Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women - yet it still takes an average of eight years to be diagnosed. Why are so many living with debilitating pain for so long?

In this episode, Emilie sits down with GP, TV doctor and endometriosis advocate Dr Raj Arora to unpack the reality of living with a chronic condition that is too often dismissed as “just bad periods”.

We explore the early warning signs of endometriosis, why painful and heavy periods should never be normalised, and how cultural stigma can delay women from seeking help. Dr Raj also explains how the historical exclusion of women from medical research has shaped everything from diagnosis to pain management - and what needs to change.

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Timecodes:

00:00 What Is Endometriosis? 

01:15 Endometriosis Explained: What’s Happening in the Body

02:55 Why Does It Take 8 Years to Get an Endometriosis Diagnosis?

04:00 The Gender Pain Gap & Why Women’s Pain Is Ignored

06:05 Dr Raj Arora’s 11 Year Diagnosis Journey

09:20 Painful Periods vs Endometriosis: What’s Normal?

10:45 Medical Misogyny & The Lack of Women in Research

14:35 How to Advocate for Yourself at the GP

17:40 Endometriosis Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

20:40 How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed? (Laparoscopy, MRI & Tests)

22:05 Endometriosis Treatment Options: Surgery & Hormonal Therapy

23:10 Is There a Cure for Endometriosis?

24:10 How Common Is Endometriosis in the UK?

25:40 Endometriosis, Work & Menstrual Leave

28:20 Fertility, Egg Freezing & Why Doctors Take It Seriously

31:45 Why Doctors Need Better Training in Women’s Health

33:40 Managing Endometriosis: Lifestyle, Diet & Exercise

35:00 Natural Pain Relief, Heat Therapy & TENS Machines

38:20 Finding Support: Endometriosis Community & Online Forums

Resources mentioned in today’s episode:

The Endometriosis Foundation helpline 0808 808 2227

Symptom Checker to create a letter to take to your GP

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