A typical period usually lasts 3 - 7 days. It can be associated with some mild cramping, fatigue or mood changes. But none of these symptoms should disrupt your daily routine or leave you feeling constantly drained.

Endo periods can be more intense than a regular period. They can interfere with your daily life and be associated with significant pain. Endo periods can sometimes also be associated with pain when opening your bowels and can last more than 7 days. Symptoms can start before your period and linger long after it ends. They can also be associated with heavy periods. 

If your pain or bleeding is interfering with your daily life or leaves you constantly drained this is not something you should have to endure in silence. If you are soaking through pads/tampons every hour or passing clots bigger than a 10 cent coin, then I suggest you talk to a doctor. Bleeding for more than 7 days or feeling dizzy or exhausted every cycle is not normal and should be investigated.

Pain that stops you from participating in your normal life with friends, school or work or pain that does not respond to simple pain relief should be investigated.

Adenomyosis
A condition where endometrial-like tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, often causing heavy, painful periods and a bulky uterus.

Adhesions
Bands of fibrous scar tissue that form between organs or tissues, often from inflammation or surgery, which can cause pain or organ dysfunction.

Cul-de-sac/ Pouch of Douglas
A pelvic space behind the uterus where endometriosis lesions commonly collect.

Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE)
A severe form where endometriosis lesions penetrate deeply (more than 5 mm) below pelvic surfaces, often affecting organs like bowel or bladder.

Endometrium
The tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus and thickens each cycle before shedding in menstruation.

Endometrioma
A type of ovarian cyst formed by endometriosis tissue, often filled with thick, old blood (sometimes called a “chocolate cyst”).

Endometriosis
Inflammation of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), usually due to infection and not the same as endometriosis.

Endometritis
Inflammation of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), usually due to infection and not the same as endometriosis.

Estrogen-Dependent
Describes conditions (like endometriosis) that are influenced by the hormone estrogen, which can fuel tissue growth and symptoms.

Fibrosis
Thickening and scarring of connective tissue that contributes to stiff, painful areas in endometriosis lesions.

Implant (also known as a 'Lesion')
A patch of tissue similar to the uterine lining that grows outside the uterus, often responding to hormones and contributing to inflammation and pain.

Laparoscopy
A minimally invasive surgical procedure where a small camera is inserted into the abdomen to diagnose, biopsy, and remove endometriosis lesions.

Lesion
An area of abnormal tissue growth, similar to the uterine lining, found outside the uterus that can cause inflammation, pain, and scarring.

Peritoneum
The thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity; a frequent site where endometriosis implants appear.

Peritoneal Endometriosis
Endometriosis located on the surface of the peritoneum (the abdominal lining).

Pouch of Douglas
The lowest part of the pelvic cavity behind the uterus, a common site for endometriosis lesions.

Retrograde Menstruation
A theory where menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis instead of leaving the body, allowing endometrial cells to implant outside the uterus.

Scar Tissue
Fibrous tissue that forms as a healing response to inflammation or injury, often from endometriosis implants or surgery.

Superficial (Peritoneal) Endometriosis
Endometriosis that appears as small, surface patches on pelvic organs or the peritoneum.

Endometriosis Australia is a national charity providing education, awareness campaigns, research funding, programs, and support information for people affected by endometriosis.

EndoZone is an evidence-based endometriosis information platform co-created with people affected by the condition, supported by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and the Australian Government.

AEF is a community and support organisation for young people living with endometriosis, offering connection and empowerment.

ACE is a peak advocacy body representing endometriosis consumer groups and working to improve outcomes within Australia.

A specialist centre offering multidisciplinary care for people living with endometriosis, bringing together gynaecologists, pain specialists, pelvic physiotherapists and mental health professionals to support diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Learn more HERE.

If you’re looking to better understand endometriosis, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health provides clear, medically-backed information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment - helping you feel more informed, supported, and less alone in what you’re experiencing.

Local, state and online support groups listed via Endometriosis Australia - these are invaluable for connection and shared experiences. Find the listings HERE.

Practical, evidence-based support for managing persistent pelvic pain - Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia offers education, tools, and resources to help you better understand your pain and feel more in control of it.

A great free online resource to help better understand heav menstrual bleeding; causes, effects, treatment options, plus more. Provided by The Royal Women's Hospital, Australia's oldest specialist women's hospital.

WES is an international scientific society advancing evidence-based care, education and research collaborations.

WERF is a global organisation supporting collaborative research to improve understanding and treatment of endometriosis worldwide.

EndoFound is a US nonprofit focused on education, research support, advocacy and awareness about endometriosis and earlier diagnosis.