Ever heard of endometriosis? If you haven’t, you’re not alone—despite affecting around 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth, it’s still shockingly misunderstood.
It’s not just bad periods; it’s chronic / persistent pain, exhaustion, and a whole host of symptoms that can impact work, relationships, and everyday life. And yet, many people struggle for years to get a diagnosis, often dismissed or told to “just get on with it.”
Many women with endometriosis are referred to my pain psychology clinic (online and in Milton Keynes). Whether you have endometriosis, love someone who does, or simply want to understand it better, let’s talk—about the chronic / persistent pain, the blame, the shame, and, most importantly, how we can make things better.
So, what exactly is endometriosis?
In simple terms, it’s when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t—on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, or even beyond. Unlike the womb lining, which sheds during a period, this tissue has nowhere to go, causing inflammation, scarring, and sometimes organs sticking together (yes, really!).
The result?
Pain that can feel like being stabbed from the inside, chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and even fertility struggles. Despite how common it is, many people spend years battling for a diagnosis, often told it’s “Just bad periods” or “part of being a woman.”
Spoiler alert: it’s not!
Pain, Blame, and Shame
Pain is the headline act of endometriosis but blame and shame often come along for the ride.
Blame—You might blame yourself (“Maybe if I just exercised more, ate better, or stressed less, it wouldn’t be this bad”). Others might do it for you (“It’s just period pain, you’re overreacting”).
Shame—Talking about periods, sex, or bowel issues? Still weirdly taboo. So many people suffer in silence, feeling like they have to just get on with it.
Pain—It’s relentless, unpredictable, and not just physical—it’s emotional too. Chronic pain rewires the brain, creating a cycle where pain fuels stress, and stress fuels pain. It’s a vicious loop.
How Psychological Therapies and Hypnosis Can Help
Now, let’s talk solutions. No, I’m not about to tell you that psychological therapies or hypnosis will magically cure endometriosis (if only!), but it can be a game-changer in managing the symptoms.
- Rewiring the Pain Response—Chronic pain means the brain’s pain alarm system is stuck on high alert. Psychological techniques and hypnosis helps to turn down the volume, shifting the brain from fight-or-flight to a more relaxed, controlled state.
- Breaking the Stress-Pain Cycle—Stress makes pain worse, and pain makes stress worse. Hypnotherapy can help you regain control over how your body responds.
- Releasing the Blame and Shame—Endometriosis is not your fault. Hypnosis and psychological techniques can help tackle unhelpful thoughts, replacing them with self-compassion and confidence.
- Improving Sleep and Fatigue—Pain messes with sleep, and exhaustion makes pain harder to cope with. Psychological techniques and hypnosis can help reset your sleep patterns, leaving you more refreshed.
Final Thoughts
Endometriosis is real, it’s tough, and you are not alone. Whether it’s through hypnosis, psychology, or simply talking about it openly, there are ways to ease the burden. The more we acknowledge and support those living with endometriosis, the less space there is for pain, blame, and shame to thrive.
Got experience with endometriosis? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment or share your story. Let’s break the silence together!