Advocating Women’s Health: The Impact of an Endometriosis Diagnosis with Jessica Murnane

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If there's one thing women dread, it's their periods. They're a big hassle, especially for activities and schedules. We hesitate to attend beach or pool parties. We even avoid sports activities. Periods also cause so much pain that sometimes we refuse to get out of bed. But do periods really have to hurt so much? How do you know if the pain you're experiencing is already beyond normal?

In this episode, Jessica Murnane talks about endometriosis and its effects on women. As someone with this condition, Jessica discusses the facts and misconceptions of the disease. She also talks about the daily struggles of having endometriosis and how to handle these challenges. Despite how common it is, there is not enough conversation on women’s health and navigating life after an endometriosis diagnosis. It’s time to change this.

Empower yourself to know more about your body and advocate for the care you deserve! Tune in to learn more about endometriosis and the importance of conversations on women’s health.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

  1. Distinguish facts from misconceptions regarding endometriosis.

  2. Know why it’s important to have conversations about women’s health issues.

  3. Learn how to live a positive life even with an endometriosis diagnosis.

Resources

    Episode Highlights

    On Podcasts and Guesting

    • Jessica only interviews people she cares about or whoever sparks her curiosity.

    •  When it comes to podcast guesting, Jessica can automatically rule out inauthenticity.

    • If you’re thinking of pitching yourself as a guest, you should do research before reaching out to the host.

    •  If you're still building your show, make sure your guests are proud and interested in what they do. 

    • If you want to bring in people from other backgrounds, do it later.

    Jessica’s Podcasting

    • Jessica recently ended her podcast that ran for 7 years. 

    • She stopped because she’s already tackled many topics and decided she can use her energy for other projects.

    •  Jessica found it difficult to leave the people she collaborated with, many of whom became good friends.

    Jessica’s Books

    • Jessica got a hysterectomy due to her endometriosis diagnosis years ago.

    • To control her symptoms, Jessica took on diet and lifestyle changes. 

    • These changes then led to her writing a cookbook with plant-based recipes.

    • Jessica’s cookbook had a whole page dedicated to endo and she received a lot of positive feedback from it.

    • From here, she set up a website to help women identify the symptoms of endometriosis. This eventually turned into a book.

    Facing Women’s Health Issues

    • Some women are ashamed of their body’s dysfunctions.

    •  People still have so many incorrect views, especially towards those with an endometriosis diagnosis.

    • Your doctor can also give you misinformation about your condition. 

    •  So you need to take matters into your hands and learn more about your body.

    •  Then, take your time to implement changes in your lifestyle. Do it for your own sake and overall wellness.

    Misinformation on Endometriosis

    • Endometriosis is when tissue lining grows outside of your uterus instead of on the inside.

    • This condition can cause fatigue, painful periods, and painful sex.

    • However, some people who have endo don’t necessarily experience painful periods.

    • Pregnancy is not a treatment for endo. What’s unfortunate and disturbing is how some doctors still suggest this treatment and some people buy into it.

    • During pregnancy, symptoms may seem manageable, but the root causes still exist.

    Getting an Endometriosis Diagnosis

    • MRIs and blood tests aren’t good enough for an endometriosis diagnosis. 

    • The only true diagnostic test for this condition is a laparoscopy.

    • Most women get an endometriosis diagnosis only during their late 20s or 30s.

    • The average period to get an endometriosis diagnosis is 8-10 years.

    • Around 90% of women with endometriosis also have GI issues.

    Jessica’s Relationship with Her Condition

    •  Jessica admits that writing her book on endo drained her. 

    • It brought back her bad experience and trauma with her endometriosis diagnosis.

    • Now she takes care of herself by jumping on trampolines, watching TV, and spending time with her family. 

    • She also makes sure that she has some alone time to practice self-care.

    Advice for Women with Endo

    • An endometriosis diagnosis does not mean the end. 

    • Don't be ashamed of your symptoms, no matter how embarrassing you may think they may be.  

    • Know that you aren’t alone. Seek support from someone who also has a chronic illness. 

    • Practice true empathy.

    How Jessica Feels Radically Loved

    • Jessica feels radically loved when she takes an hour to be by herself.

    • She reminds those with endometriosis to make themselves a priority.

    • When you take care of yourself, you can show up for people better.

    5 Powerful Quotes from This Episode

    [15:43]] “I started Know Your Endo as a really just an informational website where people could go, and just have, you know, these are the symptoms of endometriosis. This is what it is. And then that really turned into the book. ”

    [18:17] “And I think what presents a problem for so many people with endo is you might share with your doctor and then you're told misinformation.” 

    [22:10] “It took some time to say, ‘Alright, I'm ready to do this.’ Like it's okay if you're not ready to like, upend your entire life to make change.”

    [26:52] “I think, you know, a huge thing is, is I think, going to my website, picking up the book and looking at the list of symptoms. Because the list of symptoms are so shocking to so many people because they're not necessarily related to what you would think is a ‘period’ issue.”

    [33:52] “But truly, that you are not alone in this and that there is someone else that has peed their pants before. There is someone else that has bled through their pants. There is someone else that has not been able to get up off the bathroom floor like this.”

    About Jessica

    Jessica Murnane is an author, creative consultant, speaker, and a woman with endo. Her endometriosis diagnosis and resulting diet changes sparked the creation of Know Your Endo.

    She has written two books, hosted a podcast, and has built a community for raising awareness for this life-long condition. Her endo awareness campaigns shed light on what endometriosis really is. Aside from raising awareness, Jessica also helps women seek a proper endometriosis diagnosis. Jessica’s website also contains some helpful lifestyle and diet tools to help women with endo.

    You can check out tools and additional information about endometriosis through Know Your Endo’s website and Instagram account. If you want to learn more about Jessica, you can check out her personal website, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

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    To feeling radically loved,

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    Rosie Acosta