, many individuals experience long delays before receiving a diagnosis, often because symptoms are categorised as “normal” menstrual pain or dismissed by healthcare providers.
Awareness campaigns, including Endometriosis Awareness Month in the UK, aim to close this knowledge gap. By encouraging open conversations, sharing lived experiences, and promoting education, these campaigns help ensure that women’s pain is recognised, taken seriously, and properly investigated.
Improving awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment pathways, and improved support for those living with the condition.
Endometriosis signs and symptoms
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary significantly from person to person, but they are often linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The misplaced tissue behaves similarly to the uterine lining, which can cause inflammation, swelling, and the formation of scar tissue.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Painful periods
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Fatigue and anaemia
- Pain during or after sex
- Digestive issues, such as IBS-like symptoms
Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, they are sometimes overlooked or misattributed, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Daily challenges of living with endometriosis
Beyond physical symptoms, endometriosis can have a significant impact on daily life. Persistent pain and fatigue can affect a person’s ability to work, study, or carry out everyday activities. Many clients report needing to plan their routines around flare-ups, medical appointments, or periods of severe pain, often relying on a strong support system to manage daily responsibilities.
Endometriosis can also affect mental health and emotional wellbeing. Living with long-term pain, limited treatment options, and experiences of having symptoms dismissed within the healthcare system can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, isolation, and sometimes hopelessness. In addition, fertility challenges associated with endometriosis may create further emotional strain for some individuals.
Increasing awareness and understanding of the condition is essential to ensure that those affected receive appropriate medical care, as well as greater support in workplaces and wider society.
The silent epidemic of chronic illness in women
Endometriosis is part of a group of chronic conditions that disproportionately affect women yet remain under-recognised and underdiagnosed.
These include:
- Adenomyosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Fibroids
Together, these “invisible” illnesses can cause persistent pain, fatigue, heavy bleeding, and fertility challenges.
Because symptoms are not always outwardly visible, their impact is often misunderstood or minimised.
Social stigma around menstrual health and the normalisation of period pain mean many women delay seeking help. Too often, patients are told their pain is “just part of being a woman,” a form of medical dismissal that can delay diagnosis for years.
The result is a silent injustice: thousands of women managing severe, chronic symptoms while trying to maintain careers, relationships, and family life.
Other common gynaecological conditions beyond endometriosis: adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibroids
Adenomyosis: the often overlooked twin
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a gynaecological condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the womb.
While less well-known than endometriosis, it can cause significant pain and disruption.
Diagnosis can be challenging because symptoms often overlap with endometriosis or fibroids, and imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI may not always provide clear answers.
Treatment depends on symptom severity and may include hormonal therapies, pain management, or surgical options.
Adenomyosis signs and symptoms
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Severe menstrual cramps and pelvic pain
- Enlarged or tender uterus
- Pain during sex
- Fatigue related to blood loss
Daily challenges of living with adenomyosis
Living with adenomyosis can significantly disrupt daily life. Persistent pain and heavy bleeding may limit work, exercise, and social activities, while fatigue from blood loss can affect energy and productivity.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibroids: hormones, heavy bleeding and fertility fears
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age.
It is characterised by hormonal imbalance, irregular menstrual cycles, and multiple small follicles on the ovaries, and can also affect metabolic health.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) signs and symptoms
- Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods
- Acne and oily skin
- Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Insulin resistance
- Fertility challenges
Daily challenges of living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect many aspects of daily life. Hormonal symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, and weight changes may impact self-esteem, while fertility challenges can create stress for those planning a family.
Managing long-term health risks and lifestyle adjustments can also add a continual mental and physical load.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus and are extremely common during reproductive years.
While some women experience no symptoms, others may face heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and fertility challenges.
Fibroids signs and symptoms
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Pain during sex
- Enlarged uterus
- Fertility or pregnancy complications
Daily challenges of living with fibroids
Fibroids can significantly affect daily life. Heavy bleeding and pelvic pain may disrupt work, school, and social activities, while fatigue and discomfort can limit mobility and routine tasks.
Why aren’t there better treatments yet?
Despite affecting millions globally, many women’s health conditions remain under-researched.
Endometriosis, adenomyosis and related conditions have historically received less research funding and scientific attention than other chronic diseases, contributing to slower progress in treatment development.
While treatment options exist - including hormonal therapies, pain management strategies and surgery - there is currently no cure for endometriosis, and symptoms often recur even after treatment.
This gap reflects a broader women’s health research gap. Historically, women were often excluded from medical trials, meaning many conditions affecting women have not been studied in sufficient depth.
As a result, clinicians are still working to fully understand the biological mechanisms driving chronic pelvic pain and inflammation.
Improved research funding, better clinical trials, and increased recognition of these conditions are essential for developing more effective therapies.
Living with chronic pain: everyday life, work and motherhood
Living with chronic pelvic pain can affect nearly every aspect of daily life.
Severe cramps, fatigue, digestive symptoms and unpredictable flare-ups can make it difficult to maintain consistent work schedules, social commitments or family responsibilities.
For many women, the emotional impact can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms. Missing work, cancelling plans or struggling with fertility concerns can create feelings of isolation and frustration.
Supporting symptoms holistically: nutrition and lifestyle
Conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibroids require appropriate medical diagnosis and management through a GP or gynaecologist.
Alongside medical treatment, lifestyle approaches may help support overall vitality and symptom management.
As a Clinical Nutritional Therapist, I often encourage a foundation built around several key pillars:
- Anti-inflammatory dietary patterns - emphasising whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and omega-3-rich foods
- Blood sugar balance - particularly important for individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Sleep and stress management - chronic stress can influence inflammation and pain perception
- Gentle movement - such as walking, yoga or Pilates
What about supplements? Their role in balancing the endocannabinoid system
Some individuals also explore supplements as part of a wider wellbeing strategy. CBD (cannabidiol) is a legal supplement in the UK that some people use to support sleep, stress and general comfort. Preliminary research suggests CBD may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, inflammation, and pain perception.
While evidence is still emerging, some people report improvements in relaxation, sleep quality, and perceived discomfort when incorporating CBD alongside other holistic strategies.
It is important to remember that CBD is not a cure and should never replace medical treatment. Instead, it can be considered a complementary tool within a broader approach, supporting recovery, resilience, and overall vitality when combined with nutrition, stress management, and appropriate clinical care. Monitoring responses and discussing supplement use with a healthcare professional is always recommended.
How to advocate for yourself and find support
Navigating ongoing symptoms as a woman living with chronic illness can feel exhausting, on top of everyday responsibilities. Chronic illness in women being often under-recognised, it makes advocacy skills essential. It is important to approach GP appointments in a structured, prepared way.
1. Track symptoms
One practical step is to track your symptoms over time. Keeping a symptom diary that notes pain levels, cycle days, bleeding patterns, digestive issues, energy and mood can help you clearly communicate what is happening day to day. Bringing this diary to your GP appointment, along with a short written summary of your main concerns and questions, can make it easier to stay focused and ensure you cover what matters most. If your pain is ongoing and disruptive, it is reasonable to ask directly about referral to a gynaecologist or specialist clinic, and to seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being taken seriously.
For women who suspect endometriosis, Endometriosis UK offers a free online symptom checker and can generate a letter to take to your GP, which can be a helpful starting point for those who find it difficult to explain their symptoms in the appointment setting. Using this type of resource can be particularly valuable for chronic illness women who have been told repeatedly that their pain is “normal”, despite it affecting work, relationships and family life. Remember that you deserve to be heard and that clear, written evidence of your symptoms can support your case for further investigation.
2. Connect with others who truly understand
Beyond the GP surgery, support from others who understand your experience can make a significant difference. UK‑based charities and support groups, including Endometriosis UK, the Pelvic Pain Support Network and Wellbeing of Women, as well as broader chronic illness communities, offer information, helplines, online forums and local meet‑ups. Connecting with others living with chronic pain can reduce feelings of isolation and provide practical ideas for pacing, self‑care and communicating your needs to friends, family and employers. These communities can also be a valuable source of recommendations for pain management strategies, counselling and advocacy resources.
From ‘putting up with it’ to pushing for answers
It is vital to emphasise that severe pain, heavy bleeding or symptoms that disrupt daily life are not something you should just “put up with”. If your pain prevents you from working, caring for your family, enjoying intimacy or engaging in everyday activities, this is a clear sign that further assessment is needed. You are not being dramatic, difficult or demanding by asking for answers; you are simply advocating for your health and quality of life.
If you would like more personalised guidance, you can book a free consultation to explore how CBD supplements could fit into a broader toolkit for stress, sleep and recovery support. In this setting, we can consider your individual history, medications and lifestyle, and discuss whether CBD might be an appropriate complementary option alongside nutrition, movement, stress management and ongoing medical care. This kind of holistic, joined‑up approach can help chronic illness women feel more supported, informed and empowered as they navigate their health journey.
Final thoughts: let’s listen to women’s pain
Endometriosis Awareness Month is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that millions of women continue to live with conditions that are frequently misunderstood, underdiagnosed and underfunded.
From endometriosis and adenomyosis to polycystic ovary syndrome and fibroids, these conditions shape daily life in ways that are often invisible to others.
March offers an opportunity to listen more closely to women’s experiences, challenge the normalisation of severe pain, and push for stronger research into women’s health.
Greater understanding, earlier diagnosis and improved treatments are possible - but only when women’s voices are heard and their pain is taken seriously.
Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO), 2023. Endometriosis: fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
- Nnoaham, K.E., Hummelshoj, L., Webster, P., d’Hooghe, T., de Cicco Nardone, F., de Cicco Nardone, C., Jenkinson, C., Kennedy, S.H. and Zondervan, K.T., 2011. Impact of endometriosis on quality of life and work productivity: a multicenter study across ten countries. Fertility and Sterility, 96(2), pp.366–373.e8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3679489/
- Zondervan, K.T., Becker, C.M. and Missmer, S.A., 2020. Endometriosis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 6(1), pp.1–25. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-020-0147-5
- Bulun, S.E., 2019. Endometriosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 380(13), pp.1244–1256. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1810764
- Chapron, C., Vannuccini, S., Santulli, P., Abrão, M.S., Carmona, F., Fraser, I.S. and Petraglia, F., 2020. Diagnosing adenomyosis: an integrated clinical and imaging approach. Human Reproduction Update, 26(3), pp.392–411. https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/26/3/392/5714084
- Endometriosis UK, 2023. Endometriosis facts and statistics. https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-facts-and-stats
- Teede, H., Misso, M., Costello, M., Dokras, A., Laven, J., Moran, L., Piltonen, T. and Norman, R., 2018. Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Human Reproduction, 33(9), pp.1602–1618. https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/33/9/1602/5056069
- Stewart, E.A., Cookson, C.L., Gandolfo, R.A. and Schulze-Rath, R., 2017. Epidemiology of uterine fibroids: a systematic review. BJOG, 124(10), pp.1501–1512. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1471-0528.14640
- Holdcroft, A., 2007. Gender bias in research: how does it affect evidence-based medicine? Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 100(1), pp.2–3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1258/jrsm.100.1.2
