Endometriosis Forces One in Six Women Out of Work
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- One in six women with endometriosis are estimated to leave the workplace due to the condition, which causes tissue similar to the womb lining to grow outside it, and there is currently no UK legislation ensuring workers with menstrual health conditions are treated fairly if they need time off
- Carla Cressy, 35, of Essex, modelled from age 5 but collapsed repeatedly on shoots; undiagnosed until 25, her condition progressed to frozen pelvis disease, destroying her reproductive organs and requiring a total hysterectomy plus bladder reconstruction
- Abi Smith, 27, has applied for disability benefits and been rejected three times, and is currently undergoing her third medically induced menopause to manage pain that felt "like I was dying" since she started her periods
- Monica Thomas, 34, from Ipswich, has endometriosis that has spread to her lungs and is awaiting lung, bowel, and pelvic operations; her charity Women's Health Hope is due to open a women's health hub at the Unity Centre in Ipswich next month
- Dr Sula Windgassen, a psychotherapist researching medical gaslighting, says women with endometriosis are often told their symptoms are "all in their head," and cites a recent study finding 84% of women feel unheard by healthcare professionals
- An NHS spokesperson said medical professionals should follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines to diagnose endometriosis, and that specialist care is available through women's health hubs in most areas
- Carla gave evidence to an ongoing inquiry into how endometriosis affects women in the workplace, which patients like Abi say should be widened in scope
Why it matters: With an estimated one in six women with endometriosis leaving work and no UK legislation covering menstrual health conditions, the financial and health burden falls entirely on patients — and a cited study finding 84% of women feel unheard by healthcare professionals suggests that delayed diagnosis, not the disease itself, is what pushes women out of their jobs.
