A woman aged 33 from London has shared her harrowing ordeal of passing blood clots as large as a golf ball over the past ten years. Sana Kardar, a research fellow specializing in cervical and breast cancer screening, was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2015 and expressed how her symptoms have caused her to develop a fear of blood.
Despite trying various hormonal treatments, Sana continued to experience heavy bleeding, leading to passing out large blood clots and encountering distressing scenes in her bathroom. The excessive blood she witnessed on a regular basis has contributed to her developing a phobia. Endometriosis, as explained by Endometriosis UK, involves the growth of cells similar to those in the womb lining outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation.
Sana recalled feeling pressured to conceal her struggles with heavy periods during her upbringing. She recounted enduring long, heavy periods since the age of 13, which severely impacted her energy levels and concentration, especially during school days.
Research conducted by Bodyform and Perspectus revealed that many women face similar challenges but often feel reluctant to discuss them openly. A survey of 1,008 UK women aged 18–50 highlighted that a significant percentage experience heavy periods monthly, with nearly half reporting feeling mentally drained or stressed as a result.
Despite the widespread impact of such issues, a stigma persists around discussing them. Only a small fraction of women feel comfortable openly sharing their symptoms with their managers, and a quarter admit to not feeling at ease discussing them within their families. Sana noted that in her cultural background, women’s health topics like periods remain taboo.
A frightening incident during her university years prompted Sana to seek answers about her health. Following multiple surgeries for endometriosis, with another scheduled for December, she expressed frustration over conflicting advice regarding her condition and treatment options.
Sana revealed a distressing encounter with a healthcare professional who implied she must learn to live with the pain, causing her to spiral into depression and self-harm. Living with a chronic condition like endometriosis has profoundly impacted her life, affecting both her physical and mental well-being.
Despite the challenges, sharing her story on social media platforms under the alias The EndoMentalist has enabled Sana to connect with a global community of women facing similar struggles. She emphasized the importance of advocacy and self-awareness for women navigating similar journeys, encouraging them to persist in seeking proper care and understanding their bodies.
In conclusion, Sana’s message to fellow women enduring similar battles is to persevere and advocate for themselves. She stressed the significance of effectively communicating symptoms to healthcare providers and empowering oneself through self-advocacy for improved health outcomes.