Severe period pain is not normal.

If you or your loved one are missing school, work and other activities because of your period, please speak to your doctor.

Endometriosis is a chronic disorder where tissue that looks similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. In some cases these cells form shallow deposits, while in others deeply infiltrating nodules develop and can involve underlying organs. Bleeding and inflammation from these lesions can lead to the formation of bands of scar tissue called adhesions, sticking organs and structures together even when the lesions are inactive.

The severity and types of symptoms can vary between people with endometriosis but the most common are: pain during periods, sex or ovulation (when an egg is released from your ovary each month) chronic pain in the pelvis, lower back and legs fatigue and/or nausea bowel and bladder pain when going to the toilet constipation and/or diarrhoea difficulty falling pregnant (infertility) heavy or irregular bleeding There is no cure for endometriosis, however symptoms can be managed through medicines, surgery and/or lifestyle changes.