Support shown for the Endometriosis Awareness North charity

The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has shown support for the Endometriosis Awareness North charity run by founder Dr Anita Sharma, President of Inner Wheel Rochdale.

A special presentation at the Kick Sonic arena in Oldham heard how three quarters of women with endometriosis report feeling depressed, with almost half experiencing dark and dangerous thoughts.

40% of sufferers think it is pointless discussing their low mood with doctors while 86% believed nobody understood the link between the gynaecological condition and poor mental health.

Affecting one in ten women of child-bearing age, endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue grows outside the uterus. It can be extraordinarily painful and debilitating.

The fact that it isn’t recognised as a priority is, says charity founder Dr Anita Sharma, another example of the health inequalities which have resulted in women’s life-expectancy stagnating.

“We live in a country where your postcode, your class and your gender decipher the quality of your health,” said Dr Sharma, who has a special interest in women’s health.

"Diagnosis for endometriosis is appallingly slow, research into the condition is underfunded and mental health support for victims, practically non-existent.

"I wonder, if this condition prevented men from pursuing a career, holding together a family, and living pain free, how long they would put up with it?”

Questioning so-called “endo warriors” and their families, the survey also revealed:

• 11% described their current mental health as “desperate”
• 78% had experienced massive mood swings
• Shortage of breath had hit 38%
• 72% simply felt hopeless

The presentation by Courtney Ormrod, charity ambassador brought tears to the eyes of some of the guests. A promising student and would-be teacher, the NHS administrator has had numerous hospital procedures and was left wheelchair bound for a period by the condition.

Courtney’s father Paul took to the podium for the first time to talk about his family’s experience of endometriosis and how they have stayed strong and supportive throughout Courtney’s nightmare experience.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Mr Burnham said: “The findings of this new report make for difficult reading, but the vital work of Endometriosis Awareness North is rightfully bringing these issues to the forefront of our conversations about health inequalities, and particularly women’s health.

“There’s a real risk that the gaps in our education and understanding around menstrual health and wellbeing mean people affected by this disease won’t know when or how to seek help.

"That’s why it’s important that we work together throughout the health and care system and local communities to raise awareness about endometriosis, and ensure that no one has to suffer in silence and without the support they need.”