“It’s Just Period Pain” – Devleena & Sneha Fought That Misconception for Years Before Finding the Truth

For Devleena Chatterjee and Sneha Khedkar, every month was a cycle of agony. Their bodies would scream in pain, yet they were told to be quiet. Doctors handed them painkillers, dismissed their concerns, and labelled their suffering as "normal" or worse—as a low pain threshold.

But what they were experiencing was far from normal. It was endometriosis—a condition that remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood, especially in India.

Living With Invisible Pain

Both Devleena and Sneha began facing crippling menstrual pain in their teenage years. From missing school and college exams to struggling with basic daily functions, their lives were shaped by pain. At times, even breathing or walking became unbearable.

They were often told by physicians that their discomfort was psychosomatic or just something "all women go through." Some even questioned their emotional stability.

But deep down, both women knew something wasn’t right.

The Turning Point

After years of being dismissed, Devleena stumbled upon a social media post about endometriosis. The symptoms—debilitating period pain, fatigue, heavy bleeding, bloating—matched hers perfectly. She urged her doctors for further investigation.

Sneha’s breakthrough came when she fainted at work due to the unbearable cramps. A gynecologist finally recommended a laparoscopy, and the diagnosis was confirmed: Stage III endometriosis.

For both women, the diagnosis was a relief and a revelation. It wasn’t “all in their head.” Their pain was valid. It had a name.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain, inflammation, and sometimes infertility. It affects 1 in 10 women worldwide, yet many suffer silently due to misdiagnosis or ignorance.

In India, the stigma around menstrual health and lack of medical awareness often delay proper diagnosis for 5 to 10 years.

Reclaiming Their Voice

Now equipped with knowledge and community support, Devleena and Sneha have taken charge of their health. Through dietary changes, pain management therapies, and medical intervention, they’ve carved a better path forward.

More importantly, they’re raising awareness. Both women are speaking out on platforms, encouraging others to push for answers and stop normalizing chronic menstrual pain.

“Pain is not a rite of passage,” says Devleena. “You don’t have to suffer in silence.”

A Call for Change

Their journey is not just personal—it’s a wake-up call for healthcare systems, educators, and families. Menstrual pain that interferes with daily life is not normal, and women deserve to be heard, diagnosed, and supported.

Thanks to brave voices like Devleena’s and Sneha’s, more women are now being seen, believed, and treated.