What's your worst, funniest, or most awkward period story?

This is one I tell in all my period education classes. When I first got my period at 14, I had no idea what it was. I was raised by my dad, and my sister had moved out some time before. She had never talked to me about things like that, and to be honest, my dad had no idea either.

When it happened, I was terrified. I thought I was going to die. Too scared to tell anyone, I used toilet paper and cried a lot. Then it went away and I thought I was fine, until it came back, and I was a mess all over again.

Luckily, my sister came home for a visit. I showed her my blood-stained underwear, crying and asking if I was going to die. She laughed and said, "No, it's your period," then called out to my dad. She told me not to worry, that I needed pads and it would happen every month. I asked, "Pads, like the ones I write on? Will that hurt?" My dad handed me some, and they were enormous. I felt like they went from my belly button all the way to my back.

After a few months, I spoke to someone and finally got more information about the different sizes and how to use them properly.

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

I wish I had known about periods, how to track them and what everything meant. I also wish I had known that the heavy bleeding, the clots, and everything else I was experiencing wasn't normal. And that you cannot wear a tampon for 12 hours.

Have you been diagnosed with a women's health condition?

Yes, endometriosis, PCOS, and PMDD. I no longer get my period, as I've had a hysterectomy.

For a long time, I didn't know anything was wrong. I thought the pain, heavy bleeding, clots, and the massive depression were all just part of it. I had been told that periods hurt and not to complain, so I stayed quiet.

I was diagnosed with endometriosis at 20, after my first miscarriage. Doctors suspected something was wrong and referred me to a gynaecologist. After talking through my pain and symptoms, surgery was recommended and that's when I got my diagnosis. PCOS and PMDD both followed in my mid-twenties.

What was your diagnosis experience like?

For years, I had no idea anything was wrong. It was only after my miscarriage that doctors began looking deeper. Being referred to a specialist, and finally being heard, was a turning point. But it was also overwhelming.

Getting a diagnosis gave me a name for what I was going through, but it didn't come with support or a clear plan forward. In many ways, it was just the beginning of having to advocate for myself and fight to be taken seriously.

How has your condition changed your daily life?

My condition feels like it is my life, and as I've aged, its impact has grown. In my mid-forties, my endometriosis is the worst it has ever been.

In early 2020, I was medically retired after a hysterectomy the previous year due to severe bleeding, followed by a serious infection and a long stretch in hospital.

I have had nine pregnancy losses, eight miscarriages and one ectopic pregnancy. When I was first diagnosed in my early twenties, I was told I would never have children. I had been raised in a traditional household and always imagined becoming a mother, so that news felt devastating. It affected my relationships too. I believed no one would want someone like me.

Later in life, I did get married, and I had one amazing son, who is now 14. My pregnancy with him was difficult. I bled throughout and spent a lot of time in hospital, and the birth wasn't easy either. But I wouldn't change a thing. He is my whole heart.

That marriage ended when my son was five. My endometriosis and PMDD were severe, and combined with pregnancy loss, redundancy during pregnancy, and painful sex, it all became too much. I felt broken, and once again found myself questioning my worth.

What symptoms made you think something wasn't right?

Honestly, I had no idea. I didn't know anything about endometriosis until I was diagnosed. I had nothing to compare my experience to.

Have you tried anything that has helped manage your symptoms?

You name it, I've probably tried it. One thing I've noticed as I've aged is that what used to help doesn't always work anymore, especially as my endometriosis has progressed.

What's one thing you wish more people understood about women's health?

That it needs to be more inclusive. Not everyone who experiences these conditions identifies as a woman, and language matters.

It also needs to be talked about more openly. These aren't rare issues, but they're often treated as if they are. And most importantly, pain like this is not normal and should never be dismissed.

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

You are not broken. Life will feel hard, but you deserve to be loved. Remind yourself of that.

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

Alongside pain medication, I focus on holistic care. Pacing is a big part of my management plan. I make myself little care baskets with my heat pack, TENS machine, and some nice snacks, and give myself permission to rest. Other times, a short walk helps. Just fresh air and a change of space can make a difference.