Give some thought to demystifying brain fog problem
As if the chronic pelvic pain were not enough, our creator has now claimed that girls with endometriosis are more likely to experience migraines, bipolar, confusion, anxiety, and even eventual dementia.
Writing in a new blog calling for medics to examine the brain as well as the pelvis when it comes to endometriosis, Dr Anita Sharma says experts ought to consider that the condition may be causing the “brain fog” which has held back sufferers in their studies and work.
In fact the damage endo does might even affect personality, causing shifts in a sufferer’s character.
“The pitiful research done into endo means that until recently we had no evidence that it could even reach the brain” explained Dr Sharma. “We are just beginning to understand that the fatigue associated with it causes emotional problems, but now we are learning that endometrial cells are literally destroying the brain’s function. This is alarming and had we not been so misogynist in our outlook to women’s health, we might have discovered this YEARS ago.”
Endometriosis is caused when cells usually found in the uterus adhere to other organs in the body. A small percentage of sufferers – including Oldham nurse Lucy Bowker – have had treatment for endo in the lungs and kidneys. Although rare, cerebral endometriosis can cause seizures and altered consciousness.
“We simply do not know for definite what brain damage endo causes, and our assertions are reached by looking at how other conditions affect cognitive function” revealed Dr Sharma. “For example, we base our concerns around dementia on oestrogen levels and how they promote Alzheimer’s. First of all, we need properly funded studies. We know endo debilitates – but could it also be a killer?”
Dr Sharma wants the brain to be routinely examined via CAT and MRI scans as part of a holistic approach to treating endometriosis at specially designated clinics. “My hope has always been to see places where women can be scanned and diagnosed quickly, so that treatment can begin immediately. This has to be preferable to patients going to A&E, being dismissed and then waiting a decade for a diagnosis.”
“I would also dearly love that one-stop shop to be developed here in Oldham. We are the community that has begun to shout about endo and seen the likes of politicians, TV producers and even potential Prime Ministerial candidate Andy Burnham, sit up and take notice.
At present, Northern communities lag so far behind their Southern counterparts. Let us also be a leader in this borough and ensure that gap is closed forever.”
Bucket into your diaries
Just in – our charity’s main fundraising event for 2026 will take place on 18 September!
Funds raised will continue to help support endo warriors and their families, fund research into better diagnostic tools and end ignorance around a condition affecting one in ten women.
Watch this space – there’ll be more to come!
Strategy has to move faster, says our founder
A week is a long time in politics and amongst the many issues raised has been the pace of change.
So how timely that our founder Dr Anita Sharma should produce a blog on the need to match the words of England’s first female health strategy with some action.
Despite this historic commitment (and some progress, including the introduction of more health hubs) the waiting time for an endometriosis diagnosis has gone up – and healthy female lifespans have gone down.
Our creator’s clarion call for action can be read at BLOGS.
Find out what we're really about, on film
Click onto our brand new movie, detailing what Endometriosis Awareness North is all about Endometriosis Awareness North - YouTube
Featuring our treasured case study Courtney, it also gives medics a platform to call for quicker diagnosis of endometriosis.
With thanks to filmmakers Andrea Bertozzi and Pete Gibson Media.
Donate
We are registered with The Charity Commission. Our charity number is 1212676.
You can do your bit to research a cure to endo and support the one-in-ten women with the condition by going to our DONATE page.