Period Pain Isn’t Normal: Experts Warn

What if this pain wasn’t normal? Every month, millions of women grit their teeth. Thinking that suffering is part of the cycle. However, theendometriosis, she is not satisfied with a simple stomach ache. One in ten women would be affected, according to INSEE figures. Perhaps more, since many go undiagnosed.

“Pain is too often trivialized”

“LThe Compass of Invisible Ailments was born from a simple observation: pain is too often trivialized“, explain Justine Violeau, specialized dietician and co-founder of the Vendée association. Endometriosis is the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium… but outside the uterus. These tissues respond to hormones. They are bleeding. They ignite. They hurt. Everywhere.

“It can be on the rectum, the bladder, up to the diaphragm. We have even found lesions in the brain“, specifies Sarah Martineau, physiotherapist specializing in endometriosis and co-founder of the association. Contrary to popular belief, illness is not just about periods. Some women are in constant pain. “It could be during ovulation“, specifies the physiotherapist. And above all, the diagnosis is slow.

“On average, we have seven years of medical wandering before a diagnosis.”

Seven years. Seven years to consult. To doubt. To hear that “everything is fine”.

“Having pain during your period is not normal”

The message is clear. And he still bothers.

“Having pain during your period is not normal,” insists Sarah Martineau.

First reflex: consulter. Trained doctor, midwife, gynecologist. Because everything is at stake there.

“An untrained professional can miss it. You can read an MRI as normal… even though there is endometriosis everywhere”

The disease is complex. Multifactorial. And still poorly understood. Result: exhausted women. Physically. Mentally.

“There is very heavy chronic fatigue. And sometimes, a form of depression.”

The disease impacts everything: the workthe social lifel’privacy. Even the couple.

“Some women have pain during intercourse. The partner doesn’t always understand.”

“It’s not a fight, it’s a rebalancing”

Faced with the absence of curative treatment, another path opens up: that of overall support.

“We cannot cure, but we can improve the quality of life,” summarizes Justine Violeau.

Food. Sleep. Physical activity. Stress management. “Acting on these pillars helps reduce inflammation… and therefore pain.“But you still have to find the connection with your body.

“Some women talk about their pain as if from a third person. There is a form of dissociation,” says Sarah Martineau.

Hence the importance of reclaiming your body. Gently. “Yoga, for example, allows you to reconnect the pelvis and regain movement.“And above all, change your outlook.”It’s not a fight. It’s refocusing on yourself, stopping fighting against your body.” Inform. Listen. Relate. This is the mission that the Vendée association has given itself. She also accompanies loved ones. “Because the disease is rarely experienced alone“.

To note : an event EndoMouv is organized Sunday March 29 in La Roche-sur-Yon around adapted physical activity, and therapeutic education workshops (TEP) should emerge by the end of 2026 to support patients over several months.