Since her teenage years, Bekki Thomas, a 26-year-old from Clevedon, has fought a relentless battle against crippling pain and severe fatigue that would sometimes last for weeks. After enduring these debilitating symptoms, it shockingly took eight long years for her to finally receive a diagnosis of endometriosis.

Despite her chronic suffering, doctors initially dismissed her pain, attributing it to "over-exercise" or "anxiety." Bekki's experience highlights a shocking gap in understanding, and now she is calling for urgent research and awareness about this often-misunderstood condition.

Reflecting on her early struggles, Bekki shared, "When I was 11, I remember being in a lot of pain and thought it was just the way things were. At that time, there wasn't much research available, and we know so little about it."

In the UK alone, approximately 1.5 million women suffer from endometriosis. This painful condition occurs when tissue similar to the endometrial lining grows outside the uterus, causing excruciating pain and extreme fatigue.

At just 13 years old, Bekki poignantly recalls a moment of excruciating pain in her school classroom, stating, "I knew something wasn't quite right. My skin was worse than others, and the back pain was unbearable. I realized this couldn't be normal. For three weeks every month, I endured this suffering."

Although her doctor prescribed the Pill in an attempt to manage her pain, it resulted in migraines, prompting her to stop medication in 2018. When her pain escalated, her physician again dismissed her condition, attributing it to anxiety.

It wasn't until her sister researched her symptoms that Bekki found the courage to return to her doctor and request testing for endometriosis. But even then, the only option offered was a Mirena coil, leaving her feeling neglected and "put on the back burner" without any substantial medical support.

Thankfully, Bekki discovered a support group where women with endometriosis connect and share their experiences, emphasizing the importance of solidarity. "It’s good to talk to others who understand what you’re going through," she remarked.

Despite living with a condition that currently has no cure, Bekki stresses the importance of pain management and awareness. "I often mask my pain at work and in social situations because I don’t want to be seen as a burden to others. More research and funding are essential, along with creating more support for women suffering from this condition."