Over 1.5 million UK women are affected by endometriosis – now a new survey has uncovered the significant toll lesser-known symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and fatigue take on their social, emotional, and professional lives.
Nine out of 10 (96%) UK women with endometriosis experience a decline in their quality of life due to debilitating heavy periods and fatigue, yet many never seek medical help, according to a new study from leading iron supplement specialist Active Iron.
A survey of 1,500 women and girls for Endometriosis Awareness Month found that problem periods are often dismissed as merely “part of being a woman”. This is despite many individuals experiencing severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and fatigue.
Nearly three-quarters of women diagnosed with endometriosis in the UK reported having heavy periods, leading to menstrual fatigue.
This fatigue affected 74% of surveyed women aged 16 to 55 who have the condition, with 59% describing the fatigue as ‘extreme’. As a result, 84% reported a noticeable difference in their ability to function normally during their period.
Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue resembling the lining of the womb develops around organs within the abdomen. It is characterised by pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, as well as chronic pelvic pain. Many women also experience secondary symptoms including heavy bleeding, irregular menstrual cycles, and fatigue.
Despite this, on average, women wait 7.5 years for a diagnosis, and many with heavy menstrual bleeding avoid seeking medical help, thinking it’s normal.
Concerningly, the study revealed that symptoms like heavy periods and fatigue are not limited to women diagnosed with endometriosis.
Notably, 77% of those without endometriosis reported experiencing menstrual fatigue that impacted their daily lives, with 74% lacking the energy or motivation to do everyday tasks as a result.
This leaves many women facing serious physical, social, and emotional challenges due to debilitating symptoms. These issues not only harm their health but also disrupt important parts of their lives, such as work, relationships, and social activities.
More than a quarter of women (27%), irrespective of endometriosis diagnosis, reported being unable to work due to heavy menstrual bleeding and the accompanying fatigue. Approximately one in five (16%) had taken a sick day, while 34% had worked but experienced a decline in their performance.
Home life was similarly impacted, with 23% of all women surveyed saying that problem periods had negatively affected their relationship with their spouse or partner, almost a quarter (24%) avoiding staying overnight at a partner’s house, and 20% struggling to keep up with their children during their menstrual cycle.
As a result of heavy menstrual bleeding and fatigue, 50% of women felt antisocial and didn’t want to spend time with friends or family, leaving 55% feeling isolated and alone when dealing with tiredness from heavy periods. Emotionally, 50% described themselves as feeling unhappy, sad or depressed.
Dr Ria Clarke, registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology, and expert clinician for Active Iron, said: “It’s so important that we can dispel the misconceptions around heavy periods, fatigue and endometriosis, reduce unnecessary delays in diagnosis, and improve the quality of life for millions of women worldwide whose lives are being negatively impacted.
“This is particularly important when you consider that these conditions aren’t exclusive to diagnosed individuals, and 47% of UK women find their current methods for alleviating period-related fatigue ineffective.”
Claire Lynch, head of marketing for Active Iron, added: “With this survey and our campaign, we want to spark meaningful conversations and change the way we talk about endometriosis and heavy periods.
“As we enter Endometriosis Awareness Month, our aim is to shed light on the lesser-known impacts of the condition, like heavy periods and menstrual fatigue, breaking down the stigma around menstrual health and aiding women in better managing their symptoms.”
More than half of women surveyed had been given pain medication to treat endometriosis, while 45% were recommended contraception, and 32% have been prescribed other hormone therapies.
Active Iron’s survey found, however, that women find their current methods to relieve menstrual fatigue ineffective. Many had resorted to consuming more coffee or energy drinks (42%), sleeping more (52%), and doing less activities (48%) to manage tiredness caused by their menstrual cycle.
“Given that menstruation is the leading cause of iron loss worldwide, it’s important to understand the link between heavy periods, low iron levels and fatigue. Rather than covering up tiredness and fatigue with quick fixes, a daily iron supplement can help women address the energy loss associated with diminished iron levels, in turn achieving symptomatic relief and improving their quality of life,” added Dr Clarke.
Many iron supplements are poorly tolerated, leading to debilitating side effects like nausea, constipation and changed bowel habits. This causes women to discontinue them, reducing the chance of improving their iron stores and resulting energy levels.
In contrast, Active Iron is clinically proven to improve iron levels by 94%, whilst avoiding troublesome side effects, resulting in increased energy levels, and longer-term improvements in overall health.
Don’t accept menstrual fatigue, visit activeiron.com/uk to learn more.