Deep Disease
Can endometriosis cause rib or shoulder pain?
The short answer
Yes, endometriosis can sometimes cause rib or shoulder pain, most commonly when it involves the diaphragm, the muscle under your lungs. Symptoms that predictably flare just before or during a period can point toward endometriosis in the diaphragm or chest.
Yes. Endometriosis can sometimes cause pain under the ribs or in the shoulder, most commonly when it involves the diaphragm (the muscle under your lungs) or, more rarely, structures inside the chest. People often describe right-sided upper abdominal or rib pain, chest tightness, or shoulder or arm pain that can worsen with deep breathing or coughing.
Timing is a key clue: symptoms that predictably flare just before or during a period can point toward diaphragmatic or thoracic endometriosis. In very rare cases, chest involvement can also cause shortness of breath, recurrent unexplained chest symptoms, or even a lung collapse that repeats around menstrual cycles.
If you’re noticing this pattern, especially if you also have pelvic endometriosis symptoms, our team can help connect the dots and evaluate the full picture. When appropriate, we plan surgery with careful inspection of the diaphragm and coordinate imaging and specialty support if there’s concern that the disease extends into the chest.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 1 · Understand
Understand the condition
Step 2 · Compare
Symptoms it can relate to
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Is Your Rib or Shoulder Pain Endometriosis?
Pain in your ribs or shoulder could be linked to endometriosis affecting your diaphragm. Our specialists understand these unique symptoms and can help clarify your diagnosis and treatment options.
Questions people ask next
All deep disease questionsIs my shoulder or chest pain from diaphragmatic endometriosis?
Diaphragmatic endometriosis can cause shoulder or chest pain that tends to be cyclical and frequently right-sided, flaring before or during your period. Many non-gynecologic causes can also explain this pain, especially if it’s left-sided or not tied to your cycle.
Can endometriosis cause shoulder pain during periods?
Yes, endometriosis can cause shoulder pain during your period, most commonly when it affects the diaphragm, especially on the right side. Shoulder pain can have many causes, but a clear pattern linked to your menstrual cycle is an important clue.
Is shoulder pain more common with right-sided diaphragmatic endometriosis?
Often, yes: people with diaphragmatic endometriosis frequently report right-sided shoulder pain. Left-sided or bilateral pain can also happen, so the side alone cannot confirm or rule out diaphragmatic involvement. The pattern, especially flares with your menstrual cycle, matters.
Can endometriosis cause chest pain?
Yes, though uncommon, endometriosis can cause chest pain when it affects the diaphragm or, more rarely, the chest cavity. Pain is often cyclical, flaring right before or during a period, but chest pain has many possible causes and needs careful evaluation.
Further reading
Diaphragmatic Endometriosis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Learn what diaphragmatic endometriosis is, how it affects the diaphragm, key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, treatments, and potential complications.
Thoracic Endometriosis: Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Chest pain or shortness of breath during your period? Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome is a rare but serious condition often missed for years. Learn the signs.
Beyond the Abdomen: Endometriosis in the Diaphragm and Nerves
Discover rare symptoms of endometriosis involving the diaphragm and nerves. Understand the importance of accurate diagnosis and emerging research.
