Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus, significantly disrupts the working lives of women who experience it, with documented cases showing delayed diagnoses and substantial career impacts.
Carla Cressy worked as a model from age five until 17 but frequently collapsed during shoots due to undiagnosed endometriosis. She experienced severe pain beginning at age 13 when menstruation started, yet remained undiagnosed until age 25. During this period, she underwent appendix removal based on a misdiagnosis of acute appendicitis and was hospitalized multiple times for chronic constipation while experiencing severe pain that doctors attributed to stomach illness. The delay in diagnosis allowed her condition to progress to frozen pelvis disease, requiring bladder reconstruction surgery and a total hysterectomy. She subsequently transitioned to work as a beauty therapist, later establishing The Endometriosis Foundation to support others after connecting with women during her recovery.
Other documented cases illustrate similar workplace difficulties. Abi Smith, 27, experienced debilitating pelvic pain starting at age 10 and severe menstrual pain thereafter, yet was not diagnosed until age 21. She has cycled through three medically induced menopause treatments to manage pain while maintaining employment as a sales administrator and has been rejected three times for disability benefits. Monica Thomas, 34, waited years for diagnosis and now manages endometriosis that has spread to her lungs while also dealing with adenomyosis, pelvic congestion syndrome, and Lichen Sclerosus. She established Women’s Health Hope charity and is opening a women’s health hub in Ipswich.
According to available research, one in six women with endometriosis leave the workplace due to the condition. A recent study found that 84% of women feel unheard by healthcare professionals. Psychotherapist Dr. Sula Windgassen notes that women with endometriosis often have symptoms dismissed as psychological and experience isolation and increased anxiety after leaving employment. She is researching medical gaslighting and its effects on health outcomes, including inflammation changes and cortisol pattern alterations.
The UK currently lacks legislation ensuring fair treatment for workers with menstrual health conditions who require time off work. An NHS spokesperson stated that medical professionals should follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for endometriosis diagnosis and noted that women’s health hubs offering specialist care are available in most areas.
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