10 Ways Your Body Secretly Warns About Endometriosis

Endometriosis doesn’t always announce itself clearly — its symptoms can look like everyday issues, from intense period pain to digestive trouble or constant tiredness. Because of that, many people ignore signs that shouldn’t be overlooked. Your body may be giving you clues that deserve a closer look. Here are some of the most common red flags.

The content provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Menstrual pain that goes beyond the usual

Cramps are a part of menstruation, but the pain from endometriosis is a whole different level. If you experience sharp, stabbing pain that has you curled up in bed, missing work, or relying heavily on painkillers, it needs to be taken seriously.

Unlike normal cramps, which can fade after the first day or two of your period, endometriosis pain can start before bleeding even begins and last for days after your period ends. Some even experience intense discomfort between cycles. If your menstrual pain is interfering with your daily life, it’s not something to brush off—it could be a sign of endometriosis.

Digestive and urinary symptoms that seem off

Endometriosis can impact much more than your period — it can also cause significant digestive and urinary issues. Many people with the condition notice symptoms that resemble irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and pain when having a bowel movement.

It can also create sensations similar to a urinary tract infection (UTI) even when no infection is present. Needing to urinate frequently, feeling a burning sensation, or struggling to fully empty your bladder may all be connected to endometriosis.

Heavy, irregular, or unpredictable periods

If your periods are so heavy that you have to double up on pads, go through tampons too quickly, or wake up at night due to leaks, this could be a sign of endometriosis. Many people with the condition experience excessive menstrual bleeding or spotting between cycles.

Irregular periods can also be a symptom. If your cycle is unpredictable, excessively heavy, or seems to be getting worse over time, it’s worth getting checked out.

Chronic pelvic discomfort

Persistent pelvic pain — whether it feels heavy, achy, or suddenly sharp — can be a major warning sign, especially when it continues well beyond your period. This kind of pain often settles in the lower belly, lower back, or hips, and can make even simple daily activities feel draining.

“Endo belly”

One of the noticeable signs of endometriosis is the “endo belly,” when the lower belly suddenly becomes very bloated, tight, and hard — often around your period. It can cause pain, pressure, and swelling that may last hours, days, or even longer, and many people describe it as making them appear pregnant even though they aren’t.

A pregnancy belly, on the other hand, grows slowly and steadily as the baby and uterus expand, creating a more rounded bump that becomes more noticeable over time.

In comparison, when a large amount of gas builds up during digestion and can’t move through, the abdomen can look distended for a few minutes up to hours. This trapped gas may cause bloating, discomfort, abdominal pain, belching, flatulence, and a strong sense of fullness. The pressure can appear in any region of the abdomen — upper, lower, left, or right.

Mood swings, anxiety, and feeling mentally drained

Shifting hormones and persistent exhaustion can heavily impact mental well-being. Many women with endometriosis experience emotional ups and downs and increased feelings of anxiety.

If you’ve been feeling tense, overwhelmed, or struggling to stay mentally balanced, remember that you’re not going through this by yourself. Reaching out for professional care and connecting with others who share similar experiences can make a meaningful difference.

Pain that can be dismissed by doctors

This issue is one of the main barriers to receiving an endometriosis diagnosis. Countless people are told their symptoms are simply “normal period pain” or are advised to take birth control and carry on. But if your pain is constant and genuinely affecting you, don’t let anyone minimize it.

If you’ve visited several healthcare professionals who brushed off your concerns, continue advocating for yourself. While endometriosis is confirmed through laparoscopic surgery, a knowledgeable specialist can often recognize indications through your symptoms and imaging exams.

Lower back, hip, or leg pain that seems unrelated

Endometriosis pain isn’t always confined to the pelvic area. In some cases, the misplaced endometrial tissue can irritate nerves in the lower back and legs, causing sharp or radiating pain. You can even experience numbness or tingling in the legs, which can make walking and standing for long periods difficult.

Reproductive health struggles

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, undiagnosed endometriosis could be part of the problem.

The condition can create scar tissue, block fallopian tubes, and interfere with egg implantation, making conception more difficult. Even if you’re not trying for a baby now, knowing this early can help you plan for the future.

Crushing fatigue

If you’re constantly worn out even after a full night’s sleep, it may be a sign of endometriosis. This condition isn’t only about pain — it can drain your energy in a major way. Ongoing inflammation, hormonal disruptions, and persistent discomfort can leave you feeling depleted day after day.

Endometriosis-related fatigue goes far beyond ordinary tiredness — it’s the kind of deep exhaustion that makes getting out of bed difficult, affects your concentration at work, and takes the joy out of activities you once enjoyed.

Endometriosis shows how easy it is to overlook important signals from the body — and the same goes for another indicator almost no one pays attention to: poop. Check out the red flags that could reveal much more than you think.