A 14-year-old identified as Grace has spoken out about her experience with endometriosis, aiming to empower other young people to seek diagnosis and to educate healthcare professionals about recognizing the condition in adolescents. Grace, who began experiencing severe symptoms at age 13, felt her pain was dismissed by doctors who suggested she was too young to have endometriosis.
Paediatric gynaecologist Dr. Gail Busby noted that nearly 80% of adolescents experience painful periods, but emphasized the importance of identifying when symptoms are abnormal. Such indicators include missing school, skipping physical education, or avoiding social activities due to pain. "When you're in bed and your best friend is a hot water bottle - that's not normal," Dr. Busby stated.
Grace's experience, though distressing, is not uncommon, according to Dr. Busby, who sees patients younger and older than Grace at her clinics. In addition to her NHS work, Dr. Busby has established a private adolescent endometriosis clinic in Manchester.
The physical pain associated with endometriosis can significantly impact mental health, potentially leading to anxiety or depression during a critical period of educational, emotional, and social development. "We should enjoy adolescence, but they can't do what they enjoy doing, what their peers are enjoying doing," Dr. Busby commented.
Despite a family history of endometriosis, Grace's mother, Samantha, found that it did not expedite the diagnostic process. "When your child's on the floor in pain, it's very clear it's not just a bad period. But professionals say 'Oh we'll just put you on the pill for six months and see see how we go,'" Samantha recalled.
Grace recently underwent a laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery, to remove endometriosis tissue. She has been advised to use hormonal contraceptives to help manage the growth of tissue and reduce pain. By sharing her story, Grace hopes other teenagers will feel more confident in pursuing a diagnosis, stating, "I felt I was going crazy. That it was all in my head. But actually, you know your body best and your pain is real."