Endometriosis is more than a narrowly defined menstrual disorder. It exists outside of someone’s period and has a range of symptoms beyond only pelvic pain. Anyone living with it will tell you that, more often than not, it’s defined by a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms that are actually really, really related.  One symptom that often comes up in someone’s “Is this connected to endometriosis?” search is excessive hair loss.  In conversation with Dr. Ryniec, who focuses on reproductive endocrinology and infertility, she explained that the best thing you can do if you’re struggling with hair...

If you’re familiar with endometriosis, you already know it’s no picnic. Pain and infertility are the most common signs of this condition, which affects at least 7-15% of women worldwide. Aside from potential fertility issues, endometriosis can also cause severe menstrual cramps that extend into the abdomen or lower back, pain during or after sex, and heavy or irregular periods. Other symptoms include pain during urination or bowel movement, and stomach problems like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating, aka “endo belly.” So, what is endometriosis, exactly? Endometriosis is tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the...

Imagine enduring years of unexplained pain, uncertainty, and frustration while searching for answers about your health. This is the reality for many women living with endometriosis, a condition affecting millions worldwide but often taking years to diagnose.  Traditionally, confirming endometriosis has required laparoscopic surgery — an invasive and daunting prospect. But what if getting answers didn’t have to mean going under the knife? Thanks to advancements in medical science, new non-surgical methods are offering hope and transforming the diagnostic journey for endometriosis. But first, what is endometriosis? Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar (but not identical) to...

Endometriosis can be a real pain — literally. And getting a diagnosis? That process can be even worse! On average, receiving an official diagnosis takes 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms. That’s way too long to live with pain and uncertainty about what’s going on with your body. The good news? The more you know about how endometriosis is diagnosed, the better you can advocate for yourself. So, we’re breaking it down — including what to expect during the process and even some surprising new testing options you need to know about. First, what...

Living with endometriosis can be tough — it’s a chronic condition that comes with physical pain, emotional strain, and constant unpredictability. But while it might feel like an endless uphill battle, many people with endometriosis find that certain self-care practices can make a real difference. With a mix of small lifestyle changes, pain management techniques, and support from others, it’s possible to create brighter, more manageable days. Let’s explore some realistic and practical self-care strategies to help you through.  8 Effective Self-Care Strategies for Managing Endo Symptoms 1. Understand and accept your condition First, let’s acknowledge...

If you have endometriosis (or suspected endometriosis), it’s completely normal to have concerns about your fertility and what options are available. For those exploring in vitro fertilization (IVF), you may even be wondering if an endometriosis diagnosis will impact your chances of getting pregnant with fertility treatment.  Unfortunately, the relationship between endometriosis and IVF success rates isn't always straightforward, and that can be incredibly frustrating. We’re here to break it down in a way that makes sense — including how endometriosis might affect your fertility journey and how to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy...

Your period is at it again. Debilitating cramps, heavy bleeding, complete exhaustion, and nothing seems to help. If you’re starting to wonder if something more than a “bad period” could be to blame, these are just some of the common — and super frustrating — symptoms of endometriosis and adenomyosis. These two misunderstood (and often misdiagnosed) conditions can wreak havoc on your cycle, fertility, and overall well-being.  “Both endometriosis and adenomyosis can be difficult to diagnose, and for many women, the diagnosis is never made,” says Bruce Lessey, MD, PhD, a reproductive endocrinologist & infertility specialist...

If you're reading this, then you might be curious if your endometriosis can come back after being treated. The not-so-good news is that it is likely to recur, even after surgical intervention, which can be yet another hurdle for those who may be trying — and struggling — to get pregnant.  The good news is that there are ways to diagnose and treat endometriosis that can help increase your chances of getting pregnant with the condition. Read on to learn more.  But first, what exactly is endometriosis? "Endometriosis is a disease where tissue that is similar...

If you’ve been pregnant once, getting pregnant the second time should be easy, right? Well, not always. About 11% of couples experience secondary infertility, and one of the most common reasons is undiagnosed endometriosis. This is why it’s possible to have a successful pregnancy with endometriosis and then have difficulty getting or staying pregnant in the future.  To help us understand this further, we spoke to a fertility specialist to answer all of your questions about endometriosis after pregnancy.  But first, what is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the...

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects 200 million people worldwide and at least 7-15% of women. Characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, it often leads to severe pelvic pain, heavy menstrual periods, and even infertility. One of the most challenging aspects of endometriosis is dealing with flare-ups, where symptoms intensify and, in many cases, disrupt everyday activities.  The good news is that there are effective strategies to manage and reduce the pain associated with endometriosis flare-ups. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips and treatments to help you regain control and...