It was a small circle of women gathered. A few in person. A few calling in from their homes, or workplaces. And it was a powerful moment.

“Everyone told me that periods were supposed to hurt. It was supposed to always be that hard, and I had to get up and go to work, go to school, and pretend like I wasn’t in pain. But the truth is, it’s not supposed to be this painful.”

Periods suck. But they shouldn’t be debilitating. Despite what our doctors, mothers, teachers, and friends said, what we were experiencing wasn’t normal. It was our bodies saying something was not right, and it was some of our earliest symptoms of endometriosis. 

Endometriosis can cause pain with periods, sex, bowel movements and urination, as well as excessive bleeding and infertility, and is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea (Mayo Clinic). There are strong overlaps with endo and migraines (Association of Migraine Disorders), bowel disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology) and mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression (Frontiers in Public Health). 

Despite the costly and significant symptoms caused by and associated with endo, it takes women on average seven to ten years to get a diagnosis (An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology).

And the research on diagnosing, treating, and understanding endo is lacking. Studies into this disease are almost laughable, looking at the attractiveness of women with different types of endo (Fertility and Sterility - this study was redacted, but it took several years for the authors to do this, and still, why was this even a peer reviewed journal article?!) or the perceptions and reactions of males whose partners have endo (Human Reproduction). 

This disease can significantly impact a person’s life, and affects up to ten percent of women (World Health Organization). Consider how significant that number is. That is roughly the same percent of the general population with diabetes (Center for Disease Control). Imagine a world where we ignored a health concern that impacted such a large percentage of our male population.

If any of this calls to you, angers you, or resonates with your experience, know that you are not alone. Despite some of these alarming statistics, there are researchers, medical providers, mental health practitioners, and other endo warriors fighting every day to change this landscape. If you want to be part of this change, the call to action is simple - talk about it. Share with your friends, your family, and other women. The more we can openly discuss endo and the way it impacts us, the less stigma there is, and the more pressure exists on medical systems to create change.

Want to talk more? We have started a monthly Endo support group. The conversation above is a real snippet of the conversation we had in our first meeting, and it was powerful. We were a group of women who had come together as strangers, but left feeling connected and empowered. 

The Endometriosis Support Group meets in person in Towson, MD, or virtually from anywhere in the world. This is not a therapy group (though if you want therapy in Maryland, you’re looking at a blog by the right therapist!), it is a chance for people experiencing diagnosed or undiagnosed symptoms to meet one another, share their pain and triumphs, process experiences, explore and share resources, laugh, and feel connected with a disorder that can make you feel isolated. 

You are not alone. Join us for a monthly conversation to connect with others, find new resources, and empower yourself and others to take ownership over endo. 

​​Endometriosis Support Group Details:

Who: This group is facilitated by Dr. Joanna Hayward, PhD, Elizabeth Allen, LCPAT, and Staci Wolfson. For more information on Dr. Jo, check out her About Page.

When: Every month for 1 hour

Where: Hybrid! Join virtually (meet.google.com/rxs-hnph-qcb) or in person at our office (400 W Pennsylvania Ave, Towson, MD 21204)

Cost: Free! 

RSVP here 

For more information about the Endometriosis Support Group, schedule a consult with Dr. Jo or reach out directly to joanna@bwellcounselingservices.com or

elizabeth@findcreativepathways.com . 

Dr. Jo has expertise working alongside the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as individuals with “Type A” personalities, endometriosis warriors, individuals on parenthood journeys, and those working through anxiety, depression, and insomnia. She uses acceptance and values based approaches to create a welcoming, supportive, and safe space for everyone she meets. You can learn more about Dr. Jo and her approach to therapy on our website. To schedule a 15 minute consult with Dr. Jo to see if she is a good fit for you, click this link.