March 20, 2026
A few decades ago a young patient was struggling. Physical symptoms that did not seem to make sense. Physical symptoms that seemed to coincide with their period. It did not appear to get worse until they were taken off oral birth control. It took years to get a formal diagnosis, to get the appropriate medical support.
Sound familiar?
If you or someone you love has endometriosis, this note is for you.
Actually, this note is for ALL of you, as 1 in 10 people born with a uterus has or will be diagnosed with endometriosis. Which means, you potentially may be able to guide someone to seek the treatment they need and deserve.
Have you had unexplained pelvic pain symptoms?
Bladder pain, pain during urination?
Lower abdominal pain or bloating prior to or during a bowel movement?
Do they tend to occur at the same time every month?
Are your periods more intense than peers? Do you miss work or social events?
Do you have irregular cycles?
Do you have intermittent mid cycle spotting or bleeding?
Have you had fertility issues?
Have you been dismissed by medical providers for the symptoms you are experiencing?
Have you had painful intercourse?
If this note helps just one of you, or by chance one of your friends or family members I will sleep more soundly. This topic is personal for me, and I have spent the better part of my career educating myself in ways to coach women on how to have a more comfortable functional lifestyle, or find the treatment they need. My hope with my PT practice is that I can guide women to receive the help they need sooner. It can take years to get an explanation, let alone treatment. This blog is to provide you with some information to help you advocate for yourself and seek treatment that makes the most sense for you and your unique situation.
What it is
Endometriosis is a systemic condition. It is predominantly a condition that affects women, although rare, it has been found in men. For the purpose of this excerpt, much of my direction of conversation will be based on persons born with a uterus, and where the majority of these people identify as a woman, the pronouns (she/her) will reflect that.
“Endometriosis is endometrial-like tissue found outside the uterus. Endometrial tissue is the lining of the uterus. So the tissue found in the abdominal cavity (called lesions/implants/endometriomas) can respond to hormonal fluctuations in the body through your menstrual cycle. This tissue is defined or characterized as lesions. It is not yet 100% clear how this tissue gets into the abdominal cavity or beyond. Estrogen can cause this “out of place tissue” to grow, often causing significant pain. As endo grows, it causes inflammation, which leads to adhesions, scarring, internal bleeding, bowel or urinary dysfunction, constipation, painful intercourse, and infertility. The physical pain can be severe, which can lead to emotional distress.” -Endometriosis Foundation of America.
Endometriosis is not simply a reproductive issue. It is an inflammatory condition that can influence the nervous system, surrounding fascia, bowel function, bladder function, and even how safe the body feels.
How is it treated
Usually treatment for endometriosis is a multidisciplinary approach. You may have a team of providers that aid in discovery, healing, and recovery. I have been a part of each of these 3 phases. Given my personal (and professional) experience, I feel I have a radar for it. It is not uncommon for me to work with nutritionists, acupuncturists, excision specialist surgeons, mental health or pain specialist counselors, and gynecologists. (and more) All or some of these specialties may aid in inflammation, hormonal balancing, removing the diseased tissue, keeping the internal organs mobile, keeping your pelvic health function (bowel and bladder) running smooth, regaining sexual function, keeping you physically fit, mentally sound. Nervous system regulation is the goal with all of the disciplines. How goes the brain, goes the body. It is the motherboard.
When pain is present long enough, we use the word persistent, the nervous system adapts. It becomes protective. Guarded. Hyper-vigilant. This word is called sensitized. So addressing all of your systems of the body are important for long term relief.
Endometriosis can be part of your make up and morph over time through the different phases of your life cycle. Being mindful of these signs and symptoms and presenting them to your providers no matter what stage (Menstrual/Maternal/Menopausal) you are in can provide excellent data for your medical providers to help you get diagnosed and treated sooner.
Final Reflections
I understand this process not only academically, but personally. I struggled with finding the right people to help me through my healing journey. Having the right people on your team for your individualized needs is important.
If you feel tired of explaining your pain…
If intimacy feels complicated…
If you’re grieving the body you thought you’d have…
If you’ve wondered whether it’s “in your head”…
I see you.
I hear you.
And at one point in my life, I was you.
There is support.
There are layers to explore.
There are ways to calm the nervous system, restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and rebuild trust in your body.
My experience shaped the way I treat every woman who walks into Haven. You are not dramatic. You are not weak. You are not alone.
