Every woman goes through menstrual cycles every month. It’s a normal part of being a woman. However, sometimes situations get complicated when women experience symptoms that are common with menstruation but also with endometriosis.

Knowing the difference between these two conditions is crucial to managing them effectively. Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects one in every ten women in their reproductive years. During this condition, endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, which can cause pain and discomfort.

What is menstruation?

Menstruation is a process in which the uterus lining sheds through the vagina. It is a process that occurs every month in women during their fertile age. The process of menstruation is vital as it indicates that the ovary has released an egg.

If the egg does not get fertilized by sperm, then the uterus lining breaks down and exit from the vagina that women can see or feel. A period usually lasts between three to five days.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvis.

The endometrial tissue forms lesions or nodules which can cause internal bleeding, inflammation, and adhesions. Symptoms of endometriosis include severe menstrual cramps, heavy periods, pain during sex, and infertility. However, some women may not experience any symptoms until it progresses to the later stage.

Do periods and endometriosis have the same symptoms?

Most women experience mild to moderate pain during their menstrual cycle, but it’s not the same pain that women experience with endometriosis.

Women with endometriosis experience severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, and lower back pain that lasts for several days before and after the menstrual cycle. Pain during intercourse, bowel movements, and urination are common with endometriosis.

Do periods and endometriosis have the same menstrual cycle?

Women with endometriosis usually have longer or irregular menstrual cycles with heavier blood flow compared to women with normal periods. They may also experience spotting or bleeding between the period, which is not typical of normal periods.

Can periods and endometriosis have the same bloating and diarrhea symptoms?

Bloating and diarrhea are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, but they can also occur with endometriosis.

Women with endometriosis may experience bloating, gas, and constipation during their menstrual cycle and can often mistaken for gastrointestinal issues.

Can periods and endometriosis have the same fatigue and mood swings?

Women with endometriosis may feel tired and experience mood swings during their menstrual cycle, but these symptoms are more common with premenstrual syndrome.

Fatigue and mood swings in women with endometriosis are usually linked to the severity of pain and the impact of the disease on their quality of life.

How to differentiate between a period and endometriosis

It can be challenging to differentiate between a period and endometriosis symptoms. However, there are some differences that can help in distinguishing between the two.

: Timing and Duration

The pain in endometriosis usually lasts for more several days during and after the menstrual cycle. Women with endometriosis may also experience spotting or bleeding between their periods which is not usual for normal periods.

: Intensity of pain

The pain sensation women experience with endometriosis is more intense than the pain that occurs during a period. Pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen and pelvis region.

Sometimes women also experience pain during sex, bowel movements, and urination.

: Bloating and diarrhea

Bloating and diarrhea are common premenstrual symptoms, but women with endometriosis may experience extreme bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, which are not normal.

: Fatigue

Fatigue is common during a menstrual cycle, but the fatigue related to endometriosis is beyond the normal range. Women who experience endometriosis may suffer from chronic fatigue and exhaustion.

: Mood swings

Mood swings are common during periods, but women with endometriosis may experience severe depression or anxiety because pain and discomfort are part of their everyday life and affect their quality of life.

Conclusion

Periods and endometriosis have some similar symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, fatigue, and diarrhea, but their intensity and duration are different.

Knowing the difference and early detection of endometriosis can help women manage better and prevent long-term complications.