Endometriosis Awareness Month: The Hidden Cost of Endo—How Pain Shapes Identity, Confidence & Movement (And How to Reclaim It)
Pain and Identity — How Endo Re-Defines You
Endometriosis is often talked about in terms of its physical symptoms—painful periods, fatigue, bloating. But what’s not always acknowledged is the hidden cost of living with chronic pain: how it shapes your sense of self, confidence and even the way you move through the world.
At Ivoryrose Physiotherapy, we work with women every day who are navigating life with endo. We see how it can chip away at self-esteem, how it forces friends to cancel plans, avoid exercise, and generally just feel like their body is working against them. But we also see first hand how movement can be a powerful way to reclaim your body and confidence—on your own terms.
The Psychological Toll of Chronic Pain
Endometriosis doesn’t just cause pain—it alters how you see yourself. When you’re constantly dealing with discomfort, it’s easy to feel like your body is unpredictable or unreliable. The hobbies you once loved; whether it’s running, pilates or a night out dancing with friends—may start to feel out of reach. Even getting through a workday can feel like an uphill battle.
Over time this can impact mental health, leading to feelings of frustration, grief and even disconnection from the person you used to be. Endometriosis can change the way you dress, the way you interact with others, and even the way you speak about yourself. It can feel like your identity has been overtaken by a condition that demands so much space in your life. But here’s the truth: endo is something you have.. It’s not who you are.
Rebuilding Confidence Through Movement
Many women with endo develop a complicated relationship with movement. Maybe you’ve been told to ‘just push through the pain.’ Maybe you’ve tried working out before and ended up feeling worse. Or maybe you’re afraid that movement will trigger a flare-up, so find it easier to avoid it all together.
But here’s the thing: the right kind of movement can actually help manage endo symptoms and give you back a sense of control. Exercise Physiologists specialise in working with women with endometriosis, creating gentle, supportive programs that work with your body, not against it.
What they focus on:
Reducing pain & inflammation through carefully designed movement strategies
Improving mobility & flexibility to help ease muscle tension and reduce flare-ups
Building strength & endurance so you feel more capable in your everyday life
Supporting mental well-being, because movement isn’t just about the body—it’s about feeling strong, confident and connected again.
How to Reclaim Your Identity
The key to moving with endo is working with your body, not trying to fight it. Here’s where to start:
Re-frame your narrative. You are MORE than your diagnosis. Recognising how endo has affected your sense of self is the first step toward reclaiming your identity.
Ditch the ‘all or nothing’ mindset. Movement doesn’t have to mean a high-intensity workouts. Gentle Pilates, breathwork or even a short stretch session can make a huge difference.
Find what feels good. The best exercise for endo is the one your body responds well to. That might be strength training, hydrotherapy, or reformer pilates—it’s different for everyone.
Work with an endo-informed specialist. At Ivoryrose, our team understands how endometriosis affects movement and can create a plan that’s designed just for you.
Be kind to yourself. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Movement should feel empowering, not like another battle to fight.
You’re Not Alone—And There’s Hope
Living with endo is tough, but it doesn’t have to define you. You deserve to move with confidence, to trust your body again, and to feel supported along the way. If you’re ready to explore how Exercise Physiology can help, we’d love to support you.
Book an appointment with our endo-informed team at Ivoryrose Physiotherapy today—because your body deserves care, and so do you. 💛