Early experiences with my menstrual cycle

My story begins as many with endo: my menstrual cycle. I was very early to have my period, so, as many young girls I was very embarrassed to discuss it with anyone, even when it was really painful. I would regularly have a couple of days off of school per month due to pain, or just struggle through the day and come home exhausted. But as a kid with way too much energy, I don’t remember it affecting me so much until I got into high school.

When symptoms became more severe

From 15 years onwards, I started to develop heavier symptoms. Extreme pain (at times leading to hospitalisation) resulted in fainting or vomiting. This pain was one thing. Then I also developed pain during intercourse, as well as difficulty using tampons, wearing tight clothes and generally feeling uncomfortable with my vagina. Thankfully, I had a very understanding and supportive boyfriend at the time. As months passed and symptoms did not, of course it started to affect our relationship. Still, I did not want to tell anyone.

It was also during this time that I began to have a lot of injuries, primarily from my body changing and just not keeping up with what I wanted to do. I remember feeling stiff, old, and constantly in pain everywhere, with a lot of acute and chronic injuries. I would cry to my mum wondering how I would live to be old if this was what I already felt like as a teenager. It sucked.

Opening the conversation

Thankfully, my Dad opened up the conversation one day. I seem to remember both my parents already sort of knew about the period pain and other complexities. Perhaps they had sensed something else was not ok. Anyway, my Dad and I started this conversation where I said that sex was extremely painful, and he then said we should chat to my mum. From there an appointment was booked quickly with my GP, who in turn quickly scheduled me into the endogynecology department at the Royal Hospital for Women.

By the time I was 19 years old, I had had laparoscopic surgery and was having regular appointments with a pelvic floor physiotherapist. I was also working with my partner at the time on having positive and joyful sexual experiences and changing some lifestyle elements to keep me active in an energy-inducing way. This is also when I deepened my exercise practice, and was lucky enough to be exposed to some incredible exercise therapists and Pilates instructors to support me along my journey. I learned a lot! How to build my strength and capacity in a way which supported me and my needs, without running me into depletion mode. This was VERY important for me and my system.