Endometriosis: There is hope

Endometriosis is a common condition, affecting around 10% of women globally. So, why is it that so often we are misdiagnosed, given the wrong advice and sometimes even dismissed by the very people we are seeking help from? On average, it takes a woman with endometriosis seven years to get a diagnosis. This is exactly the length of time it took for me. I was told by multiple medical professionals that my symptoms were ‘normal’ and even ‘just part of being a woman’ (that one made me laugh ). Even when I had done my own research and told them that I thought I might have endometriosis, I was told that ‘it was very unlikely’ so they didn’t investigate further.

After years of struggling with a range of bizarre symptoms but refusing to give up, I saw a specialist gynecologist in Bristol who actually listened to me, had a prod around my tummy and within ten minutes turned to me and said ‘Yes, it sounds as if it could certainly be endometriosis. We’re going to book you in for an investigative laparoscopy’. Honestly, that moment was emotional. Someone truly knew and understood the strange ways in which endometriosis can present. Someone was listening. Someone wanted to help.

Eight weeks later, I was lying in a hospital bed enjoying a rather fun cocktail of drugs on the recovery ward when the consultant approached me. I had endometriosis. In fact, they had found three masses; one on each ovary and one on my bladder. I had been right all along. I felt such a relief that I finally had a diagnosis, knew what was causing my symptoms and could now start looking at ways to manage this condition. I also felt angry. Angry that I had been dismissed and not taken seriously for seven years. Women deserve to be listened to. We should be trusted when we say something doesn’t feel right. We know our own bodies.

Following my diagnosis, I started making lifestyle changes to manage my symptoms. It wasn’t an instant fix and took some trial and error attempts but I’m happy to say that today, five years after my diagnosis, I am living pretty much symptom free. I get the occasional flare-up but compared to before it’s definitely manageable. I’m also delighted to be able to say that my husband and I have just had our first baby! We have a gorgeous little boy called Rupert, currently four months old. After being told that we might struggle to have a baby due to my endo, having our beautiful boy seems like a magical little miracle.

As a certified Nutritional Therapist and Lifestyle Coach, I had the knowledge, tools and experience to make these changes that turned my life around. Many women don’t. It was for this reason, I set up Balanced and Blooming; dedicated to women with hormonal imbalances, struggling with hormonal conditions. I now work with amazing women from all walks of life, helping them on their journey to feeling healthier and happier and it is such a wonderfully rewarding career.

I want this to give all of you strong endowarriors out there hope. If you’re struggling with your symptoms and feel let down by the lack of support you’ve had, it can be really tough but keep going - you will come out on top! I, like many others, am proof that you can manage your endometriosis and ease your symptoms. By adjusting your lifestyle, you can take back control. But let’s be honest, that’s easier said than done. Where do you start!?

The key in targeting endometriosis lies in reducing inflammation and balancing your hormones which requires a three-pronged holistic approach: nutrition, exercise and emotional wellbeing. If you aren’t confident in starting this journey on your own, I can help! All appointments are virtual so can be carried out from the comfort of your own home, even the comfort of your own bed if you like. If you would like some support, get in touch today.

You are not alone and there is help out there. You are stronger than you think and you can take back control.

Holly x