Myths & Misunderstandings

Endometriosis truths and fact checking is difficult, if not seemingly impossible. Cut through confusion with evidence-based answers, correcting common myths about endometriosis and adenomyosis—from symptoms after menopause to HRT safety and surgical choices—to help you make informed decisions with your care team.

Overview

Endometriosis and adenomyosis live in a fog of gaslighting myths that delay diagnosis and push people toward unhelpful choices. This resource separates evidence from assumptions: what imaging can and can’t show, why pain that disrupts school or work isn’t “normal,” and how treatments—from hormonal therapy to excision—actually work best together. It also clarifies where the conditions differ: endometriosis grows outside the uterus, while adenomyosis occurs in the uterine muscle, so surgical decisions and fertility implications diverge.

Expect clear, practical explanations you can use in appointments: when a hysterectomy makes sense (often for adenomyosis, not endometriosis alone), why pregnancy or menopause rarely “cure” disease, and what realistic goals look like for pain, fertility, and long‑term health. Short guides point to deeper dives in Diagnostics & Imaging, Surgery, Medical Management, Fertility & Reproductive Health, and Menopause & Hormonal Transitions. Learn to spot red flags for look‑alike or coexisting issues in Related Conditions and when specialty teams improve outcomes, supporting confident, timely decisions without overtreatment or undertreatment.

Does pregnancy or menopause cure endometriosis?

Pregnancy and menopause can suppress symptoms by lowering or stabilizing hormonal stimulation, but they do not reliably eradicate lesions. Many people experience disease progression and pain postpartum or after menopause, especially with deep disease or extra‑pelvic sites; HRT can be used cautiously when indicated after a correct diagnosis and under expert guidance. For planning and risk discussion, see Pregnancy and Menopause & Hormonal Transitions.

If my ultrasound or MRI is normal, does that mean I don’t have endometriosis?

NO. Standard imaging often misses superficial peritoneal disease and highly depends on how the tests are ordered, how they are performed and who reads them. Imaging is much better at detecting endometriomas and deep infiltrating lesions and is helpful for surgical planning. Diagnosis relies on symptoms, exam, and expert imaging, with surgical confirmation being the gold standard wherever possible; explore Ultrasound, MRI, and Diagnostics & Imaging.

Will a hysterectomy cure my pain from endometriosis?

Hysterectomy removes the uterus but endometriosis commonly lives outside it, so pain will persist if lesions that are not on or around the uterus aren’t fully excised. Most often, endometriosis implants exist in multiple areas of the pelvis and abdomen, and even beyond. Hysterectomy may be definitive for symptomatic Adenomyosis or fibroids and sometimes accompanies excision for complex cases if fertility is no longer desired. Decisions should be based on pre-operative and intra-operative disease mapping and Excision Surgery within a comprehensive Surgery plan.

Are hormonal treatments just masking symptoms and risky long term?

Hormonal therapies reduce ovulation, bleeding, and inflammatory signaling, which can meaningfully lower pain and flares; they don’t remove lesions. Most options (e.g., progesterone, combined pills, progestins) have well‑known safety profiles that may allow prolonged use, while GnRH analogs require bone protection and time limits with potential long term consequences. Choice and sequencing with surgery are individualized; see Medical Management.

Can diet, supplements, acupuncture, or pelvic PT cure endometriosis?

Integrative endometriosis treatment approaches and pelvic PT can ease pain, improve gut and pelvic function, and reduce flares, but they do not eliminate endometriosis. Best outcomes often combine medical or surgical care with evidence‑informed lifestyle and rehabilitation strategies. Explore Nutrition, Supplements, Integrative & Holistic Medicine, Pelvic Floor PT, and At-Home Remedies.