Hormonal conditions

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining spreads to other areas of the uterus. Each month, this tissue bleeds but the blood does not have anywhere to go. This causes inflammation and leads to a range of health complications like infertility. Unlike many other conditions, it can be particularly difficult to secure a diagnosis for endometriosis. Symptoms include: Pelvic pain that may worsen during your period, debilitating period pain, pain during and after sex, digestive issues like nausea and constipation during your period, heavy periods, and difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis can be a very difficult condition that may result in depression for some women. There is currently no cure and you may need a variety of medicines or surgeries to manage your symptoms. Endometriosis UK is a charity that provides support and information to those with Endometriosis. The website contains resources to guide patients through acquiring a diagnosis, staying up-to-date with the current research, and deepening their understanding of the disease using both factual data and the lived experiences of others.

Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis NHS

Wellbeing of Women

Pain UK – Support for those dealing with chronic pain

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common condition that affects the normal functioning of your ovaries. If you have PCOS you will have about twice as many follicles (or ‘cysts’) in your ovaries. These follicles are sacs that would usually develop and release an egg, but if you have PCOS they may not be able to. This means that ovulation will not take place. Externally, this process will cause a range of symptoms that may be distressing and difficult to manage. These can include: irregular periods or no periods at all, fertility problems, excessive hair growth on the face, back, chest, or buttocks, acne, weight gain, and thinning hair. We don’t know an exact cause of PCOS but it is related to abnormal hormone levels. Specifically: insulin, which manages blood sugar levels; testosterone, a male hormone that women usually have in low levels; and luteinising hormone, which stimulates ovulation.

Verity

Wellbeing of Women - PCOS

ITV – PCOS and hirsutism helplines

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome NHS