Maree Davenport serves on the World Congress on Endometriosis organising committee, chairing Community Liaison. Previously on the Australian Government Endometriosis Expert Advisory Group, she served as CEO, Chair and on the board of an endometriosis charity. Her daughter and niece are endo warriors. Maree is a former Member of Parliament, with a Master of Leadership in Gender Equality.

Foreword xvii

About the author xix

Introduction xxi

Part I | Tune in: Understanding endo 1

1 What is endometriosis? 3

Are heavy, painful periods normal? 4

Symptoms to look out for 5

Genetics and gastrointestinal issues 7

What about adenomyosis? 8

Does endometriosis have different stages or levels? 8

Endo myths and facts 11

What causes endometriosis? 13

What might be going on in the body? 13

2 Understanding the pain and fatigue 17

Understanding pelvic pain 17

Unwelcome friends 25

Am I more likely to have other chronic conditions as well as endo? 25

Part II | Track, Tell, Test: Getting a diagnosis 27

3 How do I find a name for my pain? 29

Endo is more common than you think 29

The journey to get tested and diagnosed 30

Track your symptom impact 31

Heavy menstrual bleeding 35

4 What kind of doctor do you need? 39

What symptoms do GPs look for in endometriosis? 40

Creating your care team and plan 41

Professor Danielle Mazza AM on how a GP diagnoses endo 44

A referral to the gynaecologist 47

Dr Tarana Lucky on what to expect at the gyno 48

5 What to expect from examinations and tests 51

Rachel Andrew on preparing for a physical exam 52

Pelvic examination 53

Medical imaging 54

Ultrasound 54

Imagendo 55

Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis AM on symptoms and testing 58

Dr Tarana Lucky on tests at the gyno 60

Part III | Treat: Considering your options 63

6 What are my treatment options? 65

Over-the-counter medications 65

Analgesics 66

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories 66

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) 66

Prescription medications 66

Why are they prescribing the pill? 68

Hormone treatment options 69

Traditional and alternative options 76

7 Considering surgery 81

Laparoscopic surgery 81

Hysterectomy 85

8 Fertility and infertility 89

How does endo impact fertility? 90

What to expect from a fertility specialist 92

Fertility treatment options 93

Starting the IVF process 94

Professor Luk Rombauts on how endo impacts fertility 95

Dr Samantha Mooney on treatment options 97

Dealing with the tough stuff 102

9 Multidisciplinary care 107

Biopsychosocial approaches 107

Stephanie O'Kane on supporting patients' varied needs 110

Allied health 114

Akaiti James on her approach to holistic care 116

Rachel Andrew with the lowdown on physio below the belt 118

Acupuncture for endo 122

Osteopathy for endometriosis 123

Dr Lisa Gadd on different endo therapies 124

Benefits of massage for endometriosis 125

Psychological support 127

Physical activity and exercise 127

Mind-body practices 128

Pacing activities 128

Stress management 128

Sleep hygiene 128

Emotional support 128

Integrative health 131

Body image 132

10 Relationships 139

Dads as endo supporters 141

Endometriosis and its impact on intimate relationships 142

Educational resources 145

Couples counselling 145

Endometriosis and its impact on family planning 146

Sex and intimacy 147

Intimacy beyond sexuality 147

Daily life and responsibilities 147

Social isolation 148

Support networks 148

Part IV | Try it out: Holistic lifestyle and self-care 149

11 Lifestyle and self-care 151

'Nothing about us without us' 152

12 Diet and nutrition 155

Are you what you eat? 155

The daily dozen 157

Adapting your diet to what works for you 158

Low-FODMAP diet 159

Anti-inflammatory diet 161

Omega-3 fatty acids 162

To soy or not to soy? 162

Gut microbiota and endometriosis 163

Antioxidants and gut health 164

Benefits of fermented foods 165

Dr Eliza Colgrave on balancing diet and exercise 165

Heal. Nourish. Support. Balance. 169

13 Exercise for endo 173

Rolling with life's curveballs: Lisa's story 174

Dr Lisa Gadd's endometriosis stretches to attain 'living health' 176

Protecting with abdominal exercises 179

14 Rest and recuperation 187

Listening to what your body needs: Ellie's story 187

Fatigue and Spoon Theory 188

Cold therapy 192

Heat therapy 196

Part V | Take it on: Know your rights 199

15 School and work 201

Endo girls 202

Teachers need to step up 204

LongSTEPPP 205

School education 206

Endo gendernomics 207

About Bloody Time 211

Endometriosis and the workplace 214

16 Medical misogyny 231

How the medical world excludes and ignores women+ 232

End Gender Bias survey 233

GP gender pay gap 237

Bias in research funding 237

17 Intersectionality and inclusion in care 239

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders 240

Dr Maryam Moradi on increasing awareness of endometriosis 249

Lgbtqia+ 250

Part VI | Take action: Global efforts 257

18 What's the future of endo research and policy? 259

National Endometriosis Clinical Scientific Trials Registry 259

Professor Jason Abbott on the need for multi-disciplinary support for people with endometriosis 260

Parliamentary Friends of Endometriosis Awareness 262

National Action Plan on Endometriosis 263

Endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics 263

Global endo efforts 267

The gift of philanthropy 270

Acknowledgements 273

Resources 279

References 295

Index 317