Endo Battery

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Have you ever felt dismissed or misunderstood when discussing your chronic pain? Ellie, an endowarrior and licensed professional counselor, addresses this important issue as she shares her personal journey with endometriosis. We hear her firsthand experiences dealing with chronic pain and periods, and her struggles to get a diagnosis in a medical community that often overlooks these conditions. Ellie's story will inspire you, and her insights will shed light on the complexities of living with endometriosis.
Imagine living with a complex web of chronic pain, endometriosis, and eating disorders, all while trying to maintain your mental health. Ellie invites us to explore this labyrinth with her as she discusses the difficulties of managing food sensitivities, engaging in meaningful conversation with our bodies, and maintaining mental health in the face of chronic illness. We delve into the world of body grief - the grieving process for the gap between the life we envisioned for ourselves and our current reality - and how to navigate this process with grace and understanding.
But it's not just about the struggle - it's also about finding solutions. Ellie introduces us to the EndoTracker, a tool she developed to help endowarriors identify cyclical patterns and manage stressful periods. With sections dedicated to documenting body grief, it becomes a trusted companion for those living with endometriosis. We also discuss the importance of self-advocacy and support systems in managing mental health while dealing with chronic illnesses. Listen in, and join us in this empowering conversation about living and thriving with endometriosis.
Endotracker on Amazon
etsy downloadable

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Navigating the often murky waters of chronic illness like endometriosis can be a lonely endeavour. But what if you could find solace, understanding, and support in a community of individuals who are walking the same path as you? Welcome to our special Friendsgiving episode, where we deep dive into our personal experiences with endometriosis, how we've built a robust support system, and the power of being honest with each other.
We also unpack the value of community and gratitude, especially during the holiday season. We share our personal tales of Friendsgiving celebrations, the tricky navigation of tough family conversations, and how we cope with the added stress that holidays bring. We also introduce you to our unique endometriosis support network which is a lifeline of resources and support for those in need. On a lighter note, we chat about the simple joys of seasonal decorations and our shared love for pumpkins, despite their allure to the neighborhood squirrels! Also our shared addition to the Just Peachy drink from Ziggi's Coffee.
As we move forward, we delve into the impact and power of online support communities, particularly for those battling chronic conditions like ours. We share our experiences of how finding our tribe online has helped us cope better and feel less alone. We stress the importance of expanding these communities beyond just patients, as it can positively impact others' health and lives. As we wrap up, we reflect on the significance of community and gratitude in sustaining us during challenging times and the role they play in maintaining connections. We also contemplate the beauty of Friendsgiving as a time to celebrate with our loved ones and to express gratitude for the good in our lives. We hope this episode leaves you feeling less alone, more connected, and perhaps even a little thankful!

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When my guest Kate Boyce from Endo Girls Blog and I first discussed our endometriosis struggles, little did we know that our candid exchange would resonate with so many. This episode is a heart-to-heart about the excruciating path to diagnosis, the weighty decision to resort to a hysterectomy, and the rollercoaster of recovery that follows. Kate shares her raw and personal account of life post-surgery—where the removal of her cervix and ovary threw her into a whirlwind of health challenges. We stress how crucial it is for those affected by these conditions to find accurate information and advocate for themselves, a true testament to the power of sharing stories and leaning on one another.
Venture with us as we unravel the tangled relationship between hysterectomy and hormone replacement therapy, particularly when it comes to endometriosis. The choice to undergo this procedure can be daunting, and it's not a one size fits all approach. We explore the repercussions of such a surgery on ovarian function and the often-unexpected slide into premature menopause. Through our own HRT journeys, we underscore the significance of tailored care and navigating post-surgical life. Our intimate chat mirrors the diversity of experiences and the pressing need for personalization in healthcare decisions, especially for those grappling with the aftershocks of a hysterectomy.
In a heartfelt discussion, the transformative power of hormone replacement therapy—especially testosterone—is brought to light. I reveal how a deficiency led to my own skin and allergy issues, and how testosterone replacement served as an unexpected lifeline to my well-being. As we challenge the misconceptions surrounding testosterone for women, we also address the difficulties in finding well-versed HRT providers. The episode delves into the intricacies of various hormone delivery methods, highlighting the potent role of compounding pharmacies in individualized care. It’s an episode brimming with insights on hormonal health, aimed at empowering you to take charge of your well-being and advocating for better support and understanding from the medical community.
This episode was too good to only be a one and done. So join Kate and I for a Part two next week!
https://endogirlblog.com/

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Dive headfirst into the complex world of hormone replacement therapy in this part 2 episode with Kate Boyce, of Endo Girls Blog as we strip away the one-size-fits-all approach to HRT for conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis. This discussion isn't about blanket solutions; instead, it's a deep exploration into the personalized nature of treatment, from the role of progesterone to the surprising impact of testosterone. We're challenging the status quo and simplifying the process to focus on what really matters – your unique health journey.
Navigating the minefield of hormone balance and the risks of HRT can be daunting, but we're here to guide you through it with the latest insights and research. We'll tackle the body's remarkable but complex survival mechanisms and the importance of symptom-based treatment adjustments. And let's not shy away from the controversies and risks – knowledge is power, and we're empowering you to partner with healthcare providers who truly understand your needs.
We round up the discussion by addressing the broader health implications of HRT, such as the potential link to dementia prevention, and dissect the ongoing debates within the medical community. By sharing personal anecdotes and critically analyzing the research, we're cutting through the noise to bring you evidence-based, accessible information. This episode is more than just a discussion; it's a call to action for informed consent, education, and advocacy in the evolving field of women's health. Join us for an episode that is as thought-provoking as it is informative, with the goal of bringing you to the forefront of your health decisions.
https://endogirlblog.com/

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What happens when two of the most prevalent gynecological conditions intersect? Join us as Dr. Sadikah Behbehani and Dr. Lora Liu shed light on the complexities and common misconceptions surrounding endometriosis and PCOS. These esteemed experts guide us through the landscape of these conditions, emphasizing that although both affect a significant number of women, their co-occurrence is more about chance than any causal relationship. Through their insights, we aim to clarify the confusions that often arise between these conditions and highlight the importance of precise diagnosis for effective treatment.
Discover the intricate process of diagnosing PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria, an approach that demands patience, particularly in young women. Dr. Behbehani and Dr. Liu walk us through the genetic and lifestyle factors that may predispose certain ethnicities to PCOS and discuss strategic interventions like weight management to alleviate symptoms. The conversation takes an enlightening turn as we unravel the frequent misdiagnoses between PCOS and endometriosis—a misunderstanding that can lead to inappropriate treatments and prolonged patient distress.
Our discussion doesn't stop at diagnosis; we venture into the realm of treatment options, from hormonal management to the evolution of surgical procedures like ovarian drilling. Dr. Liu shares her experiences with the emotional and transformative effects of excision surgery, painting a vivid picture of the impact proper treatment can have on patients' lives. We also address systemic issues in women's healthcare, such as the inadequacies in endometriosis treatment and the challenges faced by patients navigating infertility and IVF. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that empowers both patients and healthcare providers to pursue informed and compassionate care.
Dr. Sadikah Behbehani-The Center for Endometriosis & Fertility
Dr. Lora Liu

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