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Welcome to my health journey

I created this website and blog to document my menstrual health journey:

I've had a 12 year journey with stage 4 endometriosis, fibroids and adenomyosis.

I've also had 4 failed rounds of IVF.

I've had 11 surgeries to temporarily 'fix' my painful periods. I am currently recovering from a hysterectomy.

I hope that I can help others through sharing my lived experience.

Contents

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Calender

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Library

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Reading Books in Library

Useful resources and links

Latest blog posts

How my period journey started

How my period journey started

I was diagnosed with Endometriosis in 2014. I thought having a heavy, painful period was just normal. As it turns out, everything I was...

My period journey

Sep 1, 2023

Cheeky Wipes period protection and a special offer

Cheeky Wipes offer

As part of Endometriosis Awareness month, Cheeky Wipes have provided a special offer.

Mar 2

Happy new year 2025 everyone!

Happy new year 2025 everyone!

Happy new year 2025.

Jan 6

I hope you're all ok 💖
Sorry if I've been AWOL recently. I've had food poisoning/a food intolerance so feel like I've been in bed for a week recovering! I ate something that didn't agree with me while I was in Spain (the day before I was due to fly home!). I wasn't able to keep anything down and ended up in A&E on Wednesday but I'm on the mend now, still lethargic, eating small amounts but doing ok 👍🏽 I'm extremely thankful that I wasn't sick on the flight home (only at the airport 🤮).
I will create more posts soon x

I hope you're all ok 💖
Sorry if I've been AWOL recently. I've had food poisoning/a food intolerance so feel like I've been in bed for a week recovering! I ate something that didn't agree with me while I was in Spain (the day before I was due to fly home!). I wasn't able to keep anything down and ended up in A&E on Wednesday but I'm on the mend now, still lethargic, eating small amounts but doing ok 👍🏽 I'm extremely thankful that I wasn't sick on the flight home (only at the airport 🤮).
I will create more posts soon x

Welcome to April!
This is Adenomyosis awareness month. I wasn’t diagnosed with this extremely painful condition until around surgery 8 or 9. I had no idea about adenomyosis until I did my own research.
#Adenomyosisawarenessmonth #adenomyosis #chronic #period #pain #womenshealth #uterus #infertility #laparoscopy #hysterectomy #gynaecology #April

Welcome to April!
This is Adenomyosis awareness month. I wasn’t diagnosed with this extremely painful condition until around surgery 8 or 9. I had no idea about adenomyosis until I did my own research.
#Adenomyosisawarenessmonth #adenomyosis #chronic #period #pain #womenshealth #uterus #infertility #laparoscopy #hysterectomy #gynaecology #April

Endometriosis awareness month might be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean the advocating should stop.
Endo doesn’t stop for anybody!

#endometriosis #endometriosisawarenessmonth #endometriosisactionmonth #march #chronic #period #pain #womenshealth #laparoscopy
#disease #endoexplained #endometriosisexplained #2025 #hysterectomy #infertility

Endometriosis awareness month might be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean the advocating should stop.
Endo doesn’t stop for anybody!

#endometriosis #endometriosisawarenessmonth #endometriosisactionmonth #march #chronic #period #pain #womenshealth #laparoscopy
#disease #endoexplained #endometriosisexplained #2025 #hysterectomy #infertility

This time last year, we were still preparing for IVF round number 5 while waiting for an egg donor. Things are obviously a bit different now as we made the difficult decision to end that journey to help end my pain. I’m now in my post hysterectomy era!

Mother’s Day hits differently this year. Unfortunately I feel angry! I think I’m just irritated about all the marketing, adverts, emails, shop displays etc aimed purely at mothers. I felt really sad at an afternoon tea promotion I saw just because I can’t treat my mum to afternoon tea. She has lewy body dementia and no mobility. At this point, all her food has to be pureed and fed to her. I think I’m feeling a bit sensitive to it this year (I had the same emotions at Christmas!) and it’s something for me to get used to. #mothersday #infertility #pain #childless #dementia #lewybodydementia

This time last year, we were still preparing for IVF round number 5 while waiting for an egg donor. Things are obviously a bit different now as we made the difficult decision to end that journey to help end my pain. I’m now in my post hysterectomy era!

Mother’s Day hits differently this year. Unfortunately I feel angry! I think I’m just irritated about all the marketing, adverts, emails, shop displays etc aimed purely at mothers. I felt really sad at an afternoon tea promotion I saw just because I can’t treat my mum to afternoon tea. She has lewy body dementia and no mobility. At this point, all her food has to be pureed and fed to her. I think I’m feeling a bit sensitive to it this year (I had the same emotions at Christmas!) and it’s something for me to get used to. #mothersday #infertility #pain #childless #dementia #lewybodydementia

Today is the International Day of Happiness! Hope you’re having a good day. 😊 I’m just trying to find small moments of happiness each day as I know life is hard. #internationalhappinessday #internationaldayofhappiness #happiness #unwomen #sunsoutpawsout #sun #mental #health #healing #chronic #pain

Today is the International Day of Happiness! Hope you’re having a good day. 😊 I’m just trying to find small moments of happiness each day as I know life is hard. #internationalhappinessday #internationaldayofhappiness #happiness #unwomen #sunsoutpawsout #sun #mental #health #healing #chronic #pain

Thank you so much to @endometriosis.uk for sharing my story. https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/lauras-story #endometriosisactionmonth
#endometriosis
#Endometriosisexplained
#Endo
#endometriosisawareness
#infertility #chronic #period #pain

Thank you so much to @endometriosis.uk for sharing my story. https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/lauras-story #endometriosisactionmonth
#endometriosis
#Endometriosisexplained
#Endo
#endometriosisawareness
#infertility #chronic #period #pain

As it's Endometriosis Action Month, I thought I would share more about how I was diagnosed with endometriosis and the many many surgeries I had. It's obviously pretty upsetting but the reason I'm sharing this is because we need to continue to get our stories out there. I had never heard of endometriosis when I was first diagnosed, and I had no idea about the link between endo and fertility.
#endometriosisawareness #endometriosisactionmonth #endometriosis #endo #endometriosisexplained #chronic #period #pain #infertility #hysterectomy #laparoscopy #fibroids #adenomyosis #ivf

As it's Endometriosis Action Month, I thought I would share more about how I was diagnosed with endometriosis and the many many surgeries I had. It's obviously pretty upsetting but the reason I'm sharing this is because we need to continue to get our stories out there. I had never heard of endometriosis when I was first diagnosed, and I had no idea about the link between endo and fertility.
#endometriosisawareness #endometriosisactionmonth #endometriosis #endo #endometriosisexplained #chronic #period #pain #infertility #hysterectomy #laparoscopy #fibroids #adenomyosis #ivf

My mum turned 85 today! #birthday #lewybodydementia

My mum turned 85 today! #birthday #lewybodydementia

I joined another really interesting (and eyeopening) session on women's health. Thank you @watsi I've learnt so much this week. I also want to say thank you to @perimenopauseschool for sharing your story.

This is the World Economic Forum Report —a must-read on the latest insights shaping women’s health equity. https://www.weforum.org/publications/closing-the-women-s-health-gap-a-1-trillion-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies/

Along with, the blueprint for closing the women’s health gap:
https://www.weforum.org/publications/blueprint-to-close-the-women-s-health-gap-how-to-improve-lives-and-economies-for-all/

#csw69 #unwomen #genderhealthgap #womenshealth #chronic #pain #health #care

I joined another really interesting (and eyeopening) session on women's health. Thank you @watsi I've learnt so much this week. I also want to say thank you to @perimenopauseschool for sharing your story.

This is the World Economic Forum Report —a must-read on the latest insights shaping women’s health equity. https://www.weforum.org/publications/closing-the-women-s-health-gap-a-1-trillion-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies/

Along with, the blueprint for closing the women’s health gap:
https://www.weforum.org/publications/blueprint-to-close-the-women-s-health-gap-how-to-improve-lives-and-economies-for-all/

#csw69 #unwomen #genderhealthgap #womenshealth #chronic #pain #health #care

Joined another really useful discussion this morning as part of #CSW69 @unwomen on challenges in global women's health. The discussion was really eye opening. It's so frustrating that now in 2025 we're still facing challenges such as disparities in chronic pain, gender bias, ethnic minority bias, medication shortages. It's exhausting! I wonder what it will be like in 50 years time. I'm also reminded of a quote from @proflesleyregan @wellbeingofwomen “When we get it right for women, everybody benefits.”

#CSW69 #unwomen #chronic #chronicillness #womenshealth

Joined another really useful discussion this morning as part of #CSW69 @unwomen on challenges in global women's health. The discussion was really eye opening. It's so frustrating that now in 2025 we're still facing challenges such as disparities in chronic pain, gender bias, ethnic minority bias, medication shortages. It's exhausting! I wonder what it will be like in 50 years time. I'm also reminded of a quote from @proflesleyregan @wellbeingofwomen “When we get it right for women, everybody benefits.”

#CSW69 #unwomen #chronic #chronicillness #womenshealth

💛 Your voice matters! Share your experience to help shape better healthcare for people of colour with endometriosis. Take the survey now:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WV5MX9J?fbclid=PAY2xjawI-UPNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpo88MNfbc8OHMJlPDnOK9Fi-gQuweLCDdmVxn5p61WRcEMTWqdP21YQAtQ_aem_AV5Gi6keXpR-wc-gs-pc3Q

#endometriosis #endometriosisactionmonth #endo #endometriosisexplained #chronic #pain #illness #endometriosisawarenessmonth

💛 Your voice matters! Share your experience to help shape better healthcare for people of colour with endometriosis. Take the survey now:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WV5MX9J?fbclid=PAY2xjawI-UPNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpo88MNfbc8OHMJlPDnOK9Fi-gQuweLCDdmVxn5p61WRcEMTWqdP21YQAtQ_aem_AV5Gi6keXpR-wc-gs-pc3Q

#endometriosis #endometriosisactionmonth #endo #endometriosisexplained #chronic #pain #illness #endometriosisawarenessmonth

Joined a really interesting @unwomenuk discussion on reproductive health and rights. It was so lovely to hear @neelamheerashergill from @cystersgroup advocating. 💕
#CSW69 #periodpoverty #menstrualhealth #awareness #endometriosis #adenomyosis #fibroids #minority #unwomen #health #humanrights

Joined a really interesting @unwomenuk discussion on reproductive health and rights. It was so lovely to hear @neelamheerashergill from @cystersgroup advocating. 💕
#CSW69 #periodpoverty #menstrualhealth #awareness #endometriosis #adenomyosis #fibroids #minority #unwomen #health #humanrights

Happy International Women's Day 2025! The theme this year is accelerate action.

#internationalwomensday #IWD #accelerateaction #2025 #genderequality #inspire #womenshealth #equality

Happy International Women's Day 2025! The theme this year is accelerate action.

#internationalwomensday #IWD #accelerateaction #2025 #genderequality #inspire #womenshealth #equality

How can you support your friend/partner with endometriosis? My husband has written this post about how endometriosis affected us both and how he supported me.

#endometriosis #endometriosisactionmonth #endometriosisawareness #endometriosisexplained #endometriosisawarenessmonth #march #support #chronic #pain #periods #chronicillness #chronicpain #fertility #endo #health #menstrual

How can you support your friend/partner with endometriosis? My husband has written this post about how endometriosis affected us both and how he supported me.

#endometriosis #endometriosisactionmonth #endometriosisawareness #endometriosisexplained #endometriosisawarenessmonth #march #support #chronic #pain #periods #chronicillness #chronicpain #fertility #endo #health #menstrual

This is my own journey with endometriosis. #endo #endometriosisactionmonth #endometriosisawareness🎗 #endometriosis💛 #chronic #chronicillness #pain #period #fertility #endometriosisexplained

This is my own journey with endometriosis. #endo #endometriosisactionmonth #endometriosisawareness🎗 #endometriosis💛 #chronic #chronicillness #pain #period #fertility #endometriosisexplained

As part of Endometriosis Awareness month, Cheeky Wipes have very kindly provided discount code mhj10 to get 10% off their period protection range at:

https://www.cheekywipes.com

I would definitely recommend their period pants and reusable pads. I suffered from severe and heavy periods due to endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids. I couldn’t use tampons because they were too painful. I would need to change my underwear regularly, and I think I was singlehandedly keeping the sanitary pad industry going because I needed to wear at least 5 pads at a time. Finding Cheeky Wipes was my saviour! Their pants provided the protection I needed, and their reusable pads meant that I didn’t need to keep buying hundreds of disposable ones (they’re also very absorbent). I still use them now (after having a hysterectomy) when I have incontinence issues.
#endometriosis💛 #endometriosiswareness #period #chronic #pain #march

As part of Endometriosis Awareness month, Cheeky Wipes have very kindly provided discount code mhj10 to get 10% off their period protection range at:

https://www.cheekywipes.com

I would definitely recommend their period pants and reusable pads. I suffered from severe and heavy periods due to endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids. I couldn’t use tampons because they were too painful. I would need to change my underwear regularly, and I think I was singlehandedly keeping the sanitary pad industry going because I needed to wear at least 5 pads at a time. Finding Cheeky Wipes was my saviour! Their pants provided the protection I needed, and their reusable pads meant that I didn’t need to keep buying hundreds of disposable ones (they’re also very absorbent). I still use them now (after having a hysterectomy) when I have incontinence issues.
#endometriosis💛 #endometriosiswareness #period #chronic #pain #march

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. The theme this year is Endometriosis Explained. #endometriosis #endometriosisawarenessmonth🎗 #endometriosisexplained #chronic #period #pain

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. The theme this year is Endometriosis Explained. #endometriosis #endometriosisawarenessmonth🎗 #endometriosisexplained #chronic #period #pain

My husband and I did the fire and ice spa experience at The Belfry yesterday, in the hope it would help my ongoing cough/blocked nose. It definitely helped while we used the steam rooms etc (I briefly braved the cold facilities!). I’m back to coughing today but it was nice for us to do something other than rushing to medical appointments! Plus, we had a really nice meal. Also, it was nice to not have to worry about bleeding through my swimwear/very white robe! https://www.thebelfry.com

#hysterectomy #recovery #asthma #spa #thebelfry #fire #ice

My husband and I did the fire and ice spa experience at The Belfry yesterday, in the hope it would help my ongoing cough/blocked nose. It definitely helped while we used the steam rooms etc (I briefly braved the cold facilities!). I’m back to coughing today but it was nice for us to do something other than rushing to medical appointments! Plus, we had a really nice meal. Also, it was nice to not have to worry about bleeding through my swimwear/very white robe! https://www.thebelfry.com

#hysterectomy #recovery #asthma #spa #thebelfry #fire #ice

Good morning. A bit of sunshine for today! #westie #sun #positivity

Good morning. A bit of sunshine for today! #westie #sun #positivity

I had a really poor NHS experience on Monday.

#hysterectomy #endometriosis #fibroids #adenomyosis #chronic #pain #gynaecology #nhs #birmingham #hospital #menopause

I had a really poor NHS experience on Monday.

#hysterectomy #endometriosis #fibroids #adenomyosis #chronic #pain #gynaecology #nhs #birmingham #hospital #menopause

Found the Hormonall website by accident after researching menopause symptoms via @wellbeingofwomen https://www.hormonall.com I’m about to do the Menopause training but thought I sure share this as it looks at every stage of a woman’s life including puberty, the menstrual cycle, postpartum and menopause.
I’ve been feeling pretty rundown since my hysterectomy, and have been wondering if there’s sudden changes in hormones have affected my immune system. #menopause #women #menstruation #menstrual #health #hysterectomy #endometriosis #fibroids #adenomyosis #chronic #chronicillness

Found the Hormonall website by accident after researching menopause symptoms via @wellbeingofwomen https://www.hormonall.com I’m about to do the Menopause training but thought I sure share this as it looks at every stage of a woman’s life including puberty, the menstrual cycle, postpartum and menopause.
I’ve been feeling pretty rundown since my hysterectomy, and have been wondering if there’s sudden changes in hormones have affected my immune system. #menopause #women #menstruation #menstrual #health #hysterectomy #endometriosis #fibroids #adenomyosis #chronic #chronicillness

Still can't believe it's February already!
March is Endometriosis awareness month. I'll share more about my journey then, along with useful endo content. It's then Adenomyosis awareness month in April! I wasn't diagnosed with adenomyosis until around surgery number 8 or 9. 😲
As always, please let me know if you have any questions - I'm happy to help.
#endometriosis #adenomyosis #fibroids #infertility #chronic #period #pain #laparoscopy #hysteroscopy #hysterectomy

Still can't believe it's February already!
March is Endometriosis awareness month. I'll share more about my journey then, along with useful endo content. It's then Adenomyosis awareness month in April! I wasn't diagnosed with adenomyosis until around surgery number 8 or 9. 😲
As always, please let me know if you have any questions - I'm happy to help.
#endometriosis #adenomyosis #fibroids #infertility #chronic #period #pain #laparoscopy #hysteroscopy #hysterectomy

Happy Lunar new year! The year of the snake! #lunarnewyear #chinesenewyear #health

Happy Lunar new year! The year of the snake! #lunarnewyear #chinesenewyear #health

Today is #worldlewybodyday. My mum has this horrible disease.

You can find out more here:
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/types-of-dementia/dementia-with-lewy-bodies/

@dementia_uk @lewybodysociety
#dementia #lewybodydementia

Today is #worldlewybodyday. My mum has this horrible disease.

You can find out more here:
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/types-of-dementia/dementia-with-lewy-bodies/

@dementia_uk @lewybodysociety
#dementia #lewybodydementia

Good to see Endometriosis in the workplace being covered by the media.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9vmn2gn4zpo

It's definitely an issue. I wish HR policies reflected those with chronic health issues. The amount of stress it causes just makes the pain worse.

#endometriosis #awareness #chronic #period #pain #workplace

Good to see Endometriosis in the workplace being covered by the media.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9vmn2gn4zpo

It's definitely an issue. I wish HR policies reflected those with chronic health issues. The amount of stress it causes just makes the pain worse.

#endometriosis #awareness #chronic #period #pain #workplace

Hi, I know a lot of you are preparing to have surgery soon and so I thought I would put together a guide on what to expect on surgery day. I've had 11 surgeries (along with 4 IVF procedures) and this is everything I learnt. This is my basic experience from having surgeries in a private hospital. I really hope it helps!

If I've missed anything, I blame it on the horrible cold I'm still battling.

#endometriosis #adenomyosis #fibroids #chronic #period #pain #laparoscopy #myomectomy #hysterectomy #surgery #hysteroscopy #infertility #IVF #healthblog #hospital

Hi, I know a lot of you are preparing to have surgery soon and so I thought I would put together a guide on what to expect on surgery day. I've had 11 surgeries (along with 4 IVF procedures) and this is everything I learnt. This is my basic experience from having surgeries in a private hospital. I really hope it helps!

If I've missed anything, I blame it on the horrible cold I'm still battling.

#endometriosis #adenomyosis #fibroids #chronic #period #pain #laparoscopy #myomectomy #hysterectomy #surgery #hysteroscopy #infertility #IVF #healthblog #hospital

Good to see #endometriosis being discussed on @itv @thismorning 👏 #chronicpain @dr_rajarora #period Please keep raising awareness.

Good to see #endometriosis being discussed on @itv @thismorning 👏 #chronicpain @dr_rajarora #period Please keep raising awareness.

Blue Monday? How about Brew (Hot chocolate) Monday? #bluemonday #monday #hotchocolate #westie

Blue Monday? How about Brew (Hot chocolate) Monday? #bluemonday #monday #hotchocolate #westie

Still feeling poorly and weak from the worst cold ever but my nurse did wake me up 🐶 #cold 😷

Still feeling poorly and weak from the worst cold ever but my nurse did wake me up 🐶 #cold 😷

Think my arm is healing 🙄 My chest doesn’t hurt as much but I do have an annoying cold though. My ‘nurse’ has been looking after me, when he’s not birdwatching/barking.

Think my arm is healing 🙄 My chest doesn’t hurt as much but I do have an annoying cold though. My ‘nurse’ has been looking after me, when he’s not birdwatching/barking.

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