Living With Endometriosis: My Story, Symptoms, and Fertility Journey

My story of living with Endometriosis started when I was 11… which, looking back, feels far too young to already be learning how to manage that level of pain.

While a lot of girls talk about their first period like it was inconvenient or uncomfortable, mine felt like something else entirely. I’m talking excruciating cramps that would double me over, waking up drenched in sweat, and nights where someone had to run out to grab medicine just so I could make it through (thank you, dad).

But at that age, I didn’t know any different.
I just assumed this was normal.

Managing Early Endometriosis Symptoms With Birth Control

At 14, I went on birth control, and for the first time, things felt manageable. My cycles shortened, the pain eased up a bit, and I could function again. Not perfectly, but enough. There were still days I missed school, curled up with a heating pad, just waiting for it to pass… but compared to before, it felt like relief.

When My Symptoms Changed (And Got Worse)

Fast forward to college, and things started to shift again. A new birth control, a new routine… and somehow, a two-month-long period. That alone should’ve been a red flag, but I did what most of us do—I adjusted, switched back to what had worked before, and kept moving forward.

Because that’s what you do when you don’t fully understand what your body is trying to tell you.

Getting Diagnosed With Endometriosis

Everything changed when I was 23. The pain wasn’t just tied to my cycle anymore—it became this constant, dull ache that never really went away. I tried to brush it off at first—thinking maybe it was a cyst or even my appendix—but eventually, I ended up in the hospital.

After a Transvaginal Ultrasound and pelvic MRI, the diagnosis was clear: Stage 4 Endometriosis… and infertility. That’s when it finally sank in. And then came the sentence that I don’t think I’ll ever forget: “If you want a family, you may want to start trying now.”

I wasn’t ready. Not even close.

I had always dreamed of being a mom… but I also dreamed of getting married, settling into that season, and enjoying it before stepping into motherhood. Suddenly, it felt like that choice might be taken away from me. And honestly… it broke me for a little while. The days that followed were heavy—a mix of fear, grief, anger, and a lot of questions.

But somewhere in the middle of all of that, I felt this quiet shift—like I could still trust that my story wasn’t over, even if it looked different than I imagined.

I got a tattoo during that season as a reminder that even though what I wanted seemed uncertain, I chose to believe it could work out.

Trying to Get Pregnant With Endometriosis, and How it Changed

Life kept moving. I got engaged, then married, and slowly, I found peace with the unknowns. Three years into our marriage, we decided to start trying for a baby.

But coming off birth control after 13 years felt like stepping into the unknown all over again—this time, with a little more hope mixed in.

At first, everything felt okay. But by April, the pain came back… and it came back differently.

Stronger. Sharper.
There was a moment I remember thinking, something isn’t right.

And deep down, I knew exactly what it was. That season was a lot. Doctor visits, research rabbit holes., trying to figure out what would actually help. I cleaned up everything—products, food, routines, added supplements. I did all the things you’re “supposed” to do.

But the pain was only getting worse.

Finding Support and an Endometriosis Specialist

Eventually, I found my way to Nancy's Nook—and that’s what led me to the right next step. Through that community, I learned about excision surgery (the gold standard for removing endometriosis at the root) and was introduced to The Center for Endometriosis Care in Atlanta.

Since we were already trying to get pregnant without success, I was referred to a Reproductive Endocrinologist to confirm my diagnosis and start the process of getting a referral for surgery. By August 2020, I had answers, a plan, and a path forward.

And then, literally a week later, everything changed.

Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum With Endometriosis

I found out I was pregnant! Even now, I don’t know how to fully explain that moment. It was joy, shock, fear… all at the same time. Because with Endometriosis, pregnancy doesn’t always feel simple. There were risks. There were unknowns. There were a lot of early appointments just to make sure everything was okay. But week by week, things settled.

On June 4, 2021, my son (Hollis) was born. And just like that… everything shifted again. Not because the journey had been easy or predictable—but because it was ours. And it was perfect in a way I never could have planned.

The postpartum season came with its own challenges (like it does for most moms), but even in the exhaustion, there was so much gratitude. Because I knew what it had taken to get there. And now… here I am. Several years later, learning how to navigate this all over again.

When my cycle returned at 9 months postpartum, so did the pain—and in a lot of ways, it feels heavier this time. More persistent. More expansive. Harder to ignore.

But Endometriosis has a way of reminding you it’s still there.

How I’m Managing Endometriosis Now

I’ve also learned a lot since getting diagnosed at 23.

How to listen to my body.
How to advocate for myself.
What supplements make a difference.
How to hold both hope and frustration at the same time.

It’s still something I’m navigating day by day. Some months feel manageable… and others don’t. A lot of it, if I’m being honest, I carry quietly. Not because I don’t have support, but because it’s hard to let the people you love watch you in pain—and my husband already carries enough of that with me.

I’m still learning. Still paying attention. Still trying to understand what my body needs.

And while I do hope to have surgery one day, right now, we’re choosing to wait until we’re done growing our family—if my body allows for that.

What Endometriosis Symptoms Can Look Like

If you’re new to all of this, Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it.

It can look different for everyone, but common symptoms include:

• severe menstrual cramps
• pelvic or abdominal pain
• rectal pain during your cycle
• pain during sex
• fatigue
• infertility

If something feels off in your body, trust that. Advocate for yourself. Keep asking questions.

If You’re Navigating Endometriosis Too

If you’re walking through something similar… I just want you to know this:

You’re not crazy for feeling overwhelmed.
You’re not alone in the questions.
And your story is not over.

Endometriosis can feel isolating, especially because so much of it is invisible—but there is support. There are answers. And there are people who understand.

---

If you're new to ItsHannahCallahan, you can read more about me here.