That was one of the most powerful themes to emerge from a recent F Chat discussion, where women spoke openly about the reality of living with endometriosis and the long road many face before receiving answers. 

“Because it was happening so much, it was my normal” says Faye.  

Her experience reflects a challenge that sits at the heart of endometriosis awareness. Many women spend years adapting to symptoms before considering that those symptoms may warrant further investigation. 

The problem with calling severe period pain "normal"  

Most women expect some discomfort during their period. What many don't expect is how difficult it can be to distinguish between common symptoms and symptoms that may indicate an underlying condition.  

Symptoms are often dismissed as: 

• normal hormones  
• stress  
• IBS  
• “just part of being a woman”  

But one of the most powerful moments from the discussion highlighted how dangerous that normalisation can become.  

Endometriosis is often misunderstood 

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause symptoms such as: 

• severe period pain  
• bloating  
• pelvic pain  
• fatigue  
• painful bowel symptoms  
• heavy bleeding  
• fertility challenges  

Yet many people spend years without answers before receiving a diagnosis. 

Why diagnosis can take so long

One reason endometriosis is often diagnosed late is because many women are taught that painful periods are normal. Over time, many women find themselves managing symptoms instead of questioning them. 

It's not uncommon to assume that everyone experiences periods in the same way. If pain has always been part of the experience, it can be difficult to know where normal discomfort ends and something more significant begins. 

When symptoms are accepted as part of everyday life, people may delay seeking advice because they don't realise there could be an underlying reason for what they're experiencing. 

Part of the challenge is that symptoms don't always fit neatly into one category. Pelvic pain may be dismissed as bad periods. Bloating may be attributed to digestive issues. Fatigue may be explained by stress, work or a busy lifestyle. As a result, symptoms may be minimised for years. 

In the discussion, one participant shared that she initially believed her symptoms were simply IBS and normal period pain before eventually learning she had endometriosis. 

Stories like these are common because endometriosis can look different from person to person. When symptoms are viewed individually rather than as part of a broader pattern, it can take time for people to connect the dots. 

The result is that many women spend years looking for answers to symptoms they have been told are normal. 

The emotional impact of diagnosis 

Receiving a diagnosis can feel overwhelming. As Faye said, “I just broke down straight away”. There is often relief in finally having an explanation. The symptoms have a name. The pain is real. There is a reason things have felt difficult. 

For many people, it immediately raises questions about: 

• fertility  
• future family plans  
• timelines  
• identity  
• relationships  

For some women, diagnosis confirms years of symptoms. For others, it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with decisions, uncertainty and information they never expected to be navigating.  The emotional impact can be just as significant as the physical symptoms. 

How endometriosis can affect mental health 

Living with chronic pain and uncertainty can take a toll emotionally. 

Many people experience: 

• anxiety  
• grief  
• isolation  
• frustration  
• fear about future fertility  

Some also carry guilt, wondering whether they ignored symptoms for too long or should have sought help earlier. 

Severe period pain is not something you should ignore 

One of the most important expert messages from fertility specialist Dr Rachael Rodgers in the discussion was this:

 “If you’re missing work, that’s not normal.”  

Pain that disrupts daily life deserves medical attention. While mild discomfort can be common, severe pain, heavy bleeding and symptoms that interfere with work or quality of life should not simply be tolerated. 

Why awareness matters 

One of the biggest barriers to earlier diagnosis is awareness. 

The more openly menstrual health is discussed, the easier it becomes for women to recognise when symptoms may warrant further attention.  

Earlier conversations around menstrual health and endometriosis could help more people: 

• recognise symptoms sooner  
• seek support earlier  
• reduce delayed diagnosis  
• feel less alone  

The more openly reproductive health is discussed, the easier it becomes for people to recognise when something may not be normal. 

The takeaway 

Painful periods should not be dismissed simply because they are common. 

Understanding your body, tracking symptoms and seeking support early can make a meaningful difference both physically and emotionally. 

Because suffering in silence should never be considered normal.