Your first step to learning about endometriosis
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. This series will introduce you to what endometriosis is and why early understanding matters.
Future articles will explore:
- how to get diagnosed and understand the symptoms
- treatment options and managing symptoms
- living with endometriosis
- fertility and family planning questions.
Raising awareness helps people get diagnosed earlier, access better care, and feel supported while living with endometriosis.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) grows outside your uterus.
This tissue is usually found on organs in your pelvic area, such as your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining.
In rare cases, it can also appear in more distant locations, such as your bowel, bladder, diaphragm, lungs, or—very rarely—your brain.
Each month, these growths in your body respond to hormonal changes by thickening, breaking down, and sometimes bleeding, just like the lining inside your uterus.
Because this tissue is outside your uterus, the blood and cells cannot leave your body in the usual way. This can cause inflammation, swelling, scar tissue (adhesions), and, in some cases, fertility problems.
The inflammation associated with endometriosis can lead to persistent pelvic pain, which may progress to pelvic pain syndrome or central sensitisation. This is a major aspect of living with endometriosis and is something early treatment aims to prevent.
What causes endometriosis?
Although the exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, several well-supported theories help explain why it may develop.
These include:
- Retrograde menstruation: menstrual blood flows backward into your pelvis instead of leaving the body as usual.
- Genetic and hormonal factors: a family history of endometriosis or certain hormonal patterns may increase risk.
- Immune system differences: variations in how your immune system responds might affect how your body handles endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus.
While these factors are linked to a higher risk of endometriosis, no single explanation accounts for all cases.
Researchers around the world are actively studying endometriosis to better understand why it develops, which may lead to improved treatments in the future.
To learn more about current research, you can visit resources such as:
You can also look up clinical trials and projects on Australian Government health websites, such as the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Is endometriosis hereditary or genetic?
Yes, endometriosis can run in families.
If your mother or sister has it, your risk of developing endometriosis is higher—about five to seven times higher than someone without a close family member affected. However, genes are only part of the story; hormones, your immune system, and other factors also play a role.
Currently, there is no specific genetic test for endometriosis. If you have symptoms—such as strong period pain, chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, or trouble getting pregnant—especially with a family history, it’s important to speak with a doctor.
You can book an appointment at your nearest True Clinic, where experienced professionals can assess your symptoms and provide support.
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Your family history will be part of your assessment, but diagnosis is based on your symptoms and medical evaluation, not on genetic testing.
Research is ongoing, and in the future, genetic insights may help with earlier detection or better treatments.
Who gets endometriosis?
Endometriosis can affect anyone who has periods. This includes women, transgender men, and non-binary people who menstruate.
If you have a uterus and menstrual cycles—regardless of your gender identity—you can develop endometriosis, because the condition is linked to how your body responds to hormones, not your gender.
Endometriosis most commonly starts in the teen years or early adulthood, but it can be diagnosed at any age.
After menopause, symptoms often improve or stop because hormone levels decrease, but in rare cases, endometriosis can persist or be diagnosed later in life—especially if you are taking hormone therapy.
Most people develop endometriosis between their teens and their 40s, and it is much less common to develop new cases after menopause.
Is endometriosis common?
Yes.
In Australia, about 1 in 7 women—approximately 14%—are diagnosed with endometriosis by the time they reach their early forties. However, the true number may be even higher, as many people experience symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis, or may never be formally diagnosed at all.
Globally, it’s estimated that around 1 in 10 people who menstruate are affected by endometriosis. This includes women, transgender men, and non-binary people who have menstrual cycles.
Because endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose and symptoms can vary widely, the actual prevalence might be underestimated.
Endometriosis can affect people of all backgrounds and is a common health concern.
Increased awareness and better access to healthcare are helping more people get the support they need, but underdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis remain significant issues.
Because symptoms can vary so much from person to person, some people may not realise they have endometriosis right away. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, reaching out for support can make a real difference.
Support is available
Living with endometriosis can be challenging, but you don’t have to manage it alone.
Support and treatment options are available to help you feel better and improve your quality of life.
If you notice symptoms like strong period pain, ongoing pelvic pain, pain during sex, or difficulty getting pregnant, it’s important to reach out sooner rather than later. Early assessment can make a real difference in getting the right diagnosis and starting effective management.
You deserve answers and support that’s tailored to you.
Book an appointment with a health professional or connect with your closest True Clinic, where experienced staff can guide you through your options and provide personalised care.
Raising awareness, recognising symptoms early, and seeking help are powerful ways to take control of your health and support others in your community.Your health and wellbeing are important—take the next step today.
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