Endometriosis is not only a physical challenge but a mental one as well. Chronic pain, absences from work, difficulties in sexual life, and the potential for infertility all pose a serious psychological burden. Research confirms that anxiety and depression are more common among those living with endometriosis. Furthermore, pain, stress, and declining mental health form a vicious cycle: the more stress there is, the more sensitive the body becomes to pain.
How is it diagnosed?
Recognizing endometriosis is no easy task. The first step, however, would be for the gynecologist to listen to the patient in a detailed and empathetic manner. During a thorough conversation, they should become suspicious based on the complaints: it is possible that this is not "just" painful menstruation, but endometriosis. In such cases, their most important task is not to trivialize the symptoms, but to refer the patient in a timely manner to an endometriosis specialist – a colleague who focuses specifically on this condition.
Today, absolute certainty can still only be provided by a laparoscopic surgery, where a histological sample is also taken. However, this is understandably not a viable path for every single woman struggling with painful periods – which is precisely why it is so important for the general gynecologist to recognize the signs.
What next?
Treatment for endometriosis is always personalized: it can be pharmacological – for example, with hormonal cycle regulation or painkillers –, surgical, when the lesions are removed, or a combination of both. In everyday life, lifestyle also plays a major role: nutrition, stress management, and regular exercise can all help alleviate symptoms.
It is important to know: if pain during menstruation makes you incapacitated even with medication, that is already a suspicious sign and is definitely worth an examination. And if you ever feel that you might have endometriosis, yet you are dismissed with a shrug, don't give up: look for another doctor.
Endometriosis is an invisible struggle – but there is a solution, and there is help. You don't have to live with it.
References:
- Zhang, X., He, T., & Shen, W. (2020). Comparison of physical examination, ultrasound techniques and magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 20(4), 3208–3220. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2020.9043
- Kanti, F. S., Savard, R. G., Bergeron, F., Zomahoun, H. T. V., Netter, A., & Maheux-Lacroix, S. (2024). Transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of endometrioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443615.2024.2311664
- Wang, Y., Li, B., Zhou, Y., Wang, Y., Han, X., et al. (2021). Does endometriosis disturb mental health and quality of life? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 86(4), 315–335. https://doi.org/10.1159/000516517
- Chen, Y., Waseem, S., & Luo, L. (2025). Advances in the diagnosis and management of endometriosis: A comprehensive review. Pathology – Research and Practice, 155813. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prp.2025.155813
- del Pino-Sedeño, T., Cabrera-Maroto, M., Abrante-Luis, A., González-Hernández, Y., et al. (2024). Effectiveness of psychological interventions in endometriosis: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1457842
