1. Let’s start with the classic: What’s your worst, funniest, or most awkward period story?

Bleeding through my underwear and clothes to the point that I’ve had to scrub the clothing items or throw them out

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

I wish I knew that severe pain and heavy  periods weren’t normal. I knew to an extent it wasn’t normal because of what my Mum told me, but when I had a Gynaecologist telling me that it was normal, I honestly believed that what she was telling me was the truth 

 3. 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?

This year in February, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

I got my first period at 13 with no pain or symptoms, but everything changed after I got severely ill at 14 and didn’t get a period for 7 months. When it returned, the pain and heaviness were horrendous. My GP referred me to a Gynaecologist, but while waiting for the appointment, I had daily pain and excessive discharge.

I always felt something wasn’t right, but my first Gynaecologist insisted the pain and heavy periods were normal. She put me on The Pill to get a period every three months, which helped a bit. Still, I kept going back because the pain and symptoms continued, even outside of my period. She blamed it on IBS, even though the pain was in my uterus.

Eventually, I took my Mum — who has Endometriosis — to an appointment. When the Gynaecologist claimed I shouldn’t have symptoms outside of my period, we both knew that wasn’t true. My Mum encouraged me to see someone new.

In February 2023, I saw a new Gynaecologist who immediately took me seriously and booked me for surgery. In August, they found and removed a right ovarian cyst. Some symptoms improved, but others came back. In February this year, she diagnosed me with PCOS and confirmed it with an ultrasound in March.

Getting a diagnosis was a huge relief. I knew my body, I kept pushing, and I’m so grateful for a Gynaecologist who believes me.

4. What was your diagnosis experience like?

As you can see from above with my ex Gynaecologist, it was a very frustrating , long process to be taken seriously. I had to fight to be taken seriously and to be listened to. It shouldn’t be like that 

 5. How has your condition changed your daily life?

PCOS has changed my life tremendously. Some days I can have a dull ache which is super manageable or sharp, stabbing pains which I know means that a cyst will burst within 24 - 48 hours. That makes leaving the house very difficult and creates a lot of anxiety. 

There’s not a day when I’m not in some type of pain or discharging.  

Leading up to my period is awful and there is so much anxiety because I know for 2-3 days, my pain will be through the roof, the heaviness is unbelievable and I will be on so many medications 

PCOS has made me listen to my body so carefully and change my day to day life because of my pain and symptoms I experience 

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

Severe pain and the heaviness always made me think something wasn’t right. Having my Mum with Endometriosis made me fight because when she said this isn’t normal, I knew I had to fight for answers and treatment 

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

I’m on so many medications when I’m on my period which has been a life saver because the medications help with the pain and heaviness. My wheat bag has become my best friend even more than it was before 

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

As simple as it but most people forget: WE KNOW OUR BODIES THE BEST

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

You know your body the best and don’t let anyone tell you differently 

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

SELF CARE - Doing the things I love, long, warm shower with a lip mask and a body scrub