Several women across England have shared accounts of how endometriosis disrupted their careers and daily functioning, prompting renewed attention to the condition’s employment implications.
Carla Cressy worked as a model until age 17, when she began experiencing repeated collapses during shoots. She developed severe symptoms starting at age 13 with her menstrual cycle but was not diagnosed with endometriosis until age 25. In the interim, doctors removed her appendix based on a misdiagnosis and she was repeatedly hospitalized for constipation before receiving proper diagnosis. The delayed diagnosis allowed the condition to progress to frozen pelvis disease, requiring bladder reconstruction surgery and a hysterectomy. She subsequently reoriented her career as a beauty therapist. An estimated one in six women with endometriosis leave the workforce due to the condition, which occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the womb. Currently, the UK lacks legislation protecting workers with menstrual health conditions from unfair treatment regarding time off work.
Abi Smith, age 27, experienced pelvic pain beginning in childhood and severe symptoms once menstruation began, but faced a diagnostic delay until age 21. She described working at a post office while experiencing incapacitating pain and is undergoing her third medically induced menopause to manage symptoms. Despite applying for disability benefits three times without approval, she continues working as a sales administrator. Monica Thomas, age 34, waited years for diagnosis and now has endometriosis affecting her lungs, with additional diagnoses including adenomyosis, pelvic congestion syndrome, and a chronic inflammatory skin condition. She established the charity Women’s Health Hope, which is opening a women’s health hub in Ipswich.
Experts and advocates note significant gaps in medical care and workplace support. Dr. Sula Windgassen, a psychotherapist, highlights that women with endometriosis are frequently told their symptoms are psychological and often experience medical dismissal that worsens health outcomes. A recent study cited in the article found 84% of women feel unheard by healthcare professionals. An NHS spokesperson indicated that medical professionals should follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for diagnosis and that specialist women’s health hubs are available in most areas. Carla Cressy founded The Endometriosis Foundation to raise awareness that endometriosis extends beyond menstrual pain to include serious complications such as organ damage and fertility impacts.
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