Her Discussions by Dr Faye Endometriosis Survivor: The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Women’s Pain
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Sep 10, 2025 Sophie Richards, an endometriosis advocate and content creator, shares her challenging journey of misdiagnosis and chronic pain over five years. She discusses the importance of finding empathetic doctors and self-advocacy in women’s health. Sophie opens up about her struggles with stigma surrounding women’s health issues and highlights lifestyle changes that have helped her manage inflammation, particularly through dietary adjustments. Her inspiring story aims to empower those feeling dismissed by healthcare systems.
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Early Symptoms Dismissed As 'Normal' Periods
- Sophie first noticed severe, worsening period pain at 16–17 and was dismissed by doctors as having 'normal' painful periods.
- Her symptoms escalated to monthly migraines, exhaustion, heavy bleeding and social withdrawal before persistent advocacy began.
Family History Shaped Her Persistence
- Sophie grew up watching family members be dismissed by doctors, which made her wary but persistent when seeking help.
- Her mother fiercely advocated during one emergency and a hospital blood test found a burst ovarian cyst and twisted fallopian tube.
Diagnosis Came After Years And A Key GP
- Sophie saw many clinicians for years until a GP finally suggested endometriosis and referred her to a gynecologist.
- She waited about six months for diagnostic surgery and was confirmed to have endometriosis, five years after symptoms began.