Eleanor Symon from Forres is leading a new support group in Moray for those affected by endometriosis
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A new local volunteer-led support group has been started to support women with suspected or diagnosed endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the ones lining the womb are found elsewhere in the body. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue. The disease affects 1.5million in the UK; approximately one in 10 women although the impact can be felt for life.
For some, symptoms may be mild, for others they can be severe and debilitating. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during or after sex, pain when urinating, painful bowel movements, fatigue, and difficulty getting pregnant.
The new group launches during Endometriosis Action Month (March 2024), after new research from the charity Endometriosis UK revealed that it now takes an average of nearly nine years to get diagnosed with the disease in Scotland.
Eleanor Symon (48) from Forres, is leading the new Moray group.
She said: “I was diagnosed in my late 20s, having experienced symptoms including chronic pain and fatigue. At times, I couldn’t walk faster than a snail’s pace because of the pain, which could last as much as two weeks out of a four-week menstrual cycle.
“I have two children who are now teenagers. After those pregnancies, my symptoms got worse, despite the myth that pregnancy can make things better.
“My symptoms are mostly under control now and I’m pleased to have this chance to work with Endometriosis UK to support those who have gone through similar experiences.”
The Endometriosis UK Moray Group offers peer-to-peer support, and a chance to share stories, information and advice online and at in-person meet-ups and events. Anyone interested in joining should go to the Facebook group or sign up to the mailing list via the Endometriosis UK website.
Endometriosis UK now has 11 support groups in Scotland, and nearly 60 across the UK.
They are all led by trained local volunteers who receive ongoing support from the charity. Endometriosis UK also offers online and telephone support services.
Scottish Development coordinator at Endometriosis UK, Pat Menzies, confirmed the theme of Endometriosis Action Month this year is ‘Could it be endometriosis?’.
She said: “We’re encouraging healthcare professionals, as well as those experiencing symptoms and their friends, family and colleagues to find out more about the disease.
“Currently, it takes an average of eight years and 10 months in Scotland to get diagnosed, an increase of four months since the last survey in 2020.
“Our volunteers provide a unique support system for anyone at any stage of their endometriosis journey. We’re really grateful to Eleanor for her hard work, and delighted to launch this new group.”
Endometriosis UK research earlier in March revealed that Scotland has an average wait for a diagnosis of endometriosis of eight years and 10 months. The charity’s study of 4371 with the disease also found that 78 per cent of them had been told they were making a fuss about nothing or similar comments doubting the severity of their symptoms - an increase from 69 per cent in 2020.
Find out more at endometriosis-uk.org/support.
