A MAJOR Federal Government funding boost for a common yet frequently under-recognised chronic disease affecting women and girls has been labelled as potentially “life changing” by Mount Gambier resident Lynette Heiming.
Ms Heiming has heralded the government’s $9.5m contribution to five endometriosis research projects, which aims to lead to improved diagnosis, treatment and a better understanding of the menstrual health disorder.
Endometriosis is a progressive condition which affects around 700,000 – or one in 10 – women.
It occurs when some of the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside the uterus.
The causes of endometriosis are unclear, but factors that seem to increase the risk include a family history of endometriosis and menstrual cycle factors such as early age at first period, short menstrual cycles and heavy or long periods.
Ms Heiming, likened the condition, which could occur at any stage of the menstrual cycle, to “intense childbirth”.
“Talking to other women I know, a normal period is a light cramp, it is manageable and you are able to function,” she said.
“Endometriosis is very painful, it impairs your ability to function and requires a lot of energy and pain management.
“Even then, some women cannot function and need to stop employment, stay home or rely on family members.”
A 2019 study estimated the condition cost an estimated $7.4b in Australia in 2017/18, mostly through reduced quality of life and productivity losses.
However, the report conceded the figure may be an underestimate due to difficulties in diagnosing endometriosis and underdiagnosis.
Symptoms and impact ranges significantly from person to person, ranging from back pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, lethargy and reduced fertility.
“It is hard for people understand,” Ms Heiming said.
“I would take Nurofen and Panadol and it might take the tiniest edge off, but there would be times when I would be literally curled up in a ball and not able to move.
“You need to put on a brave face to work and function when inside your body is actually screaming.
“People might not realise the exhaustion from it as your body is working overtime to manage the level of pain and it is taking all of your energy to function.
“A huge number of women go to emergency departments because of the pain.”
Ms Heiming said the $3.9m would fund a University of Melbourne study improving the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
