Could it be endo?

Lena Dunham, among other stars, discussed her struggle with endometriosis, a disorder in which tissue that normally grows inside the uterus starts to grow outside it. Up to 15% of women have endo but it’s not a condition many are aware of, says gynaecologist Dr Jamie Renslo. Thanks to the media, though, more women with abnormal bleeding are wondering whether endo is the cause. Heavy periods and spotting are two symptoms, but a better indicator? Your cramps. “The severity of the pain is the distinguishing factor,” says Dr Renslo. These cramps are usually so intense they affect your quality of life. Surgery is needed to confirm a diagnosis, so if your doctor suspects endo, they may try to treat it first.