Endo . . .what?

(en-do-mee-tree-oh-sis)

Endometr ios is

Endo...what?1

IntroductionLooking back now I can see that my early tell tale symptoms pointed towards endometriosis but it took at least five years for me to be properly diagnosed.

Spending days in your bed curled up in agony each month isn’t normal, no matter if your friends or family tell you so.

Endometriosis is a lonely condition but there are so many women and girls out there who are going through it too.

Take care,Love HannahAge: 25

My first visit to hospital was at the age of 15. I was doubled up with intense stomach cramps which made me sick ten or more times. Doctors couldn’t work out what was wrong and I was sent home for a ‘hot bath’. Eventually after several investigations I woke up to be told ‘You have endometriosis’. Endo... what?!

In the coming years I added tiredness, bloating, backache and a constant daily dull ache to the list of common symptoms of the condition. During my time at school and college and trying to carry on with a hectic social life, I found myself struggling with pelvic pain throughout the month.

I turned to a gluten free diet, mirena coil and an exercise regime in an effort to beat the disease. Nowadays, my endometriosis is manageable, with months going by without flare ups of intense pain.

DisclaimerThis booklet was created by a young woman with personal experience of endometriosis and represents her views. It should not be relied on as a substitute for formal medical or other advice.

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Endo...what?

Symptoms : * ● Painful, heavy or irregular periods ● Lower abdominal pain ● Sickness and nausea during menstrual cycle ● Feeling tired

Endometrios is (en-do-mee-tree-oh-sis)

is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes painful periods or heavy periods.

It often also causes pain in the lower abdomen (tummy), pelvis or lower back, as well as fertility problems. It may also contribute towards a lack of energy and depression.

However, the symptoms of endometriosis can vary significantly and some women have few symptoms or no symptoms at all.

* For more information about endometriosis visit:www.nhs.uk/condit ions/endometriosis/

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Does this sound like you?

Apart from the pain, other things can make living with endometriosis a challenge. It can affect your life in lots of different ways.

● Not being able to play sports or take part in PE

● Not being able to explain to your family, friends or boyfriend why you are feeling sick or unwell

● Missing out on spending time with your friends

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● Having to catch up on homework and exams because you have had to take time off school

● Spending more than a day off sick each month because of your periods

● Heavy bleeding each month

● Cancelling plans because you don’t know how you will be feeling

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Where to get help

Doctors and nurses are trained to help you with any problems you have with your health. If you don’t feel that you can speak to your mum, big sister, grandma, auntie or friend you can always ask to speak to a doctor about your periods. You can ask for a female doctor if that would make you more comfortable.

It’s sometimes difficult to get diagnosed with endometriosis so the more information you can give the doctor will help. Keeping a diary of how you feel can help you to explain what you’re going through and describe what the pain feels like.

It might seem embarrassing but remember most doctors will have heard and seen it all before. They are there to help.

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Useful Contacts

NHS - General info on endometriosisnhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/

Endometriosis: A Guide for Teensyoungwomenshealth.org/endoinfo.html

Endometriosis UKendometriosis-uk.org

TeensHealth Helpkidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/endometriosis.html

For more information or support about endometriosis visit one of the following resources:

Starting your period can be an exciting time because it is your body telling you that you are ready to become a woman. But it can also be a scary and confusing time.

Most girls will have some pain and a crampy feeling leading up to, during and after their monthly cycle. This is normal.

But sometimes the pain can be so bad that you can’t get up, go to school and carry on with your normal life. This isn’t normal and it could be a sign that you have endometriosis.

created byHannaH Raine

illustrations byCaLLUM BeiTH

project coordinatorKiRsTy HUnTeR

project administratorLindsay Honnan

produced by

Lee sCoTT

This resource was created by a young person with Fixers, the

campaign that gives young people a voice