Think you may be experiencing endometriosis symptoms? Laura Walton – founder of CBD product range Moi + Me, shares her experience and reveals the main things we need to know
One in ten women of reproductive age in the UK suffer from endometriosis, with 175 million women suffering worldwide, according to Endometriosis UK.
In fact, it’s the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK, and in the US the condition is equally as widespread.
To put it in perspective, endometriosis is as common as diabetes.
a long-term condition that can affect women of any age
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Causing discomfort that some say rivals labour – endometriosis can wreak serious havoc on a person’s life.
It’s a long-term condition that can affect women of any age and can have a hugely negative impact on day to day life, which in some cases can lead to feelings of depression.
Living with Endometriosis
Laura Walton, 43 is the co-founder of Moi + Me, a CBD product range to help build moments of calm into everyday life, especially for those women suffering from endometriosis.
‘I was 18 years old when I first experienced symptoms of endometriosis and have always suffered with awful pelvic pain, back ache and constipation,’ reveals Laura.
‘I wasn’t diagnosed with endometriosis until I was 21, and I spent most of my 20’s and 30’s having surgery every 18 to 24 months to try to relieve some of the pain.
I was 18 years old when I first experienced symptoms of endometriosis
‘This greatly impacted my life and caused me a lot of anxiety and has had a huge impact on my relationships.
‘Not only did it have a huge impact on my life but also on my friends and family who had to watch me suffer in pain. Especially my mum who had to look after me after every operation and support me through all the tears and tough times along the way’.
What are the main symptoms?
The symptoms of Endometriosis vary from person to person. Some women are badly affected, while others might not have any noticeable symptoms.
The main symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
- Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when peeing or pooing during your period
- Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- You may also have heavy periods where you need to use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through your clothes.
What causes endometriosis?
The cause of endometriosis is still unknown. However, several theories have been suggested, including:
- Genetics – the condition tends to run in families, and affects people of certain ethnic groups more than others.
- Retrograde menstruation – when some of the womb lining flows up through the fallopian tubes and embeds itself on the organs of the pelvis, rather than leaving the body as a period.
- Immune system issues – problems with the body’s natural defence against illness and infection.
- Endometrium cells – spreading through the body in the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a series of tubes and glands that form part of the immune system.
But none of these theories fully explain why endometriosis happens. It’s likely the condition is caused by a combination of different factors.
What treatments are available?
The cause of endometriosis is still unknown and there is no definite cure, however there are a few things that can be done to help alleviate some of the pain experienced from symptoms.
Sometimes symptoms can be managed with pain killers and analgesia such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, which may be enough for some patients.
Hormonal contraception which includes tablets or contraceptive coils, can also help to alleviate some of the painful symptoms.
Outside of this there aren’t many other treatments to try other than surgery.
The cause of endometriosis is still unknown and there is no definite cure
‘I myself have tried several Mirena Coils and spent 12 months on hormone treatments which put me into an artificial menopause,’ explains Laura.
‘The pain is hard to alleviate altogether but I have found the right balance of pain killers, CBD and rest. Heat has also been a huge help and I spend many a night in the bath followed by sitting on the sofa with a hot water bottle’.
‘My main piece of advice to all women who think they may have endometriosis is DO NOT suffer alone, DO NOT ignore your symptoms and DO NOT take no for an answer.
‘I have heard from many people that it has taken years and years to get a diagnosis. It just isn’t fair. we know our bodies and know when something isn’t right and Doctors shouldn’t just write it off as period pain without investigating.
‘So if you suffer with any of the symptoms mentioned above insist on a referral to a gynaecologist. There are also plenty of support groups out there, gone are the days where women’s problems don’t get spoken about!’
Thank you for taking the time to read this, my mission with MOi + ME was always to help people feel comfortable in sharing their story and knowing that someone is there to listen who understands – Laura Walton.
Established by Co-Founders Catherine Meardon and Laura Walton, following their personal journeys with anxiety.
MOi + ME is a new brand that not only leads with four outstanding products curated with stimulating flavours and scents, but has also been set up to support those in need with tools and tips.
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