Hurtful statements that can leave internal scars

If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s office feeling more broken than when you walked in, you’re not alone.

For those of us living with endometriosis, invisible illnesses, or chronic pain medical invalidation is an all too common experience. It can take years (sometimes decades) to get a proper diagnosis and even then, we’re often met with dismissive attitudes, outdated myths or flat out insulting comments from the very people we turn to for help.

This blog is for you to validate your experience, to shine a light on the ignorance we’re still fighting and to remind you that your pain is real and your story matters.

❌ “It’s just period pain. Everyone gets it.”

This one cuts deep. Endometriosis pain is not normal period pain, it can be debilitating, chronic and all consuming. Comparing it to typical cramps minimizes the intensity and complexity of what endo warriors endure.

❌ “You’re too young to be in this much pain.”

Pain doesn’t come with an age limit. Whether you’re 14 or 40, chronic illness doesn’t discriminate. Statements like this invalidate young people’s experiences and often delay diagnosis.

❌ “It’s all in your head.”

This is textbook medical gaslighting. When your body is screaming for help, being told it’s “in your head” can destroy your trust in yourself and the system. The emotional toll of this comment can last longer than the appointment itself.

❌ “Have you tried getting pregnant? That can cure endometriosis.”

False. Harmful. Incredibly offensive. Endometriosis doesn’t magically disappear during or after pregnancy. This outdated myth not only dismisses real pain, it pressures people into life decisions they may not want or be ready for.

❌ “You don’t look sick.”

Invisible illnesses like endometriosis, fibromyalgia, adenomyosis and many others often don’t show up on scans or in your appearance. But that doesn’t mean they’re not wreaking havoc internally. This comment is the ultimate invalidation of someone’s experience.

❌ “Maybe you just need to lose weight or exercise more.”

While movement and lifestyle changes can be part of a holistic care plan, this comment puts the blame on the patient, implying they’re responsible for their own suffering. Chronic illness is not a character flaw or a weight issue, it’s complex and multifactorial.

❌ “I can’t find anything wrong, so you must be fine.”

Many conditions don’t show up clearly on blood tests, scans or physical exams. That doesn’t mean they’re not there. Patients with endo often need laparoscopic surgery just to get a diagnosis, which shows how much the medical system still has to learn.

 

❌ “You’re just being dramatic.”

Being in pain every single day is not dramatic, it’s reality for so many chronic illness warriors. These comments reflect deeply rooted biases, particularly against women and AFAB people, who are too often labeled as emotional instead of believed.

The Emotional Impact of Medical Dismissal

 

The truth is, being ignored or invalidated by healthcare professionals can be as traumatic as the condition itself. It delays treatment, increases anxiety and chips away at your mental health and self worth.

 

We deserve better.

 

To Anyone Who’s Been Dismissed: You’re Not Imagining It. Your pain is valid. Your exhaustion is real. Your frustration is justified. And no, you’re not being dramatic.

At The Endo Essentials, we believe in supporting your chronic illness journey, no matter which tag you’re at. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, are post surgery or have been navigating invisible pain for years, this is a space where you are heard, held and seen.

 

If this blog resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s raise awareness. Let’s keep speaking up. And let’s demand the care and compassion we deserve.

PLEASE NOTE: The Endo Essentials company takes no responsibility for your diagnosis, tailoring your treatment/plan, we do not claim to be doctors and strongly recommend seeking medical advice from a Health Physician to treat your symptoms. We write these blogs purely based on the evidence provided at the current time and try our best to keep these blogs as up to date as possible.