However, help is at hand for women in Greater Shepparton.
The disease can cause severe physical pain when cells usually found in the uterus grow in abnormal places throughout the body.
Some sufferers are unable to live a normal life because of the crippling pain, which can lead to infertility.
Many women, however, have said the emotional pain is equally as harmful as the physical pain.
This was the case for Tania McDonald, who has partnered with Shepparton Women's Health Centre to run monthly endometriosis support sessions.
Working as a councillor for decades, Ms McDonald understood there was a need for women to be supported through their endometriosis journey.
Ms McDonald said the group was one of the few endometriosis support groups in Victoria.
“Because I had gone through it myself, I had a more in-depth understanding of how it affects people,” she said.
“I attended a support group in Melbourne, and I have moulded the sessions similar to that one and it has given me ideas on how to develop the group.”
The sessions run once a month at the health centre and allow women to share their stories, pain, ideas and remedies.
Ms McDonald said the free sessions often involved a guest speaker, and women could share as little or as much as they liked with the group.
“The disease presents itself in different ways, so talking about their experiences really helps give women hope that they aren’t alone,” she said.
“In the past we have had professional guest speakers come in to talk about the potential benefits of meditation, acupuncture, yoga and nutrition.”
Ms McDonald said the aim of the sessions was to empower women and help them feel as comfortable as they could both physically and emotionally.
The next session will be held on Wednesday, November 27 at 6pm at Shepparton Women’s Health Centre, which will feature reflexologist guest speaker Deborah Kenny.
For more information, phone the centre on 5821 3555.
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