Skip to main content I’ve had painful periods since I was 10 years old.
Growing up in Malaysia, I was taught that periods are painful but should never be discussed openly. No one explained why I had periods, what was normal, or why the pain was so unbearable. When I complained, I was told to “deal with it” and that I was “overreacting.” I learned to suffer in silence, not realizing that something might actually be wrong.
As the years went on, the pain intensified. I began to experience irregular bleeding around ovulation, and my health began to deteriorate. It wasn’t until my early twenties that I went in for my first laparoscopy. As an Indian woman, going to a gynaecologist was something I kept hidden, fearing the judgment of my family.
The laparoscopy revealed no endometriosis but showed severe adhesions around my right ovary and ribs. From that point on, my journey became a cycle of seeking help from numerous specialists, undergoing countless scans, and enduring almost five surgeries. Finally, I was diagnosed with mild adenomyosis and very mild endometriosis.
Getting that diagnosis brought some relief, as it meant my pain was not imaginary. However, it also marked the start of an even more challenging road.
During this time, I struggled with my career and education. The chronic pain, fatigue, and irregular bleeding made it difficult for me to focus on university and work. I missed deadlines, failed to show up, and lost several jobs because my employers couldn’t understand what was happening to me. I was often labelled as lazy, weak, and not “good enough.” It wasn’t just the physical pain—it was the emotional burden of not being understood by the people I loved most.
Eventually, after years of doctors recommending that I get pregnant, my partner and I decided to try. We knew it might help with my pelvic pain, and we hoped it would give us some relief. Miraculously, pregnancy did change my life in many ways. The pelvic pain was somewhat controlled, and my overall health improved. However, the joy of pregnancy came with judgment from our families. They condemned us for being selfish, for deciding to have a child before marriage. After giving birth, my condition improved significantly. I had no pain during my periods. But when my child turned one, I started to feel the endo pain return. Ten days before my period, the pain would start to build. As months passed, it became worse, especially in my ribs. Now, my doctors at the emergency department are suggesting the possibility of liver endometriosis, as the pain has been radiating from my liver as well.
Though the journey has been incredibly challenging, it has also taught me resilience. My pregnancy brought temporary relief, but the ongoing battle with endometriosis reminds me of how unpredictable and relentless this condition can be.
I hope sharing my story can help others who are suffering in silence.