By Mackenzie Being an author is hard. Being an indie author—where I am the entire team, from writer to marketer, scheduler to social media manager—is even harder. But doing all of that while battling stage 4 endometriosis? That’s something else entirely. That’s a war. Most people don’t see what’s behind the books I write. They see the polished covers, the Instagram posts, the book events—but not the days I’m curled up in pain that feels like it’s tearing me apart. They do

A poem by Nicole Where should I begin, how about using hot pads so hot they actually burn my skin. Swallowing painkillers until my thoughts turn hazy, still the pain cuts through — sharp, deep, and crazy. Days disappear as I’m trapped in my bed, silent screams echo loud in my head. But this pain isn’t something that just began, it’s a constant shadow — a curse I never planned. For years I’ve been fighting this invisible thief, stealing my joy, my strength, my relief. One in

By Cass After having each child of mine I ran into a new problem to add to the list, whether it be hormonal migraines or extremely painful period cramps, to (after my third baby) intense pain through my backside when using the toilet and immobilising pain during my period. On my first visit to the doctor I was told it was a settling in period from having children, it can take six months. Second visit, have you tracked your eating, likely IBS. All of this while I had already

By Madison My story begins at age 13 which is when I got my first period. I had extremely heavy periods, to the point where I’d be wearing night/bedtime pads during the day and I’d run out within a week… I was always told that this was 'normal', but even at that age I knew that it wasn’t right. I can’t remember much of my time in high school and how my endometriosis affected me as I’ve blocked it out, but I remember I was always tired and fatigued. I also remember I used to p

By Helena Harvey Hindsight is a wonderful thing. For a good three years I had noticed a pattern. 12 days to the day before my period my whole body would be full of symptoms. From dizziness to fatigue, headaches to severe pain, and very low mood. Randomly, it wasn't until October-November 2024 that I started to feel pain in my pelvic area - even outside of my period. Jan 2025, I had a period that lasted 10 days of heavy bleeding, clots and was very painful. It stopped for 2 da

Living with endometriosis can feel isolating and overwhelming. The pain, the uncertainty, and the lack of widespread understanding often weigh heavily on those affected. But here in Wellington, a beacon of hope shines through the efforts of a remarkable community group. I want to share with you the heart and soul of Endo Warriors Aotearoa, a group dedicated to supporting those living with endometriosis and period poverty across New Zealand. Together, we can learn, connect, an

By Michelle This story, or the details advised, will not come as a surprise to many. At 20 years old after starting my periods young and believing the pain and severity of my bleeding to be normal, I finally saw a doctor who listened (partially). I was found to have PMOS - the only help I was given was told to lose weight and have kids. Side note: I’m 40 and have been unable to have children. Fast forward 15 years, many burst cysts, bleeding for 80+ days, anemia, depression,

By Nikki 7 years ago I was turned away from doctors because “I’m not a doctor, I don’t know what I’m talking about”. 7 years ago I was turned away from doctor’s because I was just “overweight”. 7 years ago I was turned away from doctors because “it’s all in your head”. 7 years ago I was told nothing was wrong with me. For years, no-one listened to me, no-one took me seriously, and no-one wanted to help me. I sat in pain for days - I went crazy thinking it was all in my head.

Living with endometriosis can feel isolating and overwhelming. The pain, the uncertainty, and the lack of widespread understanding make it a challenging journey. But here in Wellington, there is a growing movement of support and advocacy that is changing the landscape for those affected. I want to share with you how endometriosis advocacy in Wellington is making a difference, offering hope, resources, and a community that truly understands. What Is Endometriosis and Why Advoc

By Ruby For six straight years, I have been told that period pain was just part of being a woman. Now at the age of 19, I cannot believe I went through my teenage years dealing with so much pain and having no answers for so many aspects affecting my day-to-day life. Every time I doubled over in pain or missed school because I couldn’t get out of bed, spending hours on the bathroom floor dealing with nausea, vomiting, and excruciating pain - I was told it was 'normal'. For six

Founder Yessenia Sandoval shares her deeply personal story for Baby Loss Awareness Day. Living with endometriosis and PCOS, she reflects on years of surgeries, treatments, miscarriages, and an ectopic pregnancy that changed her life. Through heartbreak and healing, she reminds others facing loss that they are not alone.

Six years ago today, I was getting ready for my hysterectomy. I was exhausted but hopeful. I had been bleeding nonstop for over seven...