Our Daughters Foundation
FAQs: Get Your Endometriosis Questions Answered
From diagnosis delays to treatment options, find straightforward answers to the questions you have about endometriosis.
FAQs: Get Your Endometriosis Questions Answered
From diagnosis delays to treatment options, find straightforward answers to the questions you have about endometriosis.
What is endometriosis, and is it considered a menstrual disease?
Endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory condition characterized by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing in other parts of the body. Endometriosis has been found in every organ. It is not simply a menstrual disease, yet is often mischaracterized as such, even by reputable sources.
Approximately how many people are affected by endometriosis, and what are some common symptoms they may experience?
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, pelvic pain any time during the month, a wide range of GI symptoms, urinary symptoms, fatigue, debilitating periods and more depending on where the endometriosis lesions are located in the body.
What is the average diagnostic delay for endometriosis, and what factors contribute to this delay?
Symptoms often start early in life, but due to cultural taboos, misinformation and a historical lack of emphasis in medical education, they may be ignored or misdiagnosed by caregivers, healthcare consumers and practitioners alike. The average diagnostic delay is 7-10 years.
When can endometriosis symptoms begin, and what percentage of teenagers withchronic pelvic pain may have the condition?
Endometriosis symptoms may begin as early as when puberty starts. Endometriosis symptoms can present before menstruation, during menstruation, and/or after menstruation. An estimated 70% of teens with chronic pelvic pain go on to be later diagnosed with endometriosis.
What constitutes a "red flag" regarding pelvic pain, and what action should be taken if someone experiences this?
Red flag: If you or your patient regularly feels pain during or around periods, and this pain is bad enough to interfere with usual activities, this is a red flag - it is not normal and should be investigated further as soon as possible. (If you do not have this, it doesn't mean that you don't have endometriosis).
Identified risk factors for developing endometriosis.
Risk factors for endometriosis include a mother or sister having the disease (7x increased risk), early onset of menses, short or frequent menstrual cycles, Mullerian abnormalities, autoimmune conditions and more. However, many people develop endo who have none of these risk factors.
Is a hysterectomy considered a cure for endometriosis, and is pregnancy a cure?
Hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis. A disease characterized by tissue found outside of the uterus is not cured by removal of the uterus, ovaries and/or tubes and cervix. Over 100,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States for endometriosis and most of them are unnecessary. Neither is pregnancy a cure for endometriosis.
Why are individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plans needed for endometriosis, and which specialist should be consulted?
People with endometriosis need an individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plan that may include specialized, incredibly difficult surgery. Most gynecologists are not trained in advanced endometriosis cases. Drug therapy may suppress symptoms, yet it does not eradicate endometriosis. Patients should be referred to an endometriosis specialist. We cannot emphasize this enough, please go to a an endometriosis specialist. Your regular OB/GYN should refer you to one if they suspect you have endo.
What are some common co-morbidities associated with endometriosis?
People with endometriosis have an increased risk of co-morbidities including allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and certain cancers, such as ovarian and breast cancer. Many doctors are also seeing MCAS, POTS and hEDS as common co-morbidities.
How does endometriosis impact quality of life beyond physical symptoms, and what holistic approach is recommended?
Endometriosis often reduces quality of life and contributes to psychological distress. Unnecessary delays in diagnosis and gaslighting contribute to the negative mental health impacts of the disease. A holistic approach to care including mental health support can improve quality of life.
What is endometriosis, and is it considered a menstrual disease?
Endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory condition characterized by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing in other parts of the body. Endometriosis has been found in every organ. It is not simply a menstrual disease, yet is often mischaracterized as such, even by reputable sources.
Approximately how many people are affected by endometriosis, and what are some common symptoms they may experience?
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 people born with female reproductive organs. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, pelvic pain any time during the month, a wide range of GI symptoms, urinary symptoms, fatigue, debilitating periods and more depending on where the endometriosis lesions are located in the body.
What is the average diagnostic delay for endometriosis, and what factors contribute to this delay?
Symptoms often start early in life, but due to cultural taboos, misinformation and a historical lack of emphasis in medical education, they may be ignored or misdiagnosed by caregivers, healthcare consumers and practitioners alike. The average diagnostic delay is 7-10 years.
When can endometriosis symptoms begin, and what percentage of teenagers withchronic pelvic pain may have the condition?
Endometriosis symptoms may begin as early as when puberty starts. Endometriosis symptoms can present before menstruation, during menstruation, and/or after menstruation. An estimated 70% of teens with chronic pelvic pain go on to be later diagnosed with endometriosis.
What constitutes a "red flag" regarding pelvic pain, and what action should be taken if someone experiences this?
Red flag: If you or your patient regularly feels pain during or around periods, and this pain is bad enough to interfere with usual activities, this is a red flag - it is not normal and should be investigated further as soon as possible. (If you do not have this, it doesn't mean that you don't have endometriosis).
Identified risk factors for developing endometriosis.
Risk factors for endometriosis include a mother or sister having the disease (7x increased risk), early onset of menses, short or frequent menstrual cycles, Mullerian abnormalities, autoimmune conditions and more. However, many people develop endo who have none of these risk factors.
Is a hysterectomy considered a cure for endometriosis, and is pregnancy a cure?
Hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis. A disease characterized by tissue found outside of the uterus is not cured by removal of the uterus, ovaries and/or tubes and cervix. Over 100,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States for endometriosis and most of them are unnecessary. Neither is pregnancy a cure for endometriosis.
Why are individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plans needed for endometriosis, and which specialist should be consulted?
People with endometriosis need an individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plan that may include specialized, incredibly difficult surgery. Most gynecologists are not trained in advanced endometriosis cases. Drug therapy may suppress symptoms, yet it does not eradicate endometriosis. Patients should be referred to an endometriosis specialist.
What are some common co-morbidities associated with endometriosis?
People with endometriosis have an increased risk of co-morbidities including allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and certain cancers, such as ovarian and breast cancer.
How does endometriosis impact quality of life beyond physical symptoms, and what holistic approach is recommended?
Endometriosis often reduces quality of life and contributes to psychological distress. Unnecessary delays in diagnosis and gaslighting contribute to the negative mental health impacts of the disease. A holistic approach to care including mental health support can improve quality of life.
Endometriosis Research: What's Happening
Emerging Non-Hormonal Endometriosis Therapies
For decades, most endometriosis treatments have focused on hormonal suppression. Today, researchers are exploring a new generation of therapies that target lesions, inflammation, and pain pathways without shutting down ovarian function.
None of these treatments are approved yet, but they represent an important shift in how scientists are thinking about endometriosis.
Research is moving beyond symptom suppression and toward understanding the biology of the disease itself. We will continue to highlight research initiatives here and on our The Endo Research Alliance pages.
1. ENDO-205
What is it?
A first-in-class peptide therapy designed to selectively target endometriosis lesions without suppressing ovarian hormones. The goal is to attack disease tissue directly while preserving normal hormone function.
Current Stage
Phase I Human Trial (2026)
The FDA granted Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance in March 2026, allowing human studies to begin. Phase I studies primarily evaluate safety, tolerability, and dosing. They do not yet determine whether the treatment works.
Why Researchers Are Interested
Non-hormonal
Potential disease-modifying therapy
Designed to target lesions directly
May avoid menopausal side effects associated with hormonal suppression
Important Limitation
There is currentlyno published human efficacy datademonstrating lesion regression or symptom improvement. The excitement is based largely on preclinical findings.
Learn More
Clinical development updates:EndoCyclic Therapeutics
FDA IND announcement:Contemporary OB/GYN coverage
2. HMI-115
What is it?
A monoclonal antibody that blocks theprolactin receptor. Researchers believe prolactin may contribute to lesion growth, inflammation, and pain signaling in endometriosis.
Current Stage
Phase III Clinical Trial (2026)
HMI-115 has progressed further than any other non-hormonal endometriosis therapy currently in development.
After positive Phase II results, the FDA granted Fast Track designation and Phase III enrollment began in 2026.
Why Researchers Are Interested
Phase II studies demonstrated:
Reduced dysmenorrhea
Reduced non-menstrual pelvic pain
Favorable safety profile
No ovarian suppression
No induced menopause
Why It Matters
This is currently the most advanced non-hormonal therapy in the endometriosis pipeline and arguably the closest to potential regulatory review.
Learn More
Phase III Trial:ClinicalTrials.gov HMI-115 Phase III Study
Phase II Trial:ClinicalTrials.gov HMI-115 Phase II Study
Company information:Hope Medicine
3. Vipoglanstat
What is it?
A non-hormonal oral therapy that inhibitsmPGES-1, an enzyme involved in inflammatory prostaglandin production.
Unlike hormonal treatments, Vipoglanstat is designed to target inflammatory pathways believed to drive pain and disease activity.
Current Stage
Phase II Trial (NOVA Trial)
The NOVA study is actively enrolling women across multiple European countries. The study is evaluating whether the drug reduces endometriosis-related pain while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
Why Researchers Are Interested
Non-hormonal
Non-opioid
Oral medication
Targets inflammation directly
May be suitable for long-term management if successful
Learn More
Trial listing:ClinicalTrials.gov NOVA Trial
Company pipeline:Gesynta Pharma Vipoglanstat Program
Additional Areas Worth Watching
These are not as far along clinically, but many researchers believe they may represent the future of endometriosis treatment:
Neuroimmune Therapies
Researchers are studying:
Nerve growth factor (NGF)
Neuroangiogenesis
Mast cells
Macrophages
Dendritic cells
The goal is to understand why pain sometimes persists even after lesions are removed.
Precision Medicine & Genomics
Researchers are trying to identify:
Who is genetically susceptible
Who develops severe disease
Who is likely to recur after surgery
Which therapies work best for specific patient groups
Source:ClinicalTrials.gov; Hope Medicine; EndoCyclic Therapeutics; Gesynta Pharma (accessed June 2026)
Join Us: Make a Difference Today
Your support can transform lives. Every donation helps us fund research, advocate for better care, and provide essential grants to women facing debilitating conditions.
Join Us: Make a Difference Today
Your support can transform lives. Every donation helps us fund research, advocate for better care, and provide essential grants to women facing debilitating conditions.
