When you’re a teenager, pain can feel like part of the deal. Cramps, bloating, mood swings — most of us were told it’s just “what happens” during a period. But for some teens, those symptoms go way beyond normal. If your daughter, your little sister, or you are missing school every month, curled up in bed with a heating pad and pain meds that don’t touch the cramps, it’s time to dig deeper.

Because here’s the truth: period pain that disrupts daily life isn’t normal. And for 1 in 10 people assigned female at birth, the culprit might be endometriosis — a condition that’s often missed or dismissed in adolescence.

Let’s talk about what to watch for, why early diagnosis matters, and how newer tools like the MyReceptiva test are helping young people finally get answers.

teenage girl having a painful period due to endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis (often called “endo”) happens when tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it — on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or even the intestines. This tissue acts like the uterine lining, thickening and bleeding during the menstrual cycle, but it has nowhere to go. That leads to inflammation, scarring, and pain.

It’s a chronic condition, but it’s not just about pain. Endo can also affect bowel and bladder function, energy levels, mental health, and later in life, fertility.

Although it often starts in the teen years, most people aren’t diagnosed until their late 20s or 30s. Why? Because symptoms are frequently written off as “bad periods” or “normal teen stuff” — by caregivers, teachers, and, unfortunately, sometimes even doctors.

Early warning signs of endometriosis in teens

Here are some red flags that the pain isn’t just run-of-the-mill:

  • Severe period pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter meds
  • Pain that starts before the period and lasts for days after it ends
  • Heavy or irregular periods
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Pain during bowel movements or urination, especially during a period
  • Nausea, vomiting, or fainting with periods
  • Low back or leg pain that flares up cyclically
  • Pain during or after physical activity
  • Trouble focusing or functioning at school or work due to pain

Some people may also experience pain with tampon use or digestive symptoms that mimic IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

If any of these sound familiar and they’re interfering with quality of life, it’s not something to tough out. It’s something to get checked out.

obgyn consulting with a teen girl about endometriosis

One of the most exciting developments in endometriosis detection is the MyReceptiva test, which looks for the presence of BCL6, a marker highly associated with endometriosis and supported by 8 years of clinical use in the infertility space (but is now available to everyone!).

— Enjoy $85 Off Your MyReceptiva Testing Kit with the code: RESCRIPTED

The long road to diagnosis

On average, it takes 7 to 10 years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis — often after seeing multiple providers and trying countless medications. That delay can have long-term consequences, including worsening symptoms, unnecessary mental stress, and reduced quality of life.

But early diagnosis — and better yet, early intervention — can slow the progression, improve quality of life, and help teens make informed choices about their bodies and health.

How endometriosis is diagnosed

Historically, the only way to officially diagnose endometriosis has been through laparoscopic surgery — a procedure where a doctor inserts a camera into the abdomen to look for and remove endo lesions. While this method is still considered the gold standard, surgery isn’t always the first step — especially for young people.

That’s where non-invasive and minimally invasive tools are beginning to change the game.

doctor discussing myreceptiva testing with her teen patient

How the MyReceptiva test can help

The MyReceptiva test is a cutting-edge tool that can help identify endometriosis without surgery. It detects BCL6, a protein that’s strongly associated with inflammation caused by endo, using a small tissue sample collected via endometrial biopsy.

A positive BCL6 result may indicate silent or hidden endometriosis, even if it’s not yet visible through imaging. That’s important because many women and those AFAB don’t have obvious signs on ultrasound or MRI, and going straight to surgery might not be ideal.

This test isn’t a formal diagnosis on its own, but it’s a powerful clue — one that can guide next steps and help endo sufferers avoid years of uncertainty. And it can be especially helpful if painful periods come with fertility concerns down the road.

When to talk to a doctor

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms that seem beyond “normal,” it’s worth starting the conversation. Pediatric gynecologists or adolescent medicine specialists with experience in endometriosis are ideal — but any provider who takes your concerns seriously is a good start.

Here are a few tips for that appointment:

  • Keep a symptom diary for at least two cycles, tracking pain levels, mood, digestion, and days missed from school or activities.
  • Don’t minimize symptoms — describe exactly how the pain affects daily life.
  • Ask directly: “Could this be endometriosis?” or “What steps can we take to rule that out?”

And if you don’t feel heard, you’re allowed to seek a second opinion.

teen girl feeling relief from endo pain

Why this matters

Endometriosis isn’t just a condition for adult women. It’s a disease that often begins in adolescence — and when left untreated, it can rob teens of their energy, their confidence, and their peace of mind.

The good news? We’re learning more about endo every year. Tools like the MyReceptiva test are part of a new wave of diagnostic options that can lead to earlier answers and better care.

Everyone deserves to be believed when they say they’re in pain. We all deserve more than just heating pads and platitudes; we deserve science, support, and solutions.

More resources for teens and parents:

Kristyn Hodgdon is a passionate women's health advocate and the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rescripted, where she helps break down complicated medical info into content that's easy to understand — and actually helpful. As an IVF mom who’s experienced pregnancy loss and lives with PCOS, Kristyn blends her professional know-how with real-life experience to support others navigating similar journeys. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, ScaryMommy, and more, and she’s the host of the podcast From First Period To Last Period. A Fordham University grad, Kristyn also volunteers with the Fly Again Foundation, which supports breast cancer patients. You can find her on Instagram or connect with her on Linkedin.