UK 
United States
Endometriosis is a common but often misunderstood condition, affecting one in 10 women and people assigned female at birth in the UK - that’s over 1.5 million from all races and ethnicities living with the condition. It occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, this can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue.
Symptoms including chronic pelvic pain, painful periods and extreme fatigue. Symptoms vary in severity from person to person, treatments are limited, and there is no cure. Due to factors including stigma around menstrual health, diagnosis takes an average of eight years and 10 months in the UK.
Yet, despite its prevalence, it remains a largely overlooked workplace issue. Many employees with endometriosis suffer in silence, struggling to balance their careers with chronic pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms.
A report published by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) in December 2024 highlighted the widespread dismissal of reproductive health concerns. It found that conditions like endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding are frequently normalised, leading to delayed diagnosis and inadequate workplace support. The report called for urgent improvements in medical training, diagnosis times, and employer awareness.
Lauren Cole
Operations Manager, HL
Julie Burns
Manager, EFE Scheme
The committee found that despite such conditions being highly prevalent in the UK, accessing diagnosis and treatment can take years, leaving those suffering to “suck it up” and endure pain and discomfort that interferes with every aspect of their daily lives, including their education and careers.
In response to these challenges, the charity Endometriosis UK aim to raise awareness with campaigns such as Endometriosis Action Month, an annual scheme with this year's edition taking place in March 2025. The theme of Endometriosis Action Month 2025 is #EndometriosisExplained, and aims to increase understanding of the disease, so that those impacted can be confident of being understood and believed when they describe their symptoms.
The charity also runs an initiative called the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme, designed to foster workplace cultures that support employees living with the condition and tackle the stigma of talking about it.
British Airways, Heathrow Airport and HSBC UK are among the employers to have signed up, alongside multiple universities and NHS Trusts.
Hargreaves Lansdown (HL), one of Britain’s most recognised financial services companies, is another employer that has embraced the scheme.
Lauren Cole, Operations Manager - Payment Services at HL, has played a pivotal role in raising awareness and implementing support measures within the company. Her journey highlights both the challenges of working with endometriosis and the positive impact of employer support.
