Endometriosis is Health Issue that Directly Effects Women - Often Black Women
What is endometriosis? Something tells me if I were to shout this in a crowded subway station, some women would look away ashamed or horrified, some women and men would be grossed out, and some would be completely clueless.
The reality is endometriosis is an incredibly important health issue that effects everyone directly or indirectly. So we all need to be woke. Last week, The Breakfast Club shared an interview with Coach Gessie, Dr. Amun, and Dr. Amsu on endometriosis, the lack of known information being withheld about it, and how it can be better controlled or gotten rid of, naturally.
There was a lot being said, but this week, I am breaking down the takeaways women and men need to know about endometriosis and why this is especially important for black women and those who support black women’s health.
Can a Holistic Approach be Trusted to Properly Treat Endometriosis?
I know, I know, sometimes the more holistic approach, (especially a holistic approach that dramatics differs from most of the scientific community) can sound crazy and untrustworthy.
Last year, I shared some research around different menses options and dangers that I had found in products I’d been using for years.. It was horrifying information that I had heard about in pieces over time. But writing all the dangers of using commercial products all at once — that was the push I needed to go natural and organic with for my menses. Since the I have experienced less to no pain and shorter periods. So for me holistic approaches have tremendously benefitted me.
But with endometriosis, menses, and other health issues, even if you chose not to follow a holistic approach as a direct treatment, there are still significant take aways about understanding your body, and how to treat it that we can all benefit from.
So What So Great About the Breakfast Club Interview on Endometriosis?
There were several takes that we can all use from the Breakfast Club interview. I feel so strongly about this that I am providing the timestamp receipts to back me up.
Number 1 : 19:25, Endometirosis Affects Everyone
On The Breakfast Club both men and women were present and openly speaking about endometriosis. At this point in the interview, the doctors make it known that both men and women have become estrogen-dominant, which is what they believe causes endometriosis. Sure how this can effects men and women, differs but the point is that it effects them both.
Besides, even if it didn’t we all know at least one woman. So if we care about her, is this our information to be well informed on too?
At 14:25, the guests share that about 30% of women with endometriosis become infertile and unable to get pregnant. Endometriosis can also cause cancer. This issue touches more than just a woman — it indirectly affects the relationships around her. Endometriosis is an our problem, not a their problem.
Number 2: 18:04, Everything You Do and Eat Affects Your Health
Stress is a chemical y’all. We make and produce stress, literally. That sounds depressing but it also means that we have the ability to stop producing or at least lower the production of our stress.
Stress, bad or heavy eating, and using commercial products, can all have an impact on our bodies. According to Coach Gessie and the rest of the guests, these daily decisions can also aid in the presence and production of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Number 3: 23:09, Don’t Forget Pain and Struggle Does Not Have to Be Your Norm
This one hit home. There have been times that I have just let myself deal with so much physical pain that I forget what it is like to not have it. This is the same idea being expressed in this interview. For so many women and men, we forget to choose ourselves, and put self care as a priority.
Many of the women, especially black women, have been dealing with sometime crippling pain every month, for years. Being able to find a means to come out of that pain and remember a love for your own body is crazy idea. But it doesn’t have to be.
Number 4: 31.23 Ask Your Doctor Questions
They may have the degrees, but it is still your body and your legal right to know what is going on!
I know that I have felt ridiculous at times asking my basic ass questions to my doc, but that didn’t mean I was not going to ask them. The medical system can be helpful, but like anything it is not without its flaws. Knowing what your treatment options are, different kinds of medications and why certain medical decisions are being made is info we get to know.
Number 5: 23:34 Talk About It
If we don’t talk about how can we deal with it. Not to go fully Iyanla Vanzant but… its has to be talked about! So many of us feel ashamed to talk about our health struggles and for good reason. Haters are real out here. But being able to find community, and find answers is more important.
Here are some of the symptoms of endometriosis. If you are dealing with any of these, it might be time to seek help.
All The F.U.Q.s
Choose you
Understand all your options and with any options ask questions
Endometriosis is all ours to deal with, promise.
