March marks Endometriosis awareness Month. A time to raise awareness of a chronic illness that affects millions of women worldwide, often in silence.
Like so many others, I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis before I turned 30. But my story didn’t begin there. In truth, it began long before my first period at 12. I grew up with symptoms I couldn’t quite explain, such as intense pain, low blood pressure, constant light-headedness, brain fog. And it wasn’t just during my period; it lingered before, during, and after, becoming an unwelcome companion in my everyday life.
What made it even harder was the lack of understanding. For years, endometriosis wasn’t widely recognised or talked about. Like many women, I was told things like, “you just have a bad period,” “don’t be dramatic,” or “just get on with it.” So, alongside the physical pain and hormonal rollercoaster, I learned to push through. I trained my mind to normalise discomfort, to show up at school or work, even on days when staying in bed felt like the only possible option.
As a gymnast, this was especially challenging. The expectation to perform at the same level every single day didn’t pause for pain. Some days, my body simply couldn’t keep up. There was also the quiet embarrassment that came with it all. Wearing the biggest pads meant layering baggy trousers on top, hoping no one would notice. And yet, somehow, it always felt like they did. That sense of shame stayed with me for a long time.
Getting a diagnosis changed everything, but it was only the beginning. Through research, support, and connecting with fellow “endo warriors,” I started to understand my body in a new way. I began to listen to it rather than fight against it.
Movement became part of my healing.
Today, sport and physical activity play a powerful role in how I manage my symptoms. I found an adult ballet class, a space where women of all ages come together, not to compete, but to move, express, and support one another. It became more than just exercise; it became a safe space.
Sharing my story is part of that journey too. Because if you’re reading this and see yourself in these words—whether you’ve been diagnosed or are still searching for answers, know that you are not alone. And there are ways to reconnect with your body that feel empowering, and healing.
Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, Zumba, or simply going for a walk, I suggest to find something that brings you joy and aim to do it, even just once a week. Movement can help lift your mood, ease bloating, and most importantly, help you feel like yourself again.
And to every woman navigating this path: I see you, I hear you, and your experience is valid.
