Written by Kieran Petty
March is a double whammy with Nutrition Month and Endometriosis Awareness Month. This topic hits home for me, not only because endo affects 1 in 10 women, but because I have just started a process that takes the average woman 7-10 years to receive a diagnosis. If you don’t know what endometriosis is, it is a disorder where tissue similar to the tissue that lines the inside of a woman’s uterus grows in places outside of the uterus. Symptoms can include severe pain during menstruation, bloating, pelvic pain, infertility, pain during intercourse, and abnormal or heavy menstrual flow.
My Endometriosis Story
After going to the doctor at 13 for periods that were extremely heavy and lasting 2+ months, I was prescribed birth control to manage the symptoms. My periods ended up stopping altogether for the next 5 years until I finally stopped taking it in hopes my body would ‘go back to normal and fix itself’. Obviously, my hopes were lost after getting my period back and finding myself on the floor after having fainted from painful cramps, being unable to move from bed for the first 4 days of my cycle, and many other seemingly endless symptoms that come along with this disease.
Recently, I decided to reapproach the medical system as an adult, knowing my body and demanding answers from doctors. To my surprise, I was met with massive pushback. I was told that my pain tolerance was probably just low, that the only cure was an IUD, and that I am just a woman and these are the things I have to learn to deal with. To me, these ‘solutions’ were bandaids to an actual severe, life-altering problem. I chose to keep pushing; asking for bloodwork, ultrasounds, and MRIs. After almost two years of waiting lists and doctor’s visits, I have yet to hear a clear consensus from doctors about the mystery in my body. Throughout this entire process, seeing over 7 different medical professionals, not once was I told that changing my diet could potentially solve a lot of my chronic pain issues.
When Things Changed
Finding and working with a Registered Dietitian whose focus is primarily on women’s hormone health and endometriosis has absolutely changed my life. I noticed major changes in my body on a day-to-day basis in only two months of making changes to my diet. I am able to take back control of my body in ways that have allowed me to
- Excel in school like never before
- Spend time with friends and family without worrying about not having pain medication on hand
- Not have to focus all my energy on the ‘what ifs’ and unknowns of this disease.
Moving Forward
I still have yet to receive a proper diagnosis of endometriosis, because it does require invasive surgery to receive a biopsy on the tissue, and for me as a student that is just not an option right now. I do, however, want to raise awareness in this ever empowering community of women suffering from unnecessary menstrual pain, migraines, and a medical system that is just not set up for our bodies.
What I Want Other Women To Know
Working with a dietitian who has literacy and training in women’s health has changed my life in ways that the medical system never even suggested was an option. I want other women to feel like they can take back control of their bodies, no matter their medical condition, symptoms, or feelings. Women should know there are other options besides birth control and endless amounts of NSAIDs to band-aid over their pains. What I want is for everyone to know that there is help out there, there is hope for you, and you can live your life normally again.
If you or someone you know is navigating chronic health concerns, consider exploring the support and guidance offered by registered dietitians at Intuition Dietitian Corp. for a comprehensive and personalized approach to health and wellness.
