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Real members of MyEndometriosisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How do you guys balance work and or school with endo? I am feeling discouraged because it feels like I can't get through a normal day.

A MyEndometriosisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Portland, OR
September 30
 · 
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A MyEndometriosisTeam Member

I could have written that question myself. I feel like I’m constantly pushing myself so hard to get through a work day that I have nothing left for myself or things I want to do outside of my job. It’s really hard. One thing I’m trying to get better about is taking my full lunch break, eating a real lunch, and whenever possible not working during my lunch break. The days I’m intentional about taking an actual break during the day seem to go better. I love my job and I want to keep being able to work so I’m really trying to evaluate this year how I can create sustainable routines. It’s something I’ve never been good at but I’m starting to see how important it is.

October 2 (edited)
MyEndometriosisTeam

Feeling discouraged is completely understandable — and you are absolutely not alone in this. Many people with endometriosis struggle to get through a regular day, and that struggle is very real. As one MyEndometriosisTeam member shared, "The morning pain, fatigue, and nausea is almost paralyzing." Another noted that "while Show Full Answer

Feeling discouraged is completely understandable — and you are absolutely not alone in this. Many people with endometriosis struggle to get through a regular day, and that struggle is very real. As one MyEndometriosisTeam member shared, "The morning pain, fatigue, and nausea is almost paralyzing." Another noted that "while most days are manageable, there have been countless times when I have had to miss half or full days of work."

Research backs this up too — on average, people with endometriosis lose nearly 11 hours of work per week due to symptoms. So if you're finding it hard, that's not a personal failing. It's the reality of living with this condition. Here are some strategies that can help with balancing work or school:

- Request accommodations — Talk to HR, a disability office, or a manager about flexible hours, remote work, or reduced workload on difficult days
- Know your limits — Learning when to say no and rest is not laziness; it's smart management of a chronic condition
- Adjust your diet — Some people find that going gluten-free, dairy-free, or soy-free helps reduce symptoms
- Stay gently active when possible — Light movement can help mood and energy levels, even on harder days
- See an endometriosis specialist — A doctor who truly understands endo can make a big difference in managing symptoms that affect daily life

Setting flexible, realistic intentions rather than rigid all-or-nothing goals can also help reduce the pressure you put on yourself. Remember — your condition doesn't define you, and finding a rhythm that works for *your* body is what matters most. Be kind to yourself on the hard days. 💛

September 30

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