This article was republished for International Women’s Day 2026 to highlight the incredible women of Bylines Network
Across the world, 176 million people suffer from endometriosis. And yet, it is still considered a taboo subject that is difficult to talk about. Many women who suffer feel they are shut down and that their symptoms aren’t taken seriously. They end up believing that their experiences of menstruation are normal.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition that impacts those born female. It involves cells similar to the ones lining the womb growing elsewhere in the body ‒ usually within and around the abdominal cavity. These cells swell and bleed in reaction to the menstrual cycle each month but there is no way for this blood to leave the body. The result is inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.
It is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK, suffered by 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, 1.5 million people.
Symptoms of the condition vary from person to person ‒ pelvic or abdominal pain, menorrhagia, pain during or after sex, pain and difficulty with urination or bowel movements, fertility issues, fatigue and exhaustion.
The wide presentation makes diagnosis challenging ‒ a situation which can only be exacerbated if women don’t feel that their experience and their symptoms are taken seriously. On average it takes eight years from onset of symptoms to get a diagnosis and there is no definitive cure, only treatment of the symptoms.
Endometriosis awareness
Lexi Tsalkitzoglou is an endometriosis sufferer. She runs a support group in Birmingham for those with the condition, on behalf of Endometriosis UK.
She spoke to me about life with the condition and the difference that better awareness of the condition could make to her and the millions of others who suffer.
“I think any awareness around endometriosis is positive. Having that awareness on social media platforms through celebrities just shines a light,” she said. “Having more stories of personal journeys is going to hopefully make more people feel that this is something that they maybe relate to or have experienced […] there’s so little education around the condition. I think with better education, better awareness, better understanding of the condition, the impact that it has will help to generate more healthy conversation to create better awareness and better routes for support, whether that’s medically or otherwise.”
Living with endometriosis
Lexi is also clear about the effect that endometriosis has had on her life.
“It impacts me on a daily basis. It is something that has played a part in my career, in my relationships with family and friends, with what I’m able to experience in my personal and social life. It impacts my mental well-being. It can be a complete rollercoaster that doesn’t have an end destination unfortunately. This can feel, sometimes, that you’re continuously talking and sharing your experiences and for some it can often feel like you’re not being listened to at all.
“That emotional and mental toll, as well as the physical, can be horrendous.”
She added: “Some days I can be okay and I can go about and I can work and I can socialise and I can talk. Other days I’m completely bedbound. I’m in immense pain. It can really impact every inch of your life.”
Endometriosis Action Month
Last month, March, was Endometriosis Action Month.
Endometriosis UK found that 6 out of 10 of our teenagers don’t know when to seek medical help for problem periods. Lexi thinks that having a dedicated time to highlight the condition can help but, nonetheless, more needs to be done.
“These awareness campaigns are fantastic, but these conversations must continue far further than just Endometriosis Action Month. It needs to become part of our daily vocabulary,” she said. “The awareness month encourages others to reach out and get to know more about the condition and the impact that it has. I think the message would be that you’re not alone. And you are heard. It’s not just a bad period. It’s not something we should ignore.”
Her final message was clear.
“We need to normalise these conversations. We need to start listening to women.”
Join the conversation
Lexi pointed to the many different places that sufferers with the condition can find support and advice or just share their experiences.
“There’s loads of great advice on Endometriosis UK’s website,” she said. “There are support groups across the UK of like-minded individuals, all facing different challenges at different stages of their journey. We’re a fantastic group of individuals that are here to listen without judgement and support in any way that we can.”
To join the conversation, follow Endometriosis UK on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Friends of Bylines Network
There has never been a greater need for grassroots journalism that investigates the stories that really matter, holds power to account and champions the voices of everyday citizens. We are proudly powered by volunteers but what we do isn’t free.
STAND WITH US for independent, citizen-led journalism that makes democracy stronger, and you will even get some exclusive benefits.
