Shamita Shetty Discusses Her Struggles with Endometriosis

Shamita Shetty has opened up about her struggles with endometriosis, a condition that affects many women but is often misunderstood. In a recent podcast, she shared her journey of dealing with chronic pain and the emotional toll it took on her mental health. Despite normal test results, Shamita's symptoms were overlooked for years, leading to a late diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of awareness and timely treatment for endometriosis, which can significantly impact women's lives. Her candid discussion aims to break the silence surrounding this condition and encourage others to seek help.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 11, 2026, 09:52 IST

Shamita Shetty's Journey with Endometriosis

Shamita Shetty has bravely shared her challenging experience with endometriosis, a condition that impacts millions of women globally yet is often misunderstood or diagnosed late. In a recent episode of the podcast All About Her, hosted by Soha Ali Khan, Shamita opened up about the significant physical and emotional challenges she faced while living with chronic pain before finally receiving an accurate diagnosis. She noted that many of the symptoms associated with endometriosis are often dismissed as mere "normal period pain." Reflecting on her journey, Shamita mentioned that her symptoms were overlooked even after undergoing standard gynecological examinations. This led to a decline in her mental health, as she struggled to comprehend the changes in her body while also facing hormonal fluctuations related to perimenopause. “The pain was constant and unlike anything I had experienced before. It was overwhelming, and I felt depressed,” she expressed.

Shamita explained that she often rationalized her pain as a normal aspect of womanhood, especially since her initial medical tests, including a Pap smear, returned normal results. Like many women, she normalized her discomfort instead of pursuing further medical advice. Over time, the pain escalated to an unbearable level. Despite her high pain tolerance from previous injuries, she recognized something was seriously amiss when the pain began to disrupt her sleep. Last year, Shamita underwent surgery to alleviate her severe condition.

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus. This tissue can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, and occasionally other organs. Each menstrual cycle, this tissue reacts to hormonal changes like the uterine lining, resulting in inflammation, internal bleeding, scar tissue, and significant pain. Gynecologists estimate that nearly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide suffers from endometriosis, yet the diagnosis can take years due to the variability of symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Symptoms can vary widely, but common indicators include:

Severe menstrual cramps

Chronic pelvic pain

Pain during or after intercourse

Heavy or irregular menstrual periods

Painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation

Bloating and digestive issues

Fatigue

Challenges with conception

Experts emphasize that the intensity of symptoms does not always correlate with the severity of the disease; some women may experience severe pain with mild endometriosis, while others with advanced stages may have minimal symptoms.

Challenges in Diagnosis

Women's health specialists indicate that endometriosis is often misdiagnosed because menstrual pain is frequently normalized. Many women believe that severe cramps are just part of their monthly cycle, which leads to delays in seeking medical help. Standard pelvic exams and basic screenings may not reveal endometriosis, and a proper diagnosis often necessitates comprehensive clinical evaluations, imaging tests, and sometimes minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy). Early diagnosis is crucial, as untreated endometriosis can lead to chronic pain, infertility, and a diminished quality of life.

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

While there is no definitive cure for endometriosis, various treatments can effectively manage symptoms. These include pain relief medications, hormonal therapies to inhibit the growth of endometrial tissue, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and an anti-inflammatory diet, and minimally invasive surgeries to remove endometriosis lesions when necessary. Treatment plans are tailored based on the patient's age, symptom severity, and future pregnancy considerations. Increased awareness of endometriosis, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment can greatly enhance quality of life and safeguard long-term reproductive health. By sharing her story, Shamita is contributing to breaking the silence surrounding a condition that has remained largely invisible for too long.