It Started at Fifteen
My first period arrived when I was 15, and with it came pain so severe I vomited. I missed school every month. My mother took me to the GP three times in the first year. Each time I was told: "Some women just have difficult periods. Take ibuprofen." I was 15. I believed them. It would be another decade before anyone used the word endometriosis in my presence.
The Lost Years
Through my twenties I built a life around managing pain. I kept emergency pain medication in every bag. I cancelled plans. I left jobs that didn't allow sick days. I had two relationships end partly because the men in them couldn't understand why I needed to lie on the floor in agony every month. I was told I was anxious, that I was drug-seeking, that I needed therapy. I needed a laparoscopy.
Diagnosis at 26
A new GP, a young woman who listened differently, referred me to a gynaecologist who specialised in endometriosis. She listened to my history for 45 minutes and said: "This sounds like endometriosis. Let's investigate." The laparoscopy confirmed stage 3 endometriosis. I cried for three days, not from sadness, but from the profound relief of being believed.
What I Want You to Know
If you are in pain and being told it is normal: it is not. Pain that stops your life is not normal. You deserve investigation, diagnosis, and treatment. Keep your records. Track your symptoms. Find a doctor who will listen. The endometriosis community is large, vocal, and ready to support you, you are not alone, and you are not imagining it.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is written for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.
Isabelle Mercier
Patient Advocate
All TryHerCare articles are written and reviewed by qualified medical professionals. Our content is clinician-reviewed to ensure accuracy and clinical relevance.
