1.. What have you demystified about your female body that you wish you knew when you were younger?

I wish I’d known that my body doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. Growing up, I thought every ache, mood shift, or change had to be hidden or fixed but really, it was just my body doing its thing. Understanding that my body is smart, intuitive, and uniquely mine has been liberating. I’ve learned to trust it rather than constantly doubt it, and I wish I’d known that freedom sooner.

2. Have you been diagnosed with a women’s health condition? If so, how did you know something wasn’t right, and what was your journey like to get answers?

I was diagnosed with Endometriosis when I was 19. From right when I started my first period when I was 13 I had pretty significant pain. I remember when I was 13 I was waiting outside my classroom in such terrible pain that my whole body had goosebumps and I tried to tough it out and pretend nothing was wrong, the doctors just put me on the pill from age 13 and it was a long time from 13 to 19 being in pain all the time

3. What was your diagnosis experience like?

Thankfully my parents paid for medical insurance for me so after my sister was diagnosed with endo and I was still suffering in pain all the time it was suggested by my family that I go and see a gynaecologist and about three months later I had surgery and was diagnosed. I’m very thankful to my parents for covering the costs of medical insurance otherwise who knows how long I may have been waiting.

4. How has your condition changed your daily life?

I’m really blessed to be in a job that is relatively flexible so I can manage my work days around my symptoms however it really does impact my everyday life- the fatigue is unbearable some days it’s hard to feel like I have any energy when I get up in the morning

5. What symptoms made you think something wasn’t right with your body?

I thought having period pain was very normal even though I took days off school because it was so bad. It wasn’t until I was getting severe pain in between my period (most often around ovulation) that I started to take things a bit more seriously.

6. Have you tried anything that has helped you manage your symptoms?

Surgery was the best thing I did although I’ve had multiple now it really does make a huge difference.

7. What’s one thing you wish more people understood about women’s health?

One thing I wish more people understood about women’s health, especially conditions like endometriosis, is how invisible the pain and impact can be. It’s not just about cramps or heavy periods, it can affect every part of your life- your energy, your mental health, your work, and your relationships.

8. If you could tell younger you one thing about your body, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to listen to your body and trust that your pain is real. I spent years thinking my symptoms were just ‘normal,’ but if I had known sooner that chronic pain and fatigue aren’t something you have to just endure, I could have sought help earlier and advocated for myself more confidently

9. When your body feels hard to live in, how do you take care of yourself?

It’s the small things like doing a face mask, getting to bed early or going for a small walk and reconnecting with nature that really help me to take care of myself