Endometriosis is a chronic, often misunderstood condition that affects approximately 1 in 9 women and people assigned female at birth. Yet for many, it remains undiagnosed for years, dismissed as “normal period pain” or something women are expected to endure.

For those living with it, endometriosis can be life-altering -  impacting physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

Understanding what endometriosis truly is, and how deeply it can affect women’s lives, is an important step toward awareness, compassion, and better support.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. These growths are most commonly found in the pelvis - on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments, bladder, bowel, and surrounding tissues - but they can appear elsewhere in the body.

Unlike normal uterine tissue, this misplaced tissue has no way to exit the body during the menstrual cycle. Each month, it responds to hormonal changes, leading to:

• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Irritation of surrounding tissues
• Formation of scar tissue (adhesions)
• Chronic pain and nerve sensitisation

Over time, this ongoing inflammatory process can result in worsening symptoms and widespread discomfort.

More Than Period Pain

One of the most damaging myths around endometriosis is that it’s “just painful periods.” In reality, the pain can be constant, unpredictable, and severe, often extending far beyond menstruation.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pelvic and abdominal pain
• Painful periods that worsen over time
• Pain during or after intimacy
• Lower back and leg pain
• Bowel and bladder discomfort
• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Headaches, nausea, and bloating

Many women experience nerve-related pain, meaning the nervous system becomes hypersensitive, amplifying discomfort even when inflammation is low.

The Hidden Mental and Emotional Impact

Living with persistent pain takes a toll far beyond the physical body. Many women with endometriosis report:

• Anxiety around flare-ups
• Depression linked to chronic pain and exhaustion
• Feelings of isolation or not being believed
• Guilt for cancelling plans or needing rest
• Loss of confidence in their bodies

The unpredictable nature of endometriosis can make it difficult to plan work, social events, or family life, often leading women to feel they must constantly “push through” or hide their pain.

Impact on Work, Relationships & Daily Life

Endometriosis can significantly disrupt everyday functioning.

Work & Productivity

Many women miss work or struggle to maintain full-time employment due to pain, fatigue, or brain fog. Absences and reduced productivity can affect career progression and financial security.

Relationships & Intimacy

Pain during intimacy, mood changes, and exhaustion can strain relationships. Partners may struggle to understand the invisible nature of the condition, leaving women feeling misunderstood or alone.

Fertility & Identity

For some, endometriosis affects fertility, adding emotional distress and grief around family planning. This can deeply impact identity, self-worth, and mental health.

 A Chronic Inflammatory Condition

Endometriosis is increasingly understood as a chronic inflammatory and immune-related condition, not just a hormonal one. Research suggests involvement of:

• Immune system dysregulation
• Chronic inflammation
• Nerve sensitisation
• Endocannabinoid system imbalance

This understanding has opened the door to broader, more holistic support approaches that focus on calming inflammation, supporting nerve health, and restoring balance within the body.

Living With Endometriosis: Finding Support

While there is currently no cure, many women find relief through a multi-layered approach, which may include:

• Medical care and specialist support
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition
• Gentle movement and pelvic care
• Stress management and nervous system regulation
• Natural compounds that support inflammation and pain pathways

One of the most promising natural support options involves two powerful compounds: Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP).

How Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) & Beta-Caryophyllene May Support Women With Endometriosis

As research into endometriosis evolves, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the condition is not just hormonal — it also involves chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and heightened nerve sensitivity. This is where natural compounds like Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) are gaining attention.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

PEA is a naturally occurring fatty-acid compound produced by the body in response to pain and inflammation. In women with endometriosis, PEA may help by:

• Calming chronic inflammation
• Supporting immune balance
• Reducing nerve hypersensitivity and pain signalling
• Supporting the body’s own protective and healing responses

PEA is especially valued for conditions involving persistent pelvic pain and nerve-driven discomfort, both common features of endometriosis.

Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP)

Beta-Caryophyllene is a plant-based terpene found in foods like black pepper and clove. What makes BCP unique is its ability to directly activate CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system — a system that plays a key role in regulating pain, inflammation, mood, and stress responses.

BCP may help support women with endometriosis by:

• Reducing inflammatory signalling
• Supporting pain modulation
• Helping regulate stress and emotional balance
• Supporting overall nervous system calm

Why They Work Well Together

PEA and BCP work through complementary pathways, offering a gentle yet effective approach to supporting endometriosis-related discomfort. Together, they help calm inflammation, soothe overactive nerves, and support the body’s natural ability to restore balance - without psychoactive effects.

If you’re living with endometriosis and seeking gentle, natural support, our CB2 Relief+ capsules - formulated with PEA and Beta-Caryophyllene - are a considered choice to help calm inflammation, soothe discomfort, and support everyday balance.

Final Thoughts

Endometriosis is real. It’s complex. And it deserves far more understanding than it often receives.

For the women living with it every day, support isn’t just about symptom relief - it’s about restoring dignity, comfort, confidence, and quality of life. Education, compassion, and accessible support options play a powerful role in helping women feel less alone and more in control of their wellbeing.

If you’re living with endometriosis and seeking gentle, natural support, our CB2 Relief+ capsules - formulated with PEA and Beta-Caryophyllene - are a considered choice to help calm inflammation, soothe discomfort, and support everyday balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Endometriosis

Q: What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, pain, and scarring that can affect daily life.

Q: What are the most common symptoms of endometriosis?

Symptoms may include severe pelvic pain, painful periods, fatigue, pain during intimacy, bowel or bladder discomfort, and chronic inflammation.

Q: Is endometriosis just bad period pain?

No. Endometriosis pain can be constant, worsen over time, and occur outside of menstrual cycles. Many women experience nerve-related and inflammatory pain daily.

Q: How does endometriosis affect mental health?

Living with chronic pain can contribute to anxiety, low mood, stress, and feelings of isolation—especially when symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood.

Q: Is endometriosis an inflammatory condition?

Yes. Endometriosis is increasingly recognised as a chronic inflammatory and immune-related condition involving nerve sensitisation and systemic inflammation.

Q: Are there natural ways to support endometriosis symptoms?

Many women use a holistic approach that may include anti-inflammatory nutrition, gentle movement, stress management, and natural compounds that support inflammation and pain pathways.

Q: How may PEA and Beta-Caryophyllene help with endometriosis?

PEA may help calm inflammation and nerve sensitivity, while Beta-Caryophyllene activates CB2 receptors involved in pain and immune regulation, offering natural, non-psychoactive support.