What We Wish the World Understood About Living With Endometriosis
(Spoiler: It’s Not Just “Bad Periods” and Mood Swings)
The Reality Check: It’s Not Just Period Pain
If one more person says “I get bad cramps too,” we’re sending them a heat pack and a heartfelt “go away”.
Endometriosis isn’t “just cramps.” It’s a chronic, inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining decides your uterus isn’t enough real estate and sets up shop elsewhere — like your ovaries, bladder, or intestines. Imagine a body where pain is the soundtrack, bloating is the fashion, and fatigue is your emotional support animal.
It’s not rare, it’s not dramatic, and it’s definitely not all in our heads.
The Daily Struggle You Don’t See
Endo doesn’t clock off at 5pm. The pain lingers like an unpaid intern who never leaves.
Some days it’s dull. Other days it’s like being punched from the inside while smiling through a meeting.
We look “fine,” because we’ve mastered the art of pretending. But behind every “I’m okay” is a heat pack, painkillers, and a quiet mental negotiation about whether getting out of bed is worth it.
And that “endo belly” you see? No, we’re not pregnant — just perpetually betrayed by our own organs.
We’re not dramatic — we’re just living in a body that screams even when it whispers.
The Medical Circus (a.k.a. Diagnosis Bingo)
If we had a dollar for every time someone said “It’s just stress,” we’d have our own research fund by now.
Most of us spend years — sometimes a decade — being bounced around by doctors, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. The average time to diagnosis is 7–10 years. That’s longer than my first marriage.
And the gender bias in medicine? Chef’s kiss. Women’s pain is still under-researched, under-treated, and under-believed. We don’t need another prescription for the Pill; we need systemic change and medical professionals who listen the first time.
Relationships, Work, and ‘Functioning’
Endo doesn’t politely stay in one part of life. It crashes every party.
We cancel plans, not because we’re flaky, but because standing upright feels like an extreme sport.
We take sick days, not because we’re lazy, but because the pain is paralysing.
We miss out on social events, intimacy, and sometimes even career opportunities — all while people wonder why we “don’t just push through.”
We’re not ghosting you. Our uterus just double-booked us with pain.
The Emotional Load (and the Rage)
There’s the pain — and then there’s the rage.
The frustration of being dismissed. The exhaustion of constantly explaining yourself. The guilt of feeling unreliable.
We carry it all with a side of dark humour, because if we don’t laugh, we might actually combust.
Living with endo is like juggling chainsaws while smiling for the crowd. Some days you feel powerful. Other days you’re one “have you tried yoga?” away from a public meltdown.
If you’re tired, angry, or crying into your heat pack — you’re not alone. You’re part of a very sarcastic, very strong sisterhood.
What We Wish People Did Instead
If you really want to help — start here:
Believe us. The first time. Without question.
Stop comparing pain. Your period ≠ our daily endurance test.
Offer practical support.“Want me to drop off food?” > “Have you tried essential oils?”
Learn the basics.Awareness is free — ignorance costs lives.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is, “That sounds awful. How can I help?”
The Shebie Mic Drop
Endometriosis doesn’t define us — but it’s shaped who we are: tougher, louder, and armed with sarcasm sharp enough to cut through red tape.
We’re not asking for sympathy. We’re demanding awareness, better research, and a world that listens without making us beg for it.
So believe us. Support us.
And maybe, hand us a snack — we’ve earned it.
Written by Kristy The Shebie Foundation*
Because awareness doesn’t have to be polite — it just has to be heard.
#EndoAwareness #ShebieSays #LaughThroughThePain
Disclaimer
The Shebie Foundation provides educational and community-based content for awareness purposes only. This article is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about endometriosis or other health conditions.
