Doctors said I was too young to have endometriosis at 13 - I had to take morphine to cope

Grace, a 13-year-old, faced significant frustration as medical experts initially dismissed her severe endometriosis symptoms, highlighting a critical gap in recognizing the condition in adolescents. Despite experiencing debilitating pain, her GP and even a private consultant failed to diagnose her condition. It was only after seeking a second private opinion that she received a positive diagnosis.

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Even a specialist didn't believe me. And if a specialist won't listen to me, who will?

Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affects about 10% of women and can cause severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, and fatigue. A common misconception is that only older women suffer from endometriosis, but it can develop as soon as periods begin. The charity Endometriosis UK stresses the need for improved menstrual health education for young people.

The delay in diagnosis, which averages nine years for women, can have profound consequences. Grace, at just 14, has been warned that her fertility may be significantly affected, potentially limiting her ability to have children after age 30 due to damage to her reproductive organs. This has created a sense of urgency, with Grace feeling she must have children within the next 15 years.

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When you're in bed and your best friend is a hot water bottle - that's not normal.

Dr. Gail Busby, a pediatric gynecologist, notes that while nearly 80% of adolescents experience painful periods, clinicians must recognize when symptoms are abnormal, such as missing school or social activities due to pain. She emphasizes that being confined to bed with pain is not normal. Dr. Busby sees girls younger and older than Grace, confirming her case is not unusual. The physical pain also takes a toll on mental health, increasing the likelihood of anxiety and depression among young girls who cannot participate in typical adolescent activities.

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We should enjoy adolescence, but they can't do what they enjoy doing, what their peers are enjoying doing.