Breaking the Stigma: Endometriosis, Chronic Illness, and Workplace Support
Why We Need to Talk About Endometriosis at Work
When Australian radio host Marty Sheargold dismissed endometriosis as “made up” and suggested women were “diagnosing themselves,” he didn’t just make an ignorant remark—he reinforced the same outdated attitudes that have harmed people with endometriosis for years.
Endometriosis is not made up. It’s not just “bad period pain.” It’s a chronic, debilitating condition that affects 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth, yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed and misunderstood health issues.
For many of us, working with endometriosis means battling through exhaustion, brain fog, and severe pain while trying to keep up with our careers. But when public figures spread misinformation like this, it only makes it harder for people with chronic illnesses to be taken seriously—in the doctor’s office, in the workplace, and in everyday life.
Let’s break the silence and set the record straight.
What Is Endometriosis? More Than Just ‘Bad Periods’
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, leading to inflammation, scarring, and severe pain. It can cause:
✔ Chronic pelvic pain – pain that doesn’t just come with periods but can last all month.
✔ Severe fatigue – many people with endo struggle with exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep.
✔ Brain fog – difficulty concentrating or finding words due to inflammation and fatigue.
✔ Nausea and digestive issues – often misdiagnosed as IBS.
✔ Fertility struggles – endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility.
Despite how common it is, diagnosis takes an average of 8 years. Many people with endo are dismissed, told their pain is “normal,” or advised to just “take a painkiller.” This dismissal extends into the workplace, where flexibility and accommodations are rarely offered.
The Reality of Working with Endometriosis
Some days, I can power through my to-do list like a productivity machine. Other days, the pain is so severe that I can’t walk, let alone work. That’s the unpredictable nature of endometriosis at work.
Yet, despite this, many of us push through because we feel we have to. We hide our symptoms out of fear of being seen as unprofessional, unreliable, or “weak.” But why should we?
The truth is, people with chronic illnesses aren’t less capable—we just need workplaces that support us. This article by Nisha Kumar Kulkarni was an interesting read based on stats in the U.S.
What Workplaces Need to Understand About Endometriosis
📌 Flexible working isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Remote work, adjusted hours, or simply the option to take a break when needed can make a world of difference.
📌 Productivity isn’t just about hours worked—it’s about impact.
People with endometriosis often develop incredible resilience, problem-solving skills, and efficiency because we’ve had to learn how to work through adversity. Trusting employees to manage their workload in a way that works for them leads to better results for everyone.
📌 Talking about chronic illness at work reduces stigma.
When businesses normalise conversations about health, it creates an environment where employees feel safe asking for support instead of suffering in silence.
How Employers & Colleagues Can Support People with Endometriosis
💛 Listen & Believe – If someone tells you they’re in pain, believe them. Endometriosis isn’t ‘just cramps.’
💛 Offer Flexibility – Whether it’s remote work, flexible hours, or deadline adjustments, small accommodations go a long way.
💛 Advocate for Better Policies – If your company doesn’t have policies supporting chronic illness, be the person who starts the conversation.
💛 Create a Supportive Culture – Encourage open dialogue about health without fear of judgment.
A Call to Action: Let’s Make Workplaces More Inclusive
I know I’m not alone in this. So many of us navigate careers while managing invisible illnesses, often in silence. But we shouldn’t have to choose between our health and our work.
If this resonates with you—whether you have endo, another chronic illness, or want to be an ally—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
🔹 What’s one thing your workplace does (or could do) to support employees with chronic conditions?
Let’s keep this conversation going – connect with me on LinkedIn! 👇
