I was having a conversation with a friend the other day and it inspired me to come up with a list of things that I wish I could go back in time and tell 12 year old me about endometriosis.  Of course, this all banks on the fact that 12 year old me would have actually LISTENED to this, but let’s assume that she does!

(I also realize that this banks on me having created a time machine …)

Family

Tell mom ALL of the symptoms that you experience so that she understands how bad it is.  She and her sister have never had cramps before and won’t “just know”, so you’ll have to explain it to her.

Also talk to dad about it so that you can find out that you’re not alone in your family going through this.  You’ll find out that a couple of his sisters also had this while they were growing up and you’ll understand that it’s not just you.

Don’t be mad at mom and dad just because they don’t know how to help you.  Ask them to grab you the heating pad and rub your back.

Self-Care

Ask mom to buy you a really good heating pad instead of using the hot water bottle!  Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference.

Also ask mom to pick up a variety of different pads to help you throughout your period — light, medium AND heavy.  You’ll need it.

Start to track your period and your symptoms so that when you go to the doctor, you’re prepared to give them the information that they need as opposed to guestimating your period and symptoms.

Tracking your period will  also help you predict when your next period is due so that you don’t have to be SUPER embarrassed when it comes and it makes a mess.

And when your period is due, do NOT wear white or light coloured pants!!!  Just trust me on this one.

Start to make the connection between diet/lifestyle and the severity of your cramps.

Pick up a cook book for healthy recipes and try to incorporate more of these into your daily life.

Be more involved in sports at school and with friends, even though you’re super uncoordinated and it makes you feel awkward.  Just go out there and have fun!  Honestly, NO ONE is watching and judging your abilities.

Stay away from using and reheating plastic containers.

Start reading your labels — for your food and your personal care products!

Medical

Ask mom to help you find a female family doctor who will listen.

Ask mom to also find a Naturopathic Doctor who will help you adjust your diet and lifestyle.  Try acupuncture when it’s offered even though you’re terrified of needles!

Don’t let anyone make you believe that all of those symptoms that you’re experiencing are “all in your head”.  A normal period does NOT involve you going into fetal position while shaking, nauseous and vomiting, and eventually passing out from the pain.

If you’d like to work together, CONTACT ME HERE to set up a complimentary 15 min discovery call/meeting to get started.

What’s a discovery call/meeting?  It’s where we get to know each other better to ensure that I’m the right practitioner for you and that you have the opportunity to ask your questions about Naturopathic Medicine before we move forward with an initial Naturopathic consultation.

Here are a few more of my blog articles on endometriosis that you might also be interested in reading:

• Women Health
• Vitamin D and Menstrual Cramps
• Birth Control Does What Else?!?
• My Endo Story
• Endometriosis & Estrogen Dominance

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