Probiotics
Anyone have a good daily probiotic they like? I’ve been taking garden of life and like it but curious what others are using
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Starting my IVF journey
Hello,
I’m about to start IVF and it took a lot to get to this decision. I’m wondering if anyone has any advice?
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Anti-inflammatory diet
Has anyone with endo had success on an anti-inflammatory diet and how long did it take to notice improvement?
Lately my whole body has been inflamed and my digestive system is super constricted (read: constipated, bloating, and painful). Going low fodmap in these cases helps but I'm wondering long-term what success people have had with anti-inflammatory diets --since, as I understand it-- the inflammation is more or less the root to a lot of the gi issues with endo.
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BEWARE: Ureaplasma
I wanted to share an experience I had with ureaplasma parvum because it took almost 2 months to diagnose while I was dealing with severe pain and I think it is likely more common than we think. I experienced vaginal burning for over 6 weeks. At first I thought it was a yeast infection. I got standard yeast infection and STI/STD testing and everything came back negative, but then I was told that it was still likely a yeast infection. Typically treatment works within 24 hours for me but nothing was working. I went to multiple doctors and no one knew what was wrong. Finally a random urgent care doctor tested me for ureaplasma - this is a different test and tested at a different lab from other tests which is why I think we don't normally get tested for this. I came back positive for ureaplasma parvum. This is basically an STD though doctors may not classify it as that. You cannot get it if you're not sexually active. ANYWAY - the only thing that got rid of it was a z-pack and 2 weeks of doxy. I don't want anyone else to go so long in pain/without diagnosis which is why I share. Unfortunately, this isn't a standard thing to get tested for, but it can also affect fertility so it's important to know!
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Endometriosis leg pain management
I have endometriosis and one of my biggest symptoms is my leg pain. Some days (like today) I work from bed because my legs feel so heavy and weak, I worry I'll fall. The pain is like a mix of deep, throbbing pain and a "heavy" numbness with some tingling. It's super odd and not one I hear talked about as much. When I bring it up to my GYN they say that it is likely related to endo either through growth on my sciatic nerve or general inflammation, but they're not really sure how to help. I take Naproxen to help with the pain but it only takes off a "layer" of pain and doesn't make it go away. Stretching helps a bit too, so I do some in bed, but I feel super limited in my ability to manage this particular pain.
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Celiac
I don't know if this is necessarily "women's health" but I have been breaking out so badly and bloating terribly pretty much every time I eat.
How does one go about getting checked for celiac? Do you think it could be something else?
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Getting into meditation
I am trying to get into meditation to manage my stress better. Wondering if anyone has any tools or resources they can recommend?
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Struggling to ask for what I need at the doctors
Seeking Advice: every time I am in a medical setting I freeze up and dont say what I want to say. I dont know what this is about but I feel like I want to provide insight on things and ask more questions but I end up staying silent. Any advice on overcoming this?
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GLP-1 type drugs
Have any of you tried GLP-1 type drugs for weight loss?
There's good and bad online about it (benefits vs harms). I also read it can help with endometriosis, but not sure if that's fake. I used to be naturally thin, but over the last 5 years I've gained 20-25 pounds and can't seem to do anything to get rid of it (calorie deficit, exercise, etc.).
A friend thinks it's likely also linked to how stressed I've been -- since our bodies hold onto fat when it feels in survivval/threat mode. So maybe if I could chill out my calorie deficit and exercise might finally work. Or...I could try a GLP-1?
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Balance movie trailer.. have yall seen it?
I’m super excited about an upcoming doc that’s coming out about perimenopause. It’s called Balance and it’s coming out at the end of the month. Wondering if any of you have seen the trailer. I think it’ll be a really good look at perimenopause and I’m excited at a doc focused on women’s health/wellbeing
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Period length
Is it normal to have a period that lasts almost the whole month? I am on hormonal birth control for my acne and I don't know if it is something to do with that. I haven't gone to anyone because everyone I know deals with irregular periods. I am just sick of it.
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Period blood to diagnose endometriosis
I've been seeing news (not sure if its fake news) on social media that says they can now diagnose endometriosis with period blood. Does anyone know how legitimate these claims are?
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Cold feet and hands
I have always had cold hands and feet — especially cold feet. I don’t like to wear socks because I have an issue that if my feet get warm, my whole body gets too hot.
I’ve been like this my whole life so I’ve never really questioned it, but I’m wondering if this is a circulation issue.
It would be great to have warm hands and feet and not be overheating.
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How to destress from workplace
How are you all coping with the current economy/threats of layoff/ stressful work environment. I feel so burnt out and drained all the time because of my job, but don't want to live life this way. Any ways I can destress both outside of work and during the work day (especially when I'm in office and not in the comfort of my home).
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How do you assess whether a gynecologist is the right fit?
I’m trying to get better at “shopping around” for a gynecologist, especially in terms of feeling listened to and respected.
For those of you who’ve found a GYN you really trust:
• What questions did you ask (or wish you’d asked) early on?
• What behaviors or comments were green flags vs. red flags?
• How quickly did you know whether it was a good fit?
Concrete examples would be really helpful.
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Destressing Habits
Does anyone have any tips on things to do in the morning to calm themselves before the day starts? I feel like I wake up in high stress mode and start off on the wrong foot. Or, even ideas to wind down because my sleep has been terrible and I feel like it is due to stress.
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The Pill
Is the pill really as bad as people say it is? I’ve been on it for years and feel fine and like how it lets me live my life a little bit better. But the internet has me worried that there are negative long term effects. My doctor said it’s the safest form of birth control idk I keep going back and forth on it. Any thoughts?
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Highly recommend low FODMAP for IBS-like symptoms with endo
For most of my life, especially the last 6 years, endo has come with a side of endless gut issues and IBS‑like symptoms. The endo belly (read: pregnant-appearing bloating), the painful cramps, and the bathroom roulette was this extra layer of chaos with all of my other endo issues.
For a long time, diet felt like a “nice to have” that would maybe help in a vague, long‑term way if I had the energy to overhaul my entire life. Then I finally worked with an endo dietitian and did the full low FODMAP process -- and I was honestly shocked by how fast my gut calmed down and how different my day‑to‑day felt.
Yes, the process is restrictive and very annoying at times, but it also showed me exactly which foods were my biggest symptom instigators, and that alone made me feel so much more in control. You are not meant to be low FODMAP forever, it's just to understand what the main FODMAPs cause issues for you.
Now, when I feel an endo flare brewing, dropping back into a low FODMAP baseline is my go‑to move to soothe my gut. Most of the time, I notice a real difference within a day or two, and it makes the rest of the pain slightly more manageable.
One thing I wish I’d had much earlier, though, is the Monash University Low FODMAP: The Cookbook. It’s technically made by researchers, but it does not read like a dry textbook. The recipes are genuinely tasty (I am a big foodie), practical, and it comes in a really beautiful cookbook format. 10/10 would recommend it to anyone navigating endo plus IBS‑type symptoms and wanting something that feels supportive rather than punishing.
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Endometriosis Surgery
Has anyone here had surgery to discover whether they have endometriosis? I'm really nervous but apparently, it's the only way to discover if it's there.
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Stress Incontinence
Does anyone else struggle with stress incontinence, especially when exerting a lot of energy, if so, how did you help it?
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Optimum age for egg freezing
I’ve been seeing online a lot of women starting to freeze their eggs in their mid 20s which has me thinking how old should I be when I start? I’m not even sure I want to freeze my eggs for certain but I don’t want to close the door on being able to have kids when I’m older. When should I make a definite decision?
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Vibrators
Any suggestions for a good first vibrator for solo use? I dont think I need anything too fancy, but I'm curious what y'all like!
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STD Testing
Where is the best place to get tested? I have gone to urgent care before but last time they charged me $150... is there anywhere cheaper I can go?
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Red light mask
Does anyone know if red light masks actually work? It feels like a gimmick but part of me really buys into it. Also, what is a good red light mask to buy?
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Compression Stockings
What is the take on compression stockings for flights? I've been advised differently by different doctors. Someone told me to only use when standing not sitting, Does anyone have advice on this?
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Prenatal vitamins?
Has anyone taken prenatal vitamins and have advice on when to start? Are they something you start taking when you get off birth control and start trying for kids, or should I start before getting off birth control? I won’t see my gynecologist until my appointment to remove my iud, so I don’t know if I should be thinking about prenatal vitamins before then. Of course I’ll consult my doctor, but wanted to hear others’ experiences. Thank you!
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Women’s health research outlook
I attended the Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM) forum last week and I thought it was interesting that the keynote speaker framed the importance of women’s health as it relates to/benefits men. Does this mean that funding for women’s health in the US has to be portrayed as beneficial to men in order to get funding? I was shocked by this angle, while it made sense and is good that it benefits men, there was more of an emphasis on the importance for men than for women which was interesting. Not sure if anyone has thoughts.
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Varicoise Veins: Advice and care
I inherited my mother's predisposition to varicose veins (my sisters didn't). Adding to that a few pregnancies, I've had several medical treatments this year.
I want to share some simple tips I gathered from talking with my doctor, the resident doctor, and others.I wish I had known them much sooner
I hope this helps:
- We should move our legs and not sit for long periods.
- Rest your legs twice a day by elevating them on a sofa or something similar.
- Stay hydrated.
- Apply lotion to your legs.
- Wearing compression stockings has been difficult for me. I haven't found the ideal size or material, and I've also been using them incorrectly.
If you need compression stockings (there's no data to support their effectiveness, according to my doctor), make sure the size is correct, that your toes aren't compressed, and that they don't bunch up behind your knees or anywhere else. It helps to wear gloves when putting them on.
Another tip I received is to spend time in the water. It's that simple. Apparently, once a day in the sea or a pool helps a lot.
I hope this has helped you. Please share any other tips you may have or your experience.
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New gym routine needed
I just joined a gym for the first time since college and am looking to improve my strength and mobility (I’m in my 30s) I’m fairly active but my exercise mainly consists of playing sports and cardio. Any suggestions of where to start with a gym routine? Perhaps some light weights, a suggestion of a circuit to do?
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Oura ring
Any experiences using the Oura ring for general tracking of exercise/sleep/fertility? I am considering getting one but not sure what the actual experience is like
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Experience with GLP-1
I recently experimented with Mounjaro, a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. To be clear, I’m not the typical candidate for this medication—I’m at a healthy weight, exercise 4–5 times a week, and eat clean about 90% of the time. This post isn’t medical advice, just a personal account for anyone curious about how these medications feel, especially with the rise of Ozempic and similar treatments.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Monday: I took the injection in the morning. It was virtually painless, which was a nice surprise. By evening, I felt a subtle shift: light nausea and zero appetite for dinner, but nothing overwhelming.
Tuesday: This was the hardest day. Still no appetite, and I went to the gym fasted (as usual), but felt unusually weak and hypersensitive to smells—had to cut my workout short to avoid getting sick. I managed a protein smoothie in the afternoon, but felt incredibly full afterward. The nausea came and went, but the fullness was intense and persistent.
Wednesday–Thursday: I adjusted my expectations and ate very little. The nausea started to ease by Thursday.
Friday: I weighed myself. I was down about 3 pounds from the previous week. Not alarming, but clearly due to reduced intake. Also, since I wasn’t eating much, I wasn’t “going to the bathroom”, which felt strange given my usual regularity.
Sunday: I finally felt like myself again. That timing aligns with the medication’s weekly cycle. I chose not to continue treatment as it was more of a one-time experiment to understand how it works.
Final Thoughts
For those starting a weight loss journey, I can see how this could be a powerful tool. It’s especially effective for curbing compulsive eating behaviors as you simply don’t feel the urge to eat. That said, pairing it with a consistent exercise routine and healthy habits is key to long-term success.
Hope this helps anyone considering this type of treatment!
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Amitriptyline for neuropathic pain
I was prescribed Amitriptyline for neuropathic pain, which has really helped my endometriosis symptoms--I have less cramping, fewer "phantom UTIs," and my leg pain (not sure how it related) went away, too. It also helps me go to sleep, which is great because I was also dealing with a bit of insomnia. HOWEVER, my GYN failed to mention to me that this medicine is traditionally created as an anti-depressant!! I have no problem with that, but I wish that had been clear when prescribed. An FYI for anyone received "pain" meds in the future.
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Pelvic floor therapy for everyone?
I have been reading a lot about pelvic floor therapy, I wondered if anyone had a sense of the benefits and whether this addresses a specific diagnoses or if everyone should be doing this?
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YouTube Yoga
I started following Yoga with Adriene on YouTube during covid. She has many videos at all levels and I find her really calming and warm. After a couple years doing it online I tried an in person class and felt like I had a good foundation.
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Unusual advice for pregnant women
When I got pregnant for the first time in the late 1990s, my gynecologist gave me a list of prohibitions
Sex was allowed, but the list caught my attention.
Here are some recommendations I'd never heard of:
- No hair dye
- No painkillers unless necessary
- No dental treatment, unless it's an infection or truly necessary. Cleaning is fine
My dentist disagreed
- No unpasteurized milk or cheese
- No deli meat
- No raw meat
I think there was something about eating fish, but I'm not sure
Until then, I only knew of no drinking or smoking
I'm now wondering about the chemicals in nail polish. There are reports that manicures have health complications
After this I tell you that my mother says that she smoked during all her pregnancies
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STD Testing
How often do you get tested for STDs? Wondering how often I should be getting tested and what the best way to get tested is.
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Connective Tissue Disorder
Anyone have any connective tissue disorders? Which doctor diagnosed you? Also what symptoms did you have?
I had antibodies for it in 2023 and then no one seemed to pay attention. Now I'm feeling lots of random muscle pain and inflamed fingers. I have Graves Disease and am worried I might have some connective tissue now. Any advice as to how you got diagnosed/symptoms/lifestyle changes is helpful!
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Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
Has anyone here been correctly diagnosed with POTS? I feel like it’s one of the more difficult conditions to diagnose, given there are so many overlapping symptoms it has with other conditions. In the past when I explained my episodes to a professional, I was told I was just having a panic attack. Now I’m not so sure. It happens to me most often while I’m working out at the gym with heavy weights, or if I stay too long in a hot shower….
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Guided Meditations
I have depression and anxiety, and struggled with it for a long time. I started therapy 4 years ago and have seen a massive improvement. While there will always be episodes that are challenging to experience, I have found that guided meditations have really helped direct my energy during those times. My therapist recommended the app “Insight Timer” and I’ve used it pretty consistently since I downloaded it. I highly recommend it for people starting meditation, as it provides an extremely accessible foundation to build these skills. I would love to know if folks have other suggestions like guided meditations or similar apps that have helped their own mental health!
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Skipping Your Period Every Month
I have really painful periods and was tested for endometriosis, but they discovered I had something else, which was explained so poorly to me that I still don't really understand but has something to do with my uterine wall.
They told me they could prescribe me birth control, so that I could I always skip my period. They said it wouldn't impact me getting pregnant in the future or my health in any other way.
Some of my friends do this as well, but some of their doctors told them they should get their period every 6 months.
I feel like doctors have varying opinions on skipping your period and how frequently you should do it and what the health outcomes are.
Does anyone else have this issue or been given a clear issue?
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Hair color linked to cancer
Does dying your hair, specifically dying it in a way that touches your scalp like highlights put you at higher risk of cancer. I read an article saying that some of the chemicals used in hair dye can lead to cancer if it touches your scalp, but I also read an article disproving this.
Does anyone know?
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Transition Lenses
Has anyone got used to wearing eyeglasses with transitions lenses. I have tried several times and the ophthalmologist says just give it more time for your brain to get used to. My brain does not get it and I have to got back to having different glasses for computer use, driving and everything else.
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Dizziness and thyroid
I had a significant dizzy spell a few months ago and ended up being put on a low dose (25mcg) of levothyroxine (Synthroid). My TSH with Reflex to T4 was abnormally high. I haven’t had any issues with talking levothyroxine but don’t know if I’m on this now for life. Anyone have a similar experience?
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Colposcopy
Just wanted to share an experience I had with a colposcopy I had recently. Be aware that this procedure is painful. If I had truly understood how painful it was I would have asked for pain relief before. It was explained to me as being as painless as getting your ears pierced. I have many piercings and that level of pain does not even come close. I wanted to share this so that if you are needing to get one to advocate for pain relief. A colposcopy is the most pain I have felt in my life, and I have broken bones and had other injuries.
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Recurring yeast infections - any advice?
I have been dealing with recurring yeast infections over the past couple of years and the regular monistat or oral pill works in the short term but not in the long term. Any advice for managing this?
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Preparing for menopause
Is there a way to prepare for menopause? I’ve heard how difficult it can be and not sure if there’s a diet or exercise or anything specific I can do to mitigate the effects of menopause when I’m older
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Extension
Curious what people’s thoughts are on hair extensions. I’ve heard that they are bad for your hair but don’t know too much about it.
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Good resources for best ergonomic set up?
I am really struggling to sit at my desk all day. Does anyone have good recommendations for a standing desk or desk set up that can help me with some of my shoulder tenseness and back pain?
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Nurtrofol... Does it Work?
Does Nutrofol actually work. I have heard mixed reviews. It is also very expensive, so I only want to use it if it actually works.
Also if it does work, how long does it take to kick in?
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Cost of freezing eggs
What are people getting quoted for egg freezing? it's super expensive! I have a friend that got her eggs frozen in Spain because it's a lot more affordable, but it feels weird to freeze my eggs so far away in another country.
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How to get endometriosis diagnosis?
I'm pretty sure I have endometriosis or a similar condition. My doctor says that everything I'm experiencing is normal, but I don't feel like it is. I’ve read the symptoms: painful periods, pain with sex, fatigue, bloating, nausea. That’s me. How can I advocate for my doctor to take me seriously and investigate if I have endometriosis?
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Stretches for mobility
Since I've turned 30 I have found my flexibility to be much worse. Wondering if anyone can suggest morning stretches that may be able to help!
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Shampoo for thin hair?
Does anyone have a shampoo and conditioner they like for thin hair? I feel my hair looks weighed down.
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Sharing your egg freezing experience?
Has anyone had experience freezing their eggs? How intense was the process? Trying to decide if this is something worth considering.
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