1 in 6 Aussie women have lost their jobs due to this condition

Alarmingly, a new report has found that one in six women have been fired from their jobs as they manage the crippling symptoms of endometriosis.

Meanwhile, one in three women say they feel they’ve been passed over for a promotion as they try to deal with the condition.

Endometriosis is a disorder that affects more than 11% of Australian women.

It is caused when tissue grows on the outside of the uterus and nearby organs, causing pelvic pain, inflammation, cysts, and it also impacts mental health and fertility.

1 in 6 women report losing their job because of endometriosis

389 women who suffer from endometriosis took part in the survey and the majority said they felt there was a lack of flexibility when it came to working hours or where they worked while they were suffering with the condition.

Participants suggested companies allow women who are suffering from endometriosis to work from home, have 20 minute rest periods as well as access to counselling, as well as heat packs and ergonomic chairs while in the office.

The study was conducted by Southern Cross University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine and Western Sydney University’s NICM Health Research Institute.

Workplaces need to create a more supportive environments for workers with this condition

“As the COVID experience has shown, creating a more flexible workplace can be a win-win for both the employer and employee, making it easier for women to manage their endometriosis, while also making them more productive and respected employees,” says Alexis Wolfe, CEO of Endometriosis Australia.

“The message is loud and clear, those with endometriosis are disadvantaged in a workplace that does not foster and support flexible working arrangements.

“Workplaces need to create safe, confidential, and supportive environments for employees to share their experiences and find a balance that works for both parties.”

Meanwhile, Southern Cross University’s Professor of Public Health, Dr Jon Wardle says, “Nearly two-thirds of women had to take unpaid time off work to manage their endometriosis symptoms.”

In fact, it’s been reported it costs Australia $9.7 billion annually – with two-thirds of costs attributed to a loss in productivity and roughly $2.5 billion to the cost of healthcare.

Endometriosis is an oestrogen dominant condition that causes layers of tissue, that is similar to the tissue that lines the uterus (womb), to grow elsewhere. For example, on organs including the bowel, cervix and bladder. It can most certainly affect every part of your life, even your weight.

Not only can endometriosis cause significant pain and lead to or be linked to emotional and mental conditions, it can also cause bloating and excess fat on the hips and stomach regions.

The condition can also cause bloating and water retention, making it harder for you to feel like you are reaching your goal weight.

How to know if you have endometriosis

You may have endometriosis if you are experiencing the following:

• Painful periods
• Pain before period
• Pain during ovulation
• Lower back pain
• Pain during and after sex
• Pain with bowel movements
• Pain when having a wee
• Abnormal bleeding, like super heavy periods, or spotting.

Some women however, do not experience any of these symptoms and only find out when they unsuccessfully try to conceive a baby.

What’s more, there is no single reason why endometriosis occurs. So, finding out the reason why it is occurring in each individual may take some time, but by exploring the reasons, you may help prevent recurrence.

What causes it and how can you treat it?

The most common reasons are issues with anatomy, genetics, hormonal imbalance, exposure to environmental toxins, and autoimmunity or dysfunctional immune response.

Medical treatments are aimed at inhibiting growths, but to do this, they cease periods, thus ceasing ovulation and fertility is not improved. Most symptoms return when stopping medications when you undertake this treatment option.

Ablation or surgical removal of adhesion is an effective treatment for stage I and II endometriosis.

There are very little natural-based medicines that are ‘evidence-based’ treatments for endometriosis. Acupuncture, TCM and a Mediterranean-style anti-inflammatory diet may help.

Traditional herbal medicine may help reduce symptoms, such as cramping and inflammation, and help balance hormones.

So what can you do about it if you do suffer from the condition?

Chat to your doctor if you think you may have endometriosis. He or she is the best person to assist with your condition and help with side effects, such as weight gain, as a result.

However, exercise and maintaining a healthy and balanced diet has helped many mums with both their endometriosis symptoms and weight troubles.

For additional advice and help, head to Endometriosis Australia’s website.

How regular exercise help these mums with their endometriosis

Sarah Maynard reveals that she always struggled to keep an eye on the scales as she suffers from endometriosis, as well as polycystic ovary syndrome.

“It was frustrating. I had to always keep an eye on what I was eating and doing, as my weight would balloon at times due to the PCOS and endometriosis,” she says.

“At my heaviest, I was 134kg. And while I put on weight easier than most, I can’t say that I was watching what I was eating.”

“One of my friends had lost a heap of weight through The Healthy Mummy 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, and that’s when I signed up also.

“I loved it and it was very easy to follow.”

Sarah, who now weighs 98.3kg, follows the recipes on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge Recipe Hub – and she says her lifestyle change is even rubbing off on her little man, who is only two!

Emily has lost 19.5kg

Meanwhile, Emily, who is also from our Healthy Mummy community, suffered a long battle with stage four endometriosis.

When she joined the Healthy Mummy 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, she noticed incredible changes in her health.

Nonetheless, Emily’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. On Mother’s Day 2016, Emily had a total hysterectomy for stage four endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Emily says, “It was a difficult decision to have this surgery, but after years of illness my body couldn’t take it any longer. The surgery and recovery was rough, with some uncommon complications occurring shortly after my operation.”

Emily feels better than ever before

It is important to note here that a hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis, but it can help women in some cases.

About eight months after her hysterectomy, Emily started to feel well for the first time in her life, so she decided to make further strides towards improving her health.

Emily says, “In late January (2017), I joined The Healthy Mummy’s 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges and in just over four months, I have since lost 19.5kgs* and 3-4 dress sizes.

“What has been even more dramatic is how much fitter and healthier I feel.”

Since losing weight with The Healthy Mummy, Emily says everything is getting easier.

“Breathing is easier, I sleep better, I eat breakfast every day and generally have more energy. I can now walk 5+ kilometres when pre-surgery walking to the letterbox was a struggle!”