Living with Endometriosis: Symptoms, Treatments & Natural Relief
Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting around 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth, yet it often goes undiagnosed for years. It happens when tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus — on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder, and in some cases, further afield. Every month, this tissue reacts to hormones just like the womb does, but with nowhere to go. The result? Inflammation, internal bleeding, scar tissue, and pain that can feel overwhelming.
I know, because I live with it. My own battle with endometriosis has shaped not only my health, but also the reason I started Wild Potion.
How Long Does It Take to Diagnose Endometriosis?
In the UK, the average time to diagnosis is 8 years. That means nearly a decade of:
- Pain being brushed off as “just bad periods.”
- Being told to try the pill or stronger painkillers.
- Endless GP visits and referrals before anyone mentions the word 'endometriosis'
This delay isn’t just frustrating, it can affect fertility, mental health, and long-term wellbeing. Awareness and advocacy are essential.
Endometriosis Treatments: What Are the Options?
Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis, but treatments can help manage symptoms:
Pain management Anti-inflammatories, prescription painkillers, and nerve-blocking medications.
Hormone therapy The pill, IUS coil, or injections that suppress ovulation and reduce symptoms.
Surgery Laparoscopy to remove or burn away endometriosis tissue. Relief is possible, but recurrence is common.
Fertility treatment IVF may be offered when endometriosis impacts chances of conceiving.
Charities like Endometriosis UK campaign for shorter diagnosis times, better access to care, and more research funding. They also provide vital support through helplines, groups, and resources.
Managing Endometriosis Naturally: Everyday Relief
For many of us, daily management is as important as medical treatment. Small rituals and lifestyle changes can make a difference:
Heat therapy Hot water bottles, heat pads, and warm baths to ease cramping.
Herbal teas Ginger, Nettle, turmeric, peppermint, and lemon balm can soothe bloating, calm digestion, and support relaxation.
Diet adjustments An anti-inflammatory approach, cutting back processed sugar, and noticing which foods trigger flares.
Gentle movement Yoga, stretching, or walking can help circulation and release tension.
Self-care rituals Building in time for rest, relaxation, and emotional support.
These aren’t luxuries. For me, they became survival tools. A hot water bottle pressed against my stomach. A cup of calming herbal tea. Choosing foods that fuel rather than flare. They don’t take the pain away completely, but they give me moments of relief, and that matters.
Why I Started Wild Potion
Endometriosis is the reason I created Wild Potion. Living with a chronic condition taught me that wellness isn’t about trends, it’s about finding comfort and balance when life feels unmanageable. That’s why I make products that soothe, nourish, and support from the inside out: teas, oils, and little “potions” designed to ease tension and bring comfort.
Endometriosis is invisible to most, but for those living with it, it shapes everything. If you think you may have symptoms, painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, fatigue, fertility struggles, don’t dismiss them. Seek advice. Push for answers. Your pain is real.
And to those already living with it: I see you. You’re not alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endometriosis
What are the first signs of endometriosis?
Common symptoms include painful or heavy periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, fatigue, and fertility struggles. Symptoms vary, and not everyone experiences them in the same way.
How do you manage endometriosis pain naturally?
Many find relief with heat therapy, herbal teas, anti-inflammatory foods, and gentle movement like yoga. While these don’t cure the condition, they can ease day-to-day discomfort.
Does diet really help with endometriosis?
Research is ongoing, but some people report fewer flare-ups when following an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing sugar and processed foods, and focusing on whole, nutrient-rich meals.
Wild Potion was born from my own experience with endometriosis. My goal is to turn pain into purpose by creating products that support comfort and wellbeing, inside and out.