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
021 - MPowered Women - Saska Graville & Dr Louise Newson
020 - Menopause and Antidepressants - Kim Goulding & Dr Louise Newson
019 - What is Perimenopause? - Sheona Khan & Dr Louise Newson
018 - Low Testosterone in Men - Professor Geoffrey Hackett & Dr Louise Newson
017 - The Benefits of Yoga - Lucy Holtom & Dr Louise Newson
016 - The Importance of a Plant-Based Diet - Edward Joy & Dr Louise Newson
015 - Menopause and Nursing - Diane Porterfield & Dr Louise Newson
014 - Getting the right menopause information - Diane Danzebrink & Dr Louise Newson
013 - HRT and Breast Cancer - Liz Earle MBE & Dr Louise Newson
012 - Gut Matters - Emma Ellice-Flint & Dr Louise Newson
010 - MegsMenopause - Meg Mathews & Dr Louise Newson
009 - Gynaecologial Cancers & Eve Appeal - Athena Lamnisos & Dr Louise Newson
008 - Migraines & Menopause - GP & Menopause Expert Dr Sarah Ball & Dr Louise Newson
007 - Campaigning for improved menopause care - Diane Danzebrink & Dr Louise Newson
006 - Importance of discussing menopause early - Meg Mathews, Athena Lamnisos & Dr Louise Newson
005 - Comparing hormones in menopausal women to teenagers - Nurse Tracy Rutter & Dr Louise Newson
004 - Education about the menopause - Practice Manager Sarah Baker & Dr Louise Newson
003 - Menopause & Depression - GP & Menopause Expert Dr Rebecca Lewis & Dr Louise Newson
002 - Improving Education About the Menopause - PCWHF Director, Karl Hamer & Dr Louise Newson
001 - Symptoms and Effective Treatment for Women Experiencing the Menopause - Dr Sarah Ball & Dr Louise Newson
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