Here we are the first week of March: the month dedicated to endometriosis awareness. An awareness that is very much needed.
Did you know that it takes an average of eight years for women to get diagnosed with endometriosis? Despite the fact that it can cause debilitating symptoms and infertility in 30-40% of couples struggling to get pregnant.
It took me 17 years to get a proper diagnosis. I was conditioned to believe that pain with my period was normal. Turns out painful periods were anything but “normal”.
It was a friend who first told me about endometriosis, not a doctor. She recognized the symptoms. Had it not been for her I might still be living in an otherwise painful state of “normal”.
Yellow for Endo
It is up to us to speak up about endometriosis. I found that once I started speaking up that I’ve met so many other ladies in my life who have it too. It’s just not talked about… unless we do 🙂
What better time then now to break the idea that talking about your period is taboo?
As this month of endometriosis awareness gains momentum, here are some ideas to get you going…
1.) Social Media
The Endo Challenge is a movement aimed at turning social media yellow this month. You can upload your picture and it will add a yellow tint to it.
Alternatively you could add a yellow “Twibbon” to your profile picture.
Or… you could take it a step further and share your story on your wall or blog. I remember how nervous I was to do this. But who knows… you could help other ladies by doing so.
2.) Free Yellow Ribbons
In support of endometriosis awareness, Endometriosis Association is giving away free yellow ribbons that say “Ask me about Endo”. They are also giving away free endometriosis awareness brochures.
All you have to do is email them at: support@EndometriosisAssn.org.
3.) WorldWide EndoMarch
I am super excited to be attending the WorldWide EndoMarch this year in Washington D.C.
It’s happening on March 28, 2015 all around the world. You can find a team near you here.
If you are headed to Washington D.C. too then I’d love to connect! I’m taking part in a couple of events before and after the march. Check out the links below to find out more and to register 🙂
On the Positive Side?
The more that we speak up about endo, the greater the chance young women are of learning about this condition.
I imagine how things could have been different if I’d first learned about endometriosis at an early age, along with the potential to heal it without the aid of harsh, hormonal drugs that have left a definite imbalance in my body.
This is the further awareness challenge that I’ve taken on…. and I hope you join me.
What are you doing to spread awareness? Are you going to the EndoMarch? Do you have any other ideas to help spread awareness or other events going on that support endometriosis awareness? I’d love to hear from you….
Much Love,
