What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Endometriosis is most often associated with extremely painful periods. While this is certainly one of the first and most prominent symptoms, it's not the only one. Endometriosis It doesn't always hurt, and its presence can also be indicated by other nonspecific symptoms that are easily ignored in everyday life. In this article, we explain the disturbing symptoms of endometriosis to show you what to look out for and which bodily signals you should never ignore.  

Symptoms of endometriosis

To understand the symptoms of endometriosis, it's worth first considering what it is. It's an inflammatory, hormone-dependent disease. In its course, tissue growth occurs endometrium outside the uterine cavity. They most often nest in the peritoneal cavity, around the ovaries and intestines, but in reality, endometriosis can occur almost anywhere in the body. Scientific literature has described cases of endometriosis in the bladder, lungs, CS wound, eye, and brain, among other places. Therefore, symptoms of endometriosis are not always limited to the reproductive system. 

Also, remember that every woman and every case of endometriosis is slightly different. Do you suspect you have the condition? Don't be afraid to seek help, even if your symptoms seem minor. Don't let anyone tell you that "that's just your beauty." And if you've already been diagnosed with endometriosis, try to be more sensitive to your body's signals—it speaks to you daily. Every symptom is a signal that your body needs support, and self-observation is essential to planning effective treatment. 

Below, we've provided a list and description of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. However, try to refrain from self-diagnosing. Endometriosis is a difficult disease, and the presence or absence of a specific symptom does not determine the diagnosis. If, after reading our article, you realize you've read about yourself and many of these issues apply to you, make an appointment with a doctor who can guide you through the diagnostic process. You're not alone, and self-diagnosis and self-medication can unfortunately be disastrous. 

Endometriosis Pain – Why Does Endometriosis Hurt?

The first symptom of endometriosis is often pain. It is caused by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and overactivation of the immune system. In the course of endometriosis, substances that activate pain receptors are released, including proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNFα, IL-8 and IL-1b), free radicals, and prostaglandins (e.g., PGE2).These then activate peripheral nerve endings in the peritoneal cavity, transmitting impulses to the spinal cord and brain. Some women experience pain from endometriosis only during their periods, while others experience it almost daily. Endometriosis can also be completely painless. The presence of pain alone doesn't indicate the disease, but it's a serious sign that should prompt you to seek professional help. 

Symptoms of endometriosis – painful periods

The most common symptom of endometriosis that prompts women to consult a doctor is severe pain during menstruation. It's located in the pelvis and lower abdomen, and can also radiate to the lumbar spine, legs, and buttocks. It can be aching, stabbing, and throbbing, and its intensity is usually very high. Many women with endometriosis report being deprived of life and unable to function normally during their periods. Pain symptoms can make it difficult to perform simple daily activities, and painkillers provide only temporary relief or no effect at all. You've likely heard at least once that "periods are supposed to hurt," but that's not true. Of course, you may feel weak, irritable, and uncomfortable during this time—after all, uterine tissue is shedding, and that's not pleasant. But this pain should never be unbearable and should never prevent you from functioning normally for 4-5 days each month. If this happens, it's a sign that it's worth seeking help. 

Symptoms of endometriosis – heavy periods

Periods in women with endometriosis are often not only painful but also very heavy. Unfortunately, it's difficult to clearly determine what bleeding is within the normal range and what is excessive and requires medical attention. For simplicity, it is assumed that an average, healthy woman loses from 30 to 80 ml of blood during one cycle, and bleeding should not last longer than 7 days. Of course, measuring blood volume is nearly impossible, but using more than 20 pads or tampons during your period is a sign that should prompt you to see a specialist. Remember that heavy bleeding can be a strain on the body and increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia, so don't ignore this symptom. 

Signs of endometriosis – pain during intercourse

Pain during intercourse, i.e. dyspareunia, is another important symptom. It is estimated that it occurs 4 times more often in women with endometriosis than in healthy women. Pain can appear at the beginning of intercourse and disappear spontaneously after intercourse. However, it can sometimes begin at the end of intercourse and persist for several hours afterward. It can be located at the vaginal entrance, as well as further down the pelvic area. Sex should never hurt. If it hurts, it means there's a cause, and it's worth investigating. 

Symptoms of endometriosis – pain when urinating

Women with endometriosis often experience pain when urinating (dysuria). This is related to tissue tension and the presence of endometrial tissue around the urethra or bladder. Difficulty urinating, frequent urges to urinate, infection-like symptoms, and blood in the urine are symptoms that may indicate endometriosis and require proper evaluation. diagnostics. 

Symptoms of endometriosis – pain during bowel movements

Pain during bowel movements (dyschexia) may occur, especially when dealing with intestinal endometriosis. It most often occurs during menstruation, but can also occur at other times of the cycle. Dyschexia should be differentiated from other problems, such as functional constipation or hemorrhoids, so it's worth consulting a gynecologist, gastroenterologist, and proctologist. 

Endometriosis – intestinal symptoms

Endometriosis affects not only the reproductive system but also the digestive system, particularly the intestines. This is due to both generalized inflammation and the presence of endometrial lesions within the intestines. Intestinal problems are also exacerbated by stress and frequent use of painkillers, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

Women with endometriosis often experience constipation and bloating. A characteristic symptom is endometriosis. This is an informal term for a very strong tightening and enlargement of the abdominal circumference before and during menstruation, which may resemble stomach Pregnancy. Endo-belly is caused by inflammation and hormonal changes and can negatively impact a woman's well-being and comfort. Want to learn more about this topic? Read our article "Endobelly – how to deal with a balloon-like belly with endometriosis?"  

Patients with endometriosis are also more likely to experience irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bacterial overgrowth syndrome (sibo). If you're struggling with gastrointestinal issues and also notice other symptoms that could indicate endometriosis, schedule a consultation with a specialist. This requires a highly individualized approach, as Intestinal problems may be a consequence of endometriosis, but they can also exacerbate its course, among other things, due to impaired digestion and absorption. 

Endometriosis – unusual symptoms

Unusual symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Migraines, 
• Numbness of the limbs,
• Skin symptoms,
• Mood swings,
• Shortness of breath.

Women with endometriosis often experience chronic, persistent fatigue. This symptom is often said to indicate "everything and nothing." There's a lot of truth to this, as on the one hand, it can be a symptom of almost any illness, and on the other, it's often simply a consequence of sleep deprivation, overstimulation, and an unhealthy lifestyle. However, chronic fatigue shouldn't be ignored, especially if you also notice other symptoms. Women with endometriosis are much more likely to experience chronic fatigue – chronic pain, various ailments, and inflammation have a huge impact on well-being and energy levels throughout the day. 

Infertility as a symptom of endometriosis

Unfortunately, difficulty conceiving is one of the most important symptoms of endometriosis, and it is estimated that it affects up to 50% of patients. Sometimes, the disease is asymptomatic and is only diagnosed after a couple has been trying unsuccessfully for a child for a long time. The impact of endometriosis on fertility is complex. Adhesions, blocked fallopian tubes, and endometrial cysts can develop during the course of the disease, making conception and maintenance difficult. pregnancyAdditionally, inflammation and oxidative stress can negatively impact egg quality. Remember, however, that endometriosis doesn't automatically mean you have no chance of pregnancy. Modern medicine offers many options to help women fulfill their dream of motherhood. However, a prompt, accurate diagnosis and carefully selected treatment are crucial. leczenie, so do not ignore the symptoms and seek support from specialists. 

Endometriosis without symptoms – is it possible?

Yes, there are cases where endometriosis causes no symptoms, even in advanced stages. The diagnosis is then accidental, for example, when endometriosis is found in the peritoneal cavity during surgery performed for a completely different reason. We don't currently know why some women experience the disease asymptomatically while others experience almost every symptom imaginable. However, this underscores how complex this disease is, so remember not to delay and seek support if you have any concerns. 

Summary

The main symptom of endometriosis is pain, which can vary in nature, location, and intensity. Typical symptoms include painful and heavy periods, as well as difficulty conceiving. Endometriosis can also cause atypical symptoms such as bloating, constipation, fatigue, or pain during bowel movements and urination. Remember that symptoms alone cannot definitively rule out or confirm the disease; their presence is an indication for further diagnostic workup. Monitor your body and don't ignore any symptoms. Many symptoms can be managed with pharmacological, dietary, supplemental, or physiotherapy support – you are not condemned to a life of pain and discomfort, so seek help and support from specialists. 

You can find a list of recommended specialists who diagnose and treat endometriosis here.

https://endome.pl/leczenie-i-diagnoza-endometriozy/

Here you can download a self-monitoring card to help you monitor your symptoms and prepare for your visit to a specialist.

Źródła:

1. Tsamiantoti E. Endometriosis, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567777/  [accessed: 17/09/2025]
2. Chauhan S. Endometriosis: A Review of Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Pathogenesis, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9537113/ [accessed: 17/09/2025]
3. Hunsche E. Endometriosis Symptoms and Their Impacts on the Daily Lives of US Women: Results from an Interview Study, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37283994/ [accessed: 17/09/2025]
4. Kotowska M. Awareness of Endometriosis Symptoms—A Cross Sectional Survey among Polish Women, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8466883/ [accessed: 17/09/2025]