Do you know the phrase “I just have a bad period”? This dismissive statement is not true for millions of women in the world. Anna Brown, a Warner Bros. supervising producer, was 15 years old when she was diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic, incurable condition. This condition would shape her life in unimaginable and lasting ways.
What is endometriosis exactly? It’s when uterine tissue grows out of the uterus. This can cause debilitating symptoms, such as pain and gastrointestinal problems. Endometriosis is under-researched, and it’s often misunderstood, despite the fact that it affects 1 in 10 women worldwide.
Take Jade Williams. She is a Black account manager whose journey towards diagnosis took more than a decade. Her symptoms began at age 13, but she wasn’t officially diagnosed until 2024. Jade’s story highlights racial disparities within healthcare, as Black women are often diagnosed later than their counterparts.
Endometriosis has a far-reaching impact that goes beyond the physical symptoms. It impacts relationships, friendships and careers. Infertility fears can cause women to struggle with physical intimacy and feelings of shame.
Why is endometriosis so hard to diagnose? As Dr. Vanessa Pinard explains there is no single blood test to diagnose it and its symptoms can often mimic other conditions such as IBS or PCOS. Endometriosis can only be diagnosed definitively through laparoscopy, a surgical procedure many women undergo following years of pain.
Treatment options are also limited. Birth control pills and painkillers can help manage symptoms but do not cure the condition. Surgery can be an option, but it is often drastic and does not guarantee symptom relief.
Women like Anna, Jade and Yael, a writer who spent fifteen years searching for answers before being diagnosed, are sharing their stories in order to raise awareness. They demand more research, better healthcare and an end to the dismissal their pain.
But the battle is not just medical. It’s also a political one. Endometriosis is a poorly funded field. In 2022, only $16 million will be allocated by the NIH for endometriosis. Compare this to the $1.2billion raised by 11 startups that address erectile dysfunction from 2020 to 2024. This disparity highlights a systemic neglect for women’s health.
Organisations like the Endometriosis Foundation of America work tirelessly to change these narratives. They fund research, educate healthcare professionals, empower patients to advocate for their own interests, and fund research.
The road to recovery is long and filled with obstacles for women with endometriosis. Their resilience and willingness share their stories offers a glimmer hope. Anna’s reflections on her journey remind us that even small victories are worth celebrating.
Next time someone dismisses a woman’s discomfort as “just bad periods”, remember Anna, Jade and Yael. And the millions of women like them. Endometriosis has stolen their lives, but they refuse to be silent. It’s time to listen.
