How to track endometriosis symptoms with Clue

Endometriosis is a common disorder, in which endometrial-like tissue grows where it isn’t meant to be. This can lead to debilitating pain and other complications. It affects approximately 176 million people worldwide, but many people with symptoms experience a long delay—an average of seven years—before getting an endometriosis diagnosis and treatment (1, 2).

Early management of endometriosis can reduce the risk of complications. When you track in Clue, you can create a detailed record of your symptoms, their frequency and severity. You can see which symptoms occur at certain times of your cycle. This record can give your healthcare provider information that may help with diagnosis and in forming a management plan.

We reached out on social media to hear from people who have endometriosis and use Clue to keep track of their symptoms.

“I first noticed symptoms two and a half years ago, and was diagnosed with endometriosis two years ago. Clue helps me keep track of my very long period and also my pain. It helps me have a better conversion with with my doctor because I’m able to look at the app and remember things.” —Nicole Hernandez

“I had horrible period pain from the start, and it continued to be my main symptom, I just learned how dangerous it could be a few years later.” —Anonymous

“I first noticed endometriosis symptoms when I was ten, seven years ago. I was diagnosed about six months ago. Clue helps me track my periods, and I've used other apps for tracking pain and discharge too.” —Anonymous

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Premenstrual/menstrual cramps that are very painful
• Pain during or after sex (dyspareunia)
• Painful bowel movements and/or urination
• Pain in the abdomen, lower back, or thighs often lasting throughout the cycle
• Heavy periods
• Difficulty becoming pregnant (infertility) (3-6)

What to track

Essential to track

• Bleeding patterns (including spotting)
• Pain

Helpful to track

• Menstrual heaviness
• Energy
• Stool
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating and diarrhea
• Contraception use
• You can use custom tags to add more detailed information about level and location of pain, or any additional symptoms

It’s sometimes difficult for people to know whether or not the symptoms they are experiencing are related to endometriosis or something else. Endometriosis symptoms may begin in early adolescence, or show up later in adulthood (7). Sometimes people think a high level of period pain is “normal” for them, when it may actually be caused by endometriosis or by another medical condition (8, 9).

Tracking your symptoms can help to create a record that you can show your healthcare provider. This may help them to identify which symptoms are related to endometriosis and also to monitor how symptoms change over time or in relation to treatment.

If you’re experiencing menstrual or pelvic pain that interferes with your usual daily activities, or if you have any concerns about your period, make an appointment with your healthcare provider and get it checked out.

Download Clue to track your bleeding, pain and other symptoms.