Portugal Passes Groundbreaking Law Granting Paid Menstrual Leave for Women with Endometriosis
Wow. This brings me tears of joy, some sadness, and also hope.
I’ve lost count of how many times I had to drag myself to work dizzy and nauseous from my endo pain.
How many times I took five 200mg Advil just to make it through an executive presentation.
And how many days the pain was so severe I ended up in the hospital, hooked up to some cocktail of pain medications until the pain was finally manageable enough to be released.
Those days came from my precious, few allotted ten PTO or vacation days. Days I gave up because of endo, and I’ll never get them back.
So what is Portugal’s new law?
“On March 27, 2025, Law 32/2025 was published, promoting the rights of people with endometriosis or adenomyosis, among others, by reinforcing their access to healthcare and creating a regime for justified work absences.
This amendment to the Portuguese Labor Code aims to support employees suffering from severe and debilitating pain during their menstrual period. It ensures their right to miss work without losing any benefits.” (Source)
To think that in the U.S., endometriosis isn’t even considered a disability is shocking.
Especially when the pain is often described as comparable to labor pains or a heart attack.
It affects 1 in 10 women... but that’s not enough for legislative change?
No. Not good enough.
I hope you’ll join me in saying: We’re done living in silence and stigma. We all deserve better.
This is exactly why I wrote my upcoming book, “Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power©.” For the women still being dismissed and suffering in silence. To break the silence on endo and invisible chronic illness…and to finally end the stigma.
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How To Advocate For Yourself In Medical Situations Guide
For women living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, or chronic pain — this is your reminder: You are not “too sensitive,” “exaggerating/dramatic,” or “just hormonal.” Your pain is real. Your symptoms matter. You deserve answers.
You shouldn’t have to prepare for a doctor’s appointment, urgent care or the hospital as if it’s a courtroom but until we achieve the recognition we deserve, this guide can help ensure we don’t continue to experience the dismissal, gaslighting and trauma we have in the past.
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NEW BOOK RELEASE
We’re thrilled to announce that our founder Katya Karlova’s debut book “Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power” is now available for pre-order!
Visit InvisiblePainUnstoppablePower.com to reserve your copy of her book and be part of a movement to make invisible illnesses impossible to ignore.
About The Book
“Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power” takes you through Katya Karlova’s courageous journey through the depths of body dysmorphia, chronic pain, and endometriosis—a path defined by invisible struggles that impacted every aspect of her life. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Katya shares the painful battles that shaped her, offering readers a window into the often unseen realities of living with these challenges.
However, this book is more than just a story of struggle. It is a powerful guide that shows you how to rise above adversity. Through Katya’s own transformation, she reveals the tools and strategies that helped her persevere, heal, and ultimately create the life she had once thought impossible. Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power provides actionable insights on how to navigate health challenges, reclaim your power, and build a life that aligns with your deepest desires.
Katya’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-acceptance, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. Her story will inspire anyone facing their own struggles, encouraging them to rise above their pain, embrace their truth, and create the life their heart truly desires.
This book isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. It is a call to anyone who feels trapped by their own invisible battles to reclaim their strength, transform their reality, and unlock the unstoppable power within.
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RECENT ARTICLES
What is Endometriosis and Adenomyosis? The Important Facts You Need to Know.
Ten Medical Myths: Endometriosis Facts vs. Fiction
Your Free Guide to Eating for Endo: Katya’s Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Plan
Endo Unfiltered
Endo Unfiltered is the official blog of the Endo-Visible Foundation and is a space for honest conversations about life with endometriosis. Here, we share personal stories, helpful resources, and updates from the Endo-Visible Foundation — all with the goal of raising awareness, breaking the stigma, building community, and making endo visible.
Empowering Endo Empresses
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Empowering Endo Empresses ⚔︎
We want to feature YOU—because the more we share, the more we realize we are not alone.
When we come together in truth and vulnerability, we break the stigma and amplify the strength of our community. Your story has the power to inspire, connect, and heal.
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