Understanding Endometriosis
Why awareness matters in the workplace (and how we can support each other)
Endometriosis is a condition that affects around one in ten women, yet it’s still often misunderstood – and for many, it can feel frustratingly invisible. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, which makes it a perfect moment to build understanding and offer practical, human support to colleagues who may be living with the condition.
What the condition involves
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb (endometrium) starts to grow elsewhere and attaches to other
organs, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Symptoms can vary widely: some people experience manageable discomfort, while others cope with severe pain, fatigue, and flare ups that affect everyday routines.
What makes endometriosis particularly tough is that it can be hard to spot from the outside. Someone may look “fine” in a meeting while quietly managing pain and fatigue. Because symptoms are often normalised or mistaken for “just bad periods,” many people experience long delays in diagnosis, which can add to the stress and uncertainty of living with the condition.
The day-to-day impact at work
Endometriosis can affect your working life in ways that aren’t always obvious to others. Pain and fatigue can make it harder to concentrate, and even sitting still for long periods can feel uncomfortable or draining. Flare ups can also arrive without much warning, which can make it tricky to plan ahead for long meetings, travel days, presentations, or customer visits.
And it’s not just the physical symptoms – the emotional load can be real too. People with the condition might worry about being seen as unreliable, feel guilty about needing time off, or feel unsure about how to explain what’s going on without feeling exposed.
For colleagues and teams, this is a useful reminder that not all health challenges are obvious, and someone’s “off day” may have a real underlying reason. Because reproductive health can still feel like a private topic, many people try to push through silently – which can increase stress and, over time, contribute to burnout.
A workplace culture where people feel comfortable being believed, supported, and able to ask for simple flexibility benefits everyone, because it reduces stigma and helps people manage their wellbeing without feeling they have to trade professionalism for self care.
Small acts of understanding that make a difference
Support doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Often, it’s everyday behaviours that make someone
feel safe and respected – like being flexible where possible, being mindful with language, and trusting people when they say they’re struggling.
Here are a few practical ways anyone can help create a more supportive environment:
- Assume good intent: If someone seems quieter, slower, or less engaged, avoid jumping to conclusions.
- Be inclusive in how you plan: Where possible, offer breaks in long sessions and avoid scheduling back to back meetings without breathing space.
- Keep language respectful: Avoid jokes or dismissive comments about periods, pain, or “just getting on with it.”
- Offer support, not solutions: A simple “Is there anything you need?” can be more helpful than advice.
- Normalise flexibility: Treat health needs as normal – because they are.
Why awareness matters
Endometriosis Awareness Month isn’t about putting anyone on the spot. It’s about creating a workplace culture where people feel believed, supported, and able to do their best work without hiding what they’re dealing with.
When teams understand invisible health conditions better, they become kinder, more flexible, and more human – and that benefits everyone.
By continuing to build awareness and normalising open, compassionate conversations around endometriosis, we help ensure that no one feels they have to struggle in silence. Small acts of empathy, trust, and flexibility can collectively create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported – not just during awareness months, but every day.