Episode 94: You Might Have Endometriosis and Not Know It

If you have been told your painful periods are normal, your recurrent UTIs are just bad luck, or your fatigue is just stress, this episode is the conversation you have been waiting for.In This Episode, We Answer:What is endometriosis and who can have it?Can you have endometriosis without fertility problems?What are the symptoms of endometriosis beyond painful periods?What does endometriosis have to do with gut health?Does stress make endometriosis worse?Key Takeaways:Endometriosis is an immune condition, not just a hormonal one. The tissue responds to hormones, but the root is immunological. This is why it shows up after menopause, after hysterectomy, and in people with no menstrual symptoms at all.Recurrent UTIs with negative cultures, period-related digestive chaos, cyclical fatigue, hip pain that comes and goes, shortness of breath with your cycle — all of these can be endometriosis. The symptom picture is far wider than most people are told.Chronic stress makes endometriosis worse in two distinct ways: it causes lesion growth directly, and it sensitizes pain pathways so that the same signals produce more intense pain. Addressing the nervous system is not optional in endo treatment — it is part of the protocol.Quick Answers (FAQ):Q: Can you have endometriosis without fertility problems?A: Yes. Many people with endometriosis have no fertility issues. Some have no menstrual symptoms at all. The disease does not always produce the symptoms you would expect, and symptoms do not correlate with disease severity. We go deeper into this at 09:52.Q: What does endometriosis have to do with gut health?A: The abdomen is like a pool. Endometrial lesions create inflammatory chaos that affects every organ in that space, including the bowel. This causes diarrhea, constipation, incomplete evacuation, reflux, and nausea. And gut bacteria determine 40 to 60% of insulin signaling, which drives lesion growth. Gut health and endo are bidirectional. We go deeper into this at 10:18.Q: Does stress make endometriosis worse?A: Yes, in two measurable ways. Chronic stress directly causes endometrial lesions to grow. It also causes central sensitization, where the nervous system over-responds to pain signals, making existing pain significantly worse. We go deeper into this at 20:13.Q: What are the symptoms of endometriosis beyond painful periods?A: Recurrent UTIs with negative cultures, cyclical fatigue, lightning rod rectal pain, digestive symptoms that worsen with your cycle, pain with a full bladder, hip or rib pain that comes and goes monthly, shortness of breath with menses, and deep pain with intercourse. We go deeper into this at 06:26.Resources Mentioned:Related episodes: Episode 27 and Episode 30 with Dr. Lauryn Dingwall on endometriosis and fertilityEMDR, somatic therapy, and hypnotherapy: referenced as nervous system tools used alongside medical and naturopathic treatmentBook a visit: advancedwomenshealth.caEmail: [email protected] Episodes:Episode 27: Endometriosis and Fertility with Dr. Lauryn DingwallEpisode 30: Endometriosis and Fertility Part 2 with Dr. Lauryn DingwallEpisode 92: Fertility Masterclass Part 2, the immune system's role in getting and staying pregnantEpisode 88: Metabolic Rehab Type 3, gut hormones and inflammationConnect With Us:Website: advancedwomenshealth.caInstagram: @drsarah_nd | @advancedwomenshealthBook an appointment: advancedwomenshealth.caLeave a review: wherever you're listening, it helps other women find this episode