You've Been Diagnosed with Endometriosis.. Now What?

Being diagnosed with Endometriosis (Endo for short) can be hard on a woman - physically and emotionally. If you have been recently diagnosed, there are a few things that you should keep in mind while sorting through all of the confusion.

1) This is new to you, your family, and your friends - connect with other Endo Warriors for support.

While awareness has been spreading more and more, I would still say a majority of people do not understand what Endo is. This translates into people around you who may not comprehend what is going on in your body. You may find that your significant other, family, friends, bosses, co-workers, etc. are not going to be as supportive or understanding as you might expect.

Don't fret though, you are not alone. In fact, 1 in 10 women have Endometriosis - while those are some pretty crappy statistics - that also means there are a lot of ladies out there that can relate to your situation. There are many resources available to meet other Endo Warriors. Reach out to these women, they are going through similar struggles as you are. They will share advice on how they handled a situation, lift you up on the days that you can't take it anymore, and be a friend when you are feeling secluded. Whatever platform you are on - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. - search for #Endometriosis, #EndoSisters, and #EndoWarrior. Those are a great place to start and connect.

You will also see, over time, that people in your life will (hopefully!) begin to understand what you are dealing with. Most of the time this misunderstanding is due to a lack of education, try not to take it as a personal attack. Think about it - when your doctor diagnosed you with Endometriosis, did you really have a full grasp of what it was? Be patient with them. Explain to them how you feel, watch a documentary like "Endo What?" together, do some research together.. you may be surprised how helpful some of your loved ones can be.

2) Learn your different options.

Depending on your doctor, you may be advised to take different types of hormone replacements (birth control, Lupron, etc.), they may suggest a hysterectomy, or offer you some other types of options. Before you sign up for anything, do your research!

The most important thing to remember is that this is YOUR body and it is 100% YOUR choice how you decide to fight back. None of these options will cure you. Sadly, there is no cure, so don't let anyone convince you that you have to use any of these routes. While you may have success, you also risk possible side effects. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons before you jump head first into anything.

If you have been researching the internet for information on Endometriosis, you may have also noticed how many women promote certain ways of eating for Endo - The Endo Diet, Paleo, Keto, etc. I personally love the holistic approach and encourage you to learn more about it. While I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all diet approach, I do think we should eat more high-quality real foods and less processed junk foods. It's one of the main pillars of Endo Warrior Wellness for a reason. :)

3) Track your symptoms and periods.

With today's technology, it is amazing the tools we have at our fingertips. One of the most used apps on my phone is my period tracker. It's a useful tool because over time you will start to see patterns. I am able to pinpoint (almost to the exact day) when I will start my period, when I will be highly emotional/sensitive, when I will experience pain, when I'll be constipated (tmi?).. the list goes on and on. This not only helps me be more prepared but it also gives my doctor insight to how Endo affects my body.

One final note to remember...

You are still the same amazing, talented, loving, supporting, hard working, strong, beautiful woman you were before being diagnosed. You can still go after your dreams and ambitions. You can still live a fulfilling life. Take each day as it comes and be sure to reach out if you are struggling.

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Are you newly diagnosed? What questions or concerns do you have? Or maybe you have some insight that you wish you knew when you were first diagnosed? Share in the comments below!

Are you looking for some places to start your research and connect with other Endo Warriors? Check out our Just for Warriors Resource Page for some helpful links! :)