Vicki is 39 years and has struggled with heavy periods and related pain since she was 10 years old. She was eventually diagnosed with endometriosis at 22 but continued to suffer with severe pain, heavy bleeding and UTIs, despite treatments and multiple surgical interventions. As a last attempt to be pain free, Vicki chose to have a hysterectomy when she was 35. Even though her ovaries were not removed, she realised she was entering menopause after the operation when she began having night sweats, insomnia, anxiety and very dry hair and skin. The ‘cure’ Vicki was hoping for didn’t materialise – another battle just began instead, as it took 18 months to access the treatment she now needed for her menopause.
Vicki shares some of the struggles younger women have when trying to get help for endometriosis and/or a surgical or early menopause, and reflects on the decision she made and the lack of information provided to her at the time. Dr Louise Newson advises women in this situation to speak with their doctor about the likelihood of surgery triggering menopause and to find out about the symptoms and benefits of HRT in advance, so you are prepared.
Vicki’s tips if you have, or think you have, endometriosis:
You can read more about Vicki’s experience here and follow her on Instagram
Vicki helped contribute to the booklet, ‘Endometriosis and You’
For more about endometriosis, visit Endometriosis UK
061 - The Hormone Pharmacist - Lindsey Lester & Dr Louise Newson
060 - Menopause Education & Fourteen Fish - Dr Mark Coombe & Dr Louise Newson
059 - PMS and the Menopause - Dr Hannah Short and Dr Louise Newson
058 - Changing the Perception Around HRT - Davina Mccall & Dr Louise Newson
057 - The Irish Menopause - Sallyanne Brady, Claire Peel & Dr Louise Newson
056 - ’balance’ Menopause App - Jane Oglesby & Dr Louise Newson
055 - Exercise & the Menopause - Janette Cardy & Dr Louise Newson
054 - The Basics About HRT - Dr Rebecca Lewis & Dr Louise Newson
053 - The costs of the menopause - Professor Philip Sarrel & Dr Louise Newson
052 - The Benefits of Body Identical Progesterone - Professor James Simon & Dr Louise Newson
051 - Breast Cancer & Menopause - Dr Tony Branson & Dr Louise Newson
050 - Empowering Women to Receive the Right Menopause Advice - Liz Earle MBE & Dr Louise Newson
049 - Anti-ageing, Hormones & Healthy Living - John Stirling & Dr Louise Newson
048 - Newson Health in the North - Dr Zoe Hodson & Dr Louise Newson
047 - Fermented Foods & Gut Health - Emma Ellice-Flint & Dr Louise Newson
046 - Menopause Education for Nurses - Mandy Garland, Sharon Hartmann & Dr Louise Newson
045 - Menopause Yoga - Petra Coveney & Dr Louise Newson
044 - Gransnet & the Menopause - Cari Rosen & Dr Louise Newson
043 - Changing the Language Around Menopause and Midlife - Lorraine Candy & Dr Louise Newson
042 - The Big M - Kate Irvine & Dr Louise Newson
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