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Living with Endometriosis: The Complete Guide to Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
A knowledgeable handbook with a patient's perspective for women afflicted with the common, debilitating, painful disease known as endometriosis
More than 176 million women worldwide suffer with endometriosis, a condition causing agonizing pelvic pain which affects every aspect of a woman's life. While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, patients can take action to reduce their symptoms and improve their overall wellbeing by following a comprehensive wellness plan.
Written by an experienced author who has lived with endometriosis for years, Living with Endometriosis includes expert advice drawn from doctors and researchers tackling this debilitative disease, along with tips for recognizing symptoms and getting the most effective help possible.
Living with Endometriosis includes:
- Up-to-date information on the latest hormonal and surgical treatment options
- Information for a broad, full-body approach to wellness
- Guidance on becoming an active advocate for your personal care
- Valuable medical and community resources for endometriosis sufferers
Learning to live with the chronic pain of endometriosis can seem overwhelming. Don't let endometriosis defeat you; make the choice to seek out the best possible care that works for your needs and take your life back from endometriosis!
More than 176 million women worldwide suffer with endometriosis, a condition causing agonizing pelvic pain which affects every aspect of a woman's life. While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, patients can take action to reduce their symptoms and improve their overall wellbeing by following a comprehensive wellness plan.
Written by an experienced author who has lived with endometriosis for years, Living with Endometriosis includes expert advice drawn from doctors and researchers tackling this debilitative disease, along with tips for recognizing symptoms and getting the most effective help possible.
Living with Endometriosis includes:
- Up-to-date information on the latest hormonal and surgical treatment options
- Information for a broad, full-body approach to wellness
- Guidance on becoming an active advocate for your personal care
- Valuable medical and community resources for endometriosis sufferers
Learning to live with the chronic pain of endometriosis can seem overwhelming. Don't let endometriosis defeat you; make the choice to seek out the best possible care that works for your needs and take your life back from endometriosis!
- GenresNonfictionHealth
144 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2018
15 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 19, 2018
Calling this book a "complete" guide was a bit ambitious. I would consider it the author's "complete story" of living with the disease but not a complete guide for others. Literally anyone living with this disease could've written this book but I was hoping to gain some new information other than what I already know. Perhaps someone who is newly diagnosed would find this book helpful but everything it contains can be found and re-hashed on a good Google search.
January 2, 2024
I feel like you can find more helpful information on the Internet, but if you're looking to read someone's personal experience with various treatments and surgeries, this is definitely that. But, again, cruising the r/endo or r/endometriosis subreddits can probably get you the same info, if not better.
April 30, 2021
I am in awe of the ambition of this author and her great journey, and pursuit to make the medical system recognize that more needs to be done. To accomplish this we as our very best advocates must always read more books like this one. In addition to giving them to medical professionals. I recently attended a medical O.R. procedure for my own stage 4 Endometriosis related endeavors. The morning of my procedure, I presented my surgeon of 12 years with a gift. Inside were some awesome medical accessories and this book, with a copy of the documentary “Endo What?” She was eager to read this. The gift came with the request for a promise, that once she is done reading it, she would pass it on to another doctor and ask them to do the same. This book should be a staple reading material on the tables, in every OBGYN office. How proud I am of this author. Bravo 👏🏻 Samantha Bowick. You are an inspiration. Thank you, for this brave and literary contribution, to the advocacy of this community.
February 19, 2022
This book is mainly for women that want to take a more medical approach to treating their endometriosis and for whom it will be a goldmine of information. As I personally want to take a more natural approach in the treatment of my endometriosis, there wasn't that much useful information in the book for me. However, there is one chapter about 'alternative medicine' in the book and a very useful list of resources in the end of the book as well, with references to articles and books about natural approaches to endometriosis treatment.
April 20, 2020
I read this book to learn more about Endometriosis. I know several people who have the condition and I was curious about it from a personal perspective. Samantha Bowick writes clearly and thoughtfully. She makes a point of telling the reader that this was her experience and that every person dealing with this condition will have their own reality. That said, she gives the reader excellent information that will be helpful in preparation for doctor visits and how to think about the different treatments. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about this disease.
February 20, 2021
If you struggle with endometriosis this book provides a wide variety of information. As each woman is different it’s still helpful to hear from someone else who is dealing with it and what has helped or harmed her.
May 18, 2025
This was a quick read - a good basic rundown for folks who may not be aware of the general ins and outs of endometriosis.
October 5, 2019
By no means is this a "complete" guide to endometriosis. The topics discussed are very brief and basic, and a lot of the book was very repetitive. I was hoping for more.
August 31, 2019
The author’s personal journey from diagnosis to research and advocacy is one that makes my head spin. There are a wealth of resources included as well.
Read
April 15, 2025“There were days where I felt I was stuck going
around in circles, over and over again. I could not stand it. I was tired of not being able to enjoy life; I felt like my life was passing me by.”
around in circles, over and over again. I could not stand it. I was tired of not being able to enjoy life; I felt like my life was passing me by.”
March 20, 2019
My rating: 3.8
I have to give props to the author for writing this book. Not everyone would have the motivation or patience to complete this task, especially at a young age.
This book covers the author's story, her experiences of her battle with endometriosis. I, personally, do not know if I would've titled it "complete guide" though.
"Living with Endometriosis" covers Bowick's journey through diagnosis, multiple treatment plans, testings, and surgeries. It also discussed the other chronic illnesses, diseases and treatment side effects she faced.
The author works hard to drive home the point of doing your own research and advocating for you and your health. She shares her experiences, good and bad, in hopes you don't blindly follow doctor suggestions without knowing all the risks vs benefits so you don't risk your health.
I think Bowick makes very good points throughout the book. She also touches on other issues and diseases to be aware of, which is helpful, especially to a person just starting their research and journey with endo. While reading some parts of this book, I had to put it down and walk away for a while. This was do to a bit of a "doomsday" feel in the writing. My mind starting racing and over thinking. If a person has endometriosis, they will also have, or at least a higher risk of having, a laundry list of other issues, for example heart disease, etc. I understand the author was trying to be transparent and it was all info I had already discovered in my own research, but the way it was written made me feel as if I have an anvil over my head waiting to drop. And knowing it is a matter of when it is going to drop not if it will.
When I got this book, I was hoping for a little more. I guess I was expecting a more medical approach to the writing style and instead it was more of a personal journal. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy she was willing to share her story and experiences, just wasn't in the way I was expecting based off the title.
Overall, I am glad I read it. I think it is a good book for newly diagnosed women to read. It would also be good for families of those struggling with endometriosis to maybe provide a bit of insight on the challenges endo warriors face. It is also a good way to spread awareness to people who don't even know what endometriosis is.
I have to give props to the author for writing this book. Not everyone would have the motivation or patience to complete this task, especially at a young age.
This book covers the author's story, her experiences of her battle with endometriosis. I, personally, do not know if I would've titled it "complete guide" though.
"Living with Endometriosis" covers Bowick's journey through diagnosis, multiple treatment plans, testings, and surgeries. It also discussed the other chronic illnesses, diseases and treatment side effects she faced.
The author works hard to drive home the point of doing your own research and advocating for you and your health. She shares her experiences, good and bad, in hopes you don't blindly follow doctor suggestions without knowing all the risks vs benefits so you don't risk your health.
I think Bowick makes very good points throughout the book. She also touches on other issues and diseases to be aware of, which is helpful, especially to a person just starting their research and journey with endo. While reading some parts of this book, I had to put it down and walk away for a while. This was do to a bit of a "doomsday" feel in the writing. My mind starting racing and over thinking. If a person has endometriosis, they will also have, or at least a higher risk of having, a laundry list of other issues, for example heart disease, etc. I understand the author was trying to be transparent and it was all info I had already discovered in my own research, but the way it was written made me feel as if I have an anvil over my head waiting to drop. And knowing it is a matter of when it is going to drop not if it will.
When I got this book, I was hoping for a little more. I guess I was expecting a more medical approach to the writing style and instead it was more of a personal journal. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy she was willing to share her story and experiences, just wasn't in the way I was expecting based off the title.
Overall, I am glad I read it. I think it is a good book for newly diagnosed women to read. It would also be good for families of those struggling with endometriosis to maybe provide a bit of insight on the challenges endo warriors face. It is also a good way to spread awareness to people who don't even know what endometriosis is.
July 5, 2022
Probably more of a 4.5
Exceptionally good book for women who’ve just been diagnosed with this horrible disease, whether you’re one of the lucky ones who’ve “only” been living with it for a few years, or, like me, have been living with it, and with doctors giving you inaccurate diagnoses, for over 2 decades.
Introduces you to a lot of what will be new concepts and possible treatments, and most importantly lets you know that you’re not alone. This hasn’t been all in your head. And you have options. It’s your body, and it’s your choice where to go from here.
Make sure you do the research to know what those options are and try different things out to see what will work best for you. Don’t let ignorant doctors force you into a one-size-fits-all treatment.
She gives you a great list of references for where to go from here, giving you the feeling that this is a community- we’re all in this together, she’s not competing with other authors, just trying to add to the support you’re going to need.
The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because the personal stories get a bit confusing in the timeline- it becomes a bit difficult to tell when they’re happening (before or after her hysterectomy, before or after which surgery, etc.), and that affected my ability to understand how some of the treatments/comorbidities could be related to endometriosis. If they’d just had dates added to them, the confusion would’ve been avoided.
But still a very useful introductory book for endometriosis and I intend to refer back to it and will probably be giving it to other women when I learn they’ve been diagnosed.
Exceptionally good book for women who’ve just been diagnosed with this horrible disease, whether you’re one of the lucky ones who’ve “only” been living with it for a few years, or, like me, have been living with it, and with doctors giving you inaccurate diagnoses, for over 2 decades.
Introduces you to a lot of what will be new concepts and possible treatments, and most importantly lets you know that you’re not alone. This hasn’t been all in your head. And you have options. It’s your body, and it’s your choice where to go from here.
Make sure you do the research to know what those options are and try different things out to see what will work best for you. Don’t let ignorant doctors force you into a one-size-fits-all treatment.
She gives you a great list of references for where to go from here, giving you the feeling that this is a community- we’re all in this together, she’s not competing with other authors, just trying to add to the support you’re going to need.
The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because the personal stories get a bit confusing in the timeline- it becomes a bit difficult to tell when they’re happening (before or after her hysterectomy, before or after which surgery, etc.), and that affected my ability to understand how some of the treatments/comorbidities could be related to endometriosis. If they’d just had dates added to them, the confusion would’ve been avoided.
But still a very useful introductory book for endometriosis and I intend to refer back to it and will probably be giving it to other women when I learn they’ve been diagnosed.
January 14, 2026
This book didn't go into as much detail as a medical type book would've, but it introduced a lot of things related to endometriosis and would be an excellent first book for someone interested in learning about this condition
Read and own the book
Read and own the book
September 19, 2018
Endometriosis sucks-- and the pain is only the beginning. The fact that the people we're supposed to be able to turn to for help don't have enough (or any) knowledge to do so has a seemingly endless number of consequences.
So we've adapted. We hide our pain, throw on a smile, and do the best we can to make it through another day. We spend ridiculous amounts of money on appointments, heating pads, oils, devices, and a whole variety of medications in desperate attempts at pain relief. We search for resources, specialists, products... ANYTHING that can help us better understand what's happening to our bodies and how to make it stop.
Awareness is important, and even though I was already aware of most of the information in Living With Endometriosis (I was initially hoping for a bit more medicine/research/science and a bit less anecdote), I'm also grateful to people like Samantha Bowick for sharing their stories and reaching out to provide support for others who've otherwise had to struggle alone. If nothing else, simply knowing that there are others fighting the same battle and hearing about the things they've tried and experienced makes it feel a little less lonely, and a little more hopeful.
So we've adapted. We hide our pain, throw on a smile, and do the best we can to make it through another day. We spend ridiculous amounts of money on appointments, heating pads, oils, devices, and a whole variety of medications in desperate attempts at pain relief. We search for resources, specialists, products... ANYTHING that can help us better understand what's happening to our bodies and how to make it stop.
Awareness is important, and even though I was already aware of most of the information in Living With Endometriosis (I was initially hoping for a bit more medicine/research/science and a bit less anecdote), I'm also grateful to people like Samantha Bowick for sharing their stories and reaching out to provide support for others who've otherwise had to struggle alone. If nothing else, simply knowing that there are others fighting the same battle and hearing about the things they've tried and experienced makes it feel a little less lonely, and a little more hopeful.
November 3, 2021
This book really stood out to me as a great guide for someone who's just gotten diagnosed with endometriosis.
- It walks through the various treatments you might be prescribed/referred to.
- The author also shares her experience on these things to help inform.
- It is well-sourced, well written, and has the tone of someone who understands the severity of this condition.
- It offers practical examples of questions to ask your doctor and ways to prepare for appointments.
- This could also be a pro, but I will say it does not have much medical insight into how endo works. Due to the focus on practical info and lived experience, it's not overwhelming like some research-heavy books. Additionally, the references many science resources in the back if you do want to get into the background of endo.
- Some treatments that might have been nice to see mentioned are not. For example, I believe cannabis treatments like CBD were left out (perhaps due to the lack of research).
All in all, it is a great read for those newly diagnosed and wanting some clarity on their treatment options and what to expect with endo!
I hope to get the workbook that Samantha Bowick has released, too.
- It walks through the various treatments you might be prescribed/referred to.
- The author also shares her experience on these things to help inform.
- It is well-sourced, well written, and has the tone of someone who understands the severity of this condition.
- It offers practical examples of questions to ask your doctor and ways to prepare for appointments.
- This could also be a pro, but I will say it does not have much medical insight into how endo works. Due to the focus on practical info and lived experience, it's not overwhelming like some research-heavy books. Additionally, the references many science resources in the back if you do want to get into the background of endo.
- Some treatments that might have been nice to see mentioned are not. For example, I believe cannabis treatments like CBD were left out (perhaps due to the lack of research).
All in all, it is a great read for those newly diagnosed and wanting some clarity on their treatment options and what to expect with endo!
I hope to get the workbook that Samantha Bowick has released, too.
April 1, 2022
I thought this book was very helpful as I am starting out with learning more about endometriosis. This book helped me come up with questions to ask for my doctor as I am currently in the process of all of this. I would recommend this book to anyone who has been having difficulty with their reproductive system and going through a lot. The author does a great job letting the reader know that the people who are helping you through this, stick by them. I really appreciate this book as I am learning the ropes myself.
October 28, 2021
Redundant, and i am not sure this was medically reviewed. However: she is using Endovan, formerly Fibrovan, which i used to manage fibroids/endo prior to my pituitary problem which is causing my endo now. I highly recommend to anyone who doesnt have a pituitary or untreated thyroid issue. I have graves disease and nattokinase purchased alone helps me manage this disease.
June 30, 2022
This book really helped give me an overview and a better understanding of what I was dealing with. I have stage 1 Endo, finally got my diagnosis earlier this year after 17 years of suffering and being told that the heavy bleeding and major pain was normal, and then having the bladder and other issues that developed swept under the rug/ignored because the ultrasound came back with nothing. I was gaslit for years… Now I have vindication that it wasn’t all in my head after all, it was all in my pelvis.. This book is a great starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about Endometriosis. Thankful for those who have graciously shared their experiences and what they’ve learned with the rest of us!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews