After 20 Years of Pain, Woman Gains Clarity with Endometriosis Diagnosis

For two decades, a woman endured agonizing menstrual periods, a struggle that began before she even became a teenager. At last, Jen Moore, 35, found an answer to her debilitating condition, unveiling a diagnosis that many women face yet remain misunderstood.

The Struggle Begins Early

Moore, a former wedding cake baker from Cambridge, England, started experiencing severe menstrual pain at the tender age of 11. Initially, she was prescribed birth control pills in hopes of alleviating her discomfort. Unfortunately, this approach proved ineffective over the years, leaving her to cope with relentless pain.

Misdiagnosis and Lockdown Challenges

Throughout her teenage years and into adulthood, Moore was repeatedly reassured by doctors that her experiences were merely part of being “unlucky.” This dismissive attitude continued until the COVID lockdown forced her to stop taking contraceptives after 22 years. The change prompted a significant decline in her health, exacerbating her pain and resulting in frequent fainting spells caused by blood loss.

A Fight for Answers

In search of relief, Moore sought medical help again. Unfortunately, an ultrasound revealed no signs of endometriosis, leading to further frustration. Unwilling to accept this outcome, she opted for a private MRI scan, a decision that ultimately led to the diagnoses of endometriosis and adenomyosis, conditions where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing significant pain.

Recognizing the Reality of Pain

Reflecting on her ordeal, Moore shared, “At the time, I thought it was normal because I didn’t know any different.” Throughout her youth, her mother sought medical assistance on her behalf, only to receive assurances that her painful periods would eventually subside.

The Lingering Aftermath

Despite her diagnosis, Moore expressed lingering feelings of anger and heartache over the years of suffering she endured without recognition of her condition.