Jen Moore’s Decades-Long Battle with Endometriosis: A Painful Journey to Diagnosis
Jen Moore, a 35-year-old former wedding cake baker from Cambridge, England, endured over two decades of intensely painful periods before receiving a definitive diagnosis. Her journey to discovering the root of her chronic pain reveals the often overlooked and misunderstood condition known as endometriosis.
Journey into Uncharted Pain
Moore first experienced severe menstrual pain at the age of 11. The discomfort was so severe that she struggled to stand straight. Doctors attributed her pain to “normal” menstrual cycles, advising her to take birth control pills to manage the symptoms. However, despite years of medication, the pain persisted, leaving Moore uncertain about her condition.
Unexpected Revelation During Lockdown
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Moore ceased taking contraceptives, and the severity of her symptoms worsened dramatically. She recalls feeling like a different person, frequently fainting from the agony and blood loss.
When she was young, Jen Moore of the U.K. said her mother took her to see doctors — and they were told her painful periods would stop eventually.
Doubts and Misdiagnoses
Initially, Moore consulted a physician, who concluded that no endometriosis was detected based on an ultrasound. Undeterred, she pursued further tests independently, including an MRI, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis.
The Impact of the Undiagnosed Condition
Moore’s condition had caused extensive damage to her organs for over two decades. She describes living with unmitigated pain for most of her life, which often rendered her bedridden for about a week every month, severely impacting her daily activities.
Advocacy for Better Healthcare
Reflecting on her experience, Moore feels a mix of rage and heartbreak. She laments the lack of early diagnosis and the dismissive attitude of medical professionals during her childhood.
There is an “urgent need,” said the CEO (not pictured) of a women’s wellness organization, “for greater awareness, early diagnosis and better support for those living with the condition” known as endometriosis.
She advocates for greater awareness and support for women experiencing similar issues. Moore believes medical professionals should take a more proactive approach in diagnosing endometriosis, rather than dismissing symptoms as normal.
Hope and Healing
Despite the years of suffering, Moore finds hope in the growing awareness and support for endometriosis sufferers. She encourages women to speak up and seek further testing if their pain is consistent and severe.
A woman was not satisfied with what she learned from an ultrasound — so she pushed to get further tests to figure out what was going on.
“I feel hopeful that generations are standing up and not wanting to tolerate this anymore,” Moore said.
Expert Opinion and Call to Action
Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, adds, “Endometriosis affects the lives of many women, often for years before a diagnosis is made. There is an urgent need for greater awareness, early diagnosis, and better support for those living with this condition.”
Endometriosis awareness is crucial in ensuring that more women receive timely and appropriate care. By sharing stories like Jen Moore’s, we can bring much-needed attention to this debilitating condition.