The Endo Girls Club

For many young people, painful periods are brushed aside as something they simply have to live with. They’re told “everyone gets cramps” or that pain is “part of becoming a woman”. Mild discomfort during menstruation is normal — severe pain that interferes with daily life is not.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring and adhesions that can distort organs. Because it affects more than the reproductive organs, it can impact many aspects of daily life. It is not simply a “period disease”.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include severe period or pelvic pain, painful bowel movements or urination, bloating (“endo belly”), heavy or irregular bleeding, fatigue, back or leg pain, and nausea. Not everyone experiences every symptom, and the severity of symptoms doesn’t always reflect how extensive the disease is.

There is currently no cure, and treatment is individualised — this may include heat packs during flares, medication, surgery, pelvic floor physiotherapy and lifestyle strategies. Finding the right healthcare team can make a significant difference.

For parents, one of the most important things you can do is listen and believe your child when they say they’re in pain. Keep a symptom diary, attend appointments together and advocate for further investigation. If concerns are dismissed, it’s okay to seek a second opinion.

Living with Endometriosis can feel incredibly isolating, especially for teenagers who may think they’re the only one experiencing these symptoms. Connecting with reputable organisations, online support groups and evidence-based information can provide reassurance — which is why The Endo Girls Club exists, to remind young people that they are not alone.

The most important message is this: severe pain should never be dismissed. Early recognition and appropriate care can reduce years of unnecessary suffering, because no one should have to spend years convincing others that their pain is real. @theendogirlsclub