It’s a condition putting pressure on women worldwide, affecting their mental health, their careers, their fertility. And many don’t even know they have it. But with a new spotlight on endometriosis, is that all about to change?
Thessy Kouzoukas’ breaking point came one day at work, when the agony that felt like month-long period pain became too much. “I’d lie on the floor holding a heat pack, asking colleagues to bring me painkillers,” says the 28-year-old co-founder of fashion brand Sabo Skirt. “Most days I could only work until 1pm, and once I remember one of the girls saying to me, ‘Do you think it might be in your head?’ It was starting to look bad that I couldn’t do a full day of work. I needed to get checked out.” After convincing her GP that it felt like more than “just her period”, Thessy was referred to an expert gynaecologist. A scan and laparoscopy later, she had a diagnosis: stage IV endometriosis, the most severe kind.
One in 10 women live with this chronic condition you may not have even heard of – although experts suspect the actual number is higher. The problem? Lack of understanding and awareness about endometriosis has left many people undiagnosed, suffering in silence or not getting the help they need.
But the tide is turning. The likes of Lena Dunham, Daisy Ridley and Olympian Emily Seebohm (see over page) have brought endo into the global spotlight by sharing their stories. Then, in December 2017, a watershed moment happened on our shores. After hearing from a coalition of researchers, patients and groups including EndoActive and Endometriosis Australia, health minister Greg Hunt formally apologised to women with endometriosis for not helping sooner. He announced the government would create Oz’s first national action plan, with more research funding, education and an awareness campaign. So, are we seeing the start of a new era for women with endometriosis?
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
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