Jen’s Story

Endometriosis advocate and educator Jen Moore writes a letter to her younger self, exploring the journey of symptoms, diagnosis and fighting for a better future for younger sufferers everywhere!

Dear Jen

Happy 11th birthday!

Spoiler Alert - you're going to start your period soon and it changes things...quite a lot. You have so much life ahead of you. I wish I could tell you it will be easy, and everything you're imagining right now. But, truthfully, it's full of pain. Of not being believed. Of thinking you're going crazy and not being able to see beyond the fog. So here is my heartfelt plea to you, darling Jen, just in case it helps things turn out differently. Don't give up. When they tell you it's "just a bad period", which they will do many times, do not internalise that. It's not true. There is something growing inside you.

I know that sounds terrifying, but there is help and support out there, we're just going to have to put some work in and find it. This pain is not normal. This blood loss is not normal. Being unable to move is not normal. If a doctor won't help, find a new one. And another, and another, and another. Don't accept treatments that are band-aids for a much more serious problem.

Soothe your symptoms, of course, you will need to do that to get through the day, but always keep an eye on the bigger problem. Don't let them fob you off. Find your community. They probably won't be who you're thinking of right now, but you will find them. Hold them close; they will get you through this. Remember it can be tough on them too. I know you, Jen. You will want to change all this.

To make sure no-one else goes through it. And you will go on to do incredible things. You will raise awareness, support others in your position, and campaign for change. You will be strong for so many, but remember you don't always need to be strong. This is hard. Too hard sometimes. It's ok to need help or to say you've had enough. You're going through this relentless disease too and need to take care of yourself before you can help anyone else.

You've got this, Jen. Believe in yourself because you know your body better than anyone else. Use your voice. Make them listen.

Forever proud of you,

34 year old Jen