A new survey chimes with other data showing the need for female heath issues to be taken seriousl
As you’re likely sharply aware, millions of women and girls suffer with debilitating period problems, like intense pain and heavy bleeding. More than half say their symptoms are not taken seriously and a third don’t seek medical help, though, according to new research. The survey of 3,000 people from health charity Wellbeing of Women, found that those presenting with symptoms are often dismissed with phrases such as ‘it’s just a period,’ despite dealing with issues that could point to underlying health issues.
What did the survey show?
Severe pain, an irregular cycle and heavy bleeding are linked with conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome: all of which require medical support. Half (51%) of those surveyed said that they felt their healthcare professional had failed to take their period issues seriously. Over half (56%) said they have found it difficult to get treatment and support. Close to 9 in 10 (86%) reported issues such as depression, anxiety and mood changes which they believe have occured in relation to their period, with 41% classifying such mental health difficulties as ‘severe’.
The survey found that almost all of the women and girls consulted, who were between 16 and 40, said they have experienced period pain (96%), with 59% saying their pain was severe.
The findings chime with results, which found that women and girls are frequently ignored when they seek medical help for period problems or are told that such issues are ‘normal’ or they will ‘grow out of them.’ In response, Wellbeing of Women has launched a new campaign. Titled ‘Just a Period’, its aim is to address the normalisation of period symptoms and gynaecological conditions; show the impact that such problems have on women and to make sure that information and education is available for anyone who needs it.
The expert response
Of the research, Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Chair of Wellbeing of Women, said:
‘Women and girls have been dismissed for far too long. It’s simply unacceptable that anyone is expected to suffer with period symptoms that disrupt their lives, including taking time off school, work, or their caring responsibilities, all of which may result in avoidable mental health problems.
‘Women and girls have been dismissed for far too long'
‘Periods should not affect women’s lives in this way. If they do, it can be a sign of a gynaecological condition that requires attention and ongoing support – not dismissal. Through our ‘Just a Period’ campaign, we will be addressing the many years of medical bias, neglect and stigma in women’s health.’
Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
‘This an important campaign to tackle how our society normalises severe and painful symptoms as ‘just a period’. All too often women are living with debilitating symptoms, waiting to receive support or treatment for far longer than they should.
‘Periods should not affect women’s lives in this way'
‘Access to high quality information and support about periods, gynaecological conditions and their symptoms is vital to ensuring that women and girls get the help that they need at the right time.’
Clare Nasir, Channel 5 Weather Broadcaster and host of BBC ‘Under the Weather’ broadcast, and Campaign Ambassador for Wellbeing of Women, talks about her experience of fibroids said:
‘With fibroids, there’s the physical pain but also the mental pain, I was struggling to conceive but looked about five-months pregnant. People would write into the show asking why I hadn’t declared my pregnancy. It took a toll on my mental health. ‘When I eventually had my myomectomy [an operation to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus] it was life changing. I’m passionate about raising awareness so that other women don’t feel alone and or suffer unnecessarily, and am proud to be working with Wellbeing of Women to ensure women get the help and support they need.’
Source: WHM
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