By Sherrell Moore-Tucker
In an essay published in Oprah Magazine and Women’s Health, Tia Mowry shared with the world her long and difficult journey with endometriosis. Though some may consider endometriosis a common health problem that does not negate the mental, physical, and emotional pain that millions of women suffer with every day.
According to Healthline endometriosis (endo for short) is defined as a disorder in which the tissue that forms the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity. That lining is called the endometrium and when it grows on the ovaries, bowels, and tissues lining the pelvis that’s endometriosis. With such a clear definition it’s surprising that the cause is unknown and currently there is no cure for a disorder that affects 10% of American women (about 5 million).
Although that percentage may seem low the numbers could be higher because of factors such as misdiagnosis and under reporting. For some women there may be shame and guilt associated with endo. Take Jillian Michaels for example. She kept her diagnosis of endo to herself for years because she was concerned that it would damage her heath reputation. Raising awareness around endo is important for everyone regardless of socio-economic status. Women must speak out and empower others to do so as well so we can break the stigma around endo.
Like many of us, Mowry endured years of pelvic pain and went to several doctors who told her things like try heat or exercise. Persistence with her health and wellbeing paid off Mowry found an African American doctor who knew immediately what she had. Enduring multiple surgeries and struggles with infertility Mowry now relies on healthy eating to ease the symptoms of endo as described in her new book, Whole New You.
Research reveals that when Black women have chronic pelvic pain it is presumed to be due to other conditions like PID (pelvic inflammatory disease, a pelvic infection) or uterine fibroid tumors (very common in Black women). However, endometriosis is real and common in many African-American women.
There are some valuable lessons that we can learn from Mowry and others who have become the voices of a generation that is boldly and actively raising awareness around endometriosis.
- Superwomen, please take off the cape for a moment. Pause caring and tending to others and give yourself permission to hear and to listen to what your body is saying. It’s easy to stay busy and not disrupt your normal routine but when the body is trying to alert you that something is off please listen. It’s okay to not know now what’s going on rather it’s important to be aware enough to know that something is off, and it requires your attention.
- What is your body saying? What symptoms do you notice? Don’t self-diagnose but begin to see beyond some of the commonly discussed symptoms associated with endo such as painful periods. Symptoms range from pain before and during periods, pain with sex, fatigue, painful urination and bowel movement during periods, allergies, chemical sensitivities, frequent yeast infections
- Slow down and make a medical appointment with your OBGYN. During your appointment, be as open and as specific about your symptoms, family history, and overall concerns you may have. If feel that you are not being taken seriously or the doctor is dismissive, please get a second, third, and fourth opinion if need be. Research reveals that when Black women have chronic pelvic pain it is presumed to be due to other conditions like PID (pelvic inflammatory disease, a pelvic infection) or uterine fibroid tumors (very common in Black women). However, endometriosis is real and common in many African-American women.
- Seek support through family, friends, or service-based organizations. Resist the urge to isolate yourself or take this journey alone. With your doctor and your support system begin to discuss treatment options.
- Reduce your stress by implementing stress management tools. This can include yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, time management, and learning how to say no. Why? Well, it’s a domino effect. When you’re stressed your nervous system releases the stress hormone, cortisol activating the fight-or-flight response. When this response isn’t needed, and the stress lingers your immune system is lower and your more susceptible to inflammation and your pain threshold is lowered.
Sherrell Moore-Tucker is a speaker and wellness expert who specializes in holistic stress management. She created MindBody FAITH, an approach to wellness that bridges the gap between science and faith while exploring holistic tools and techniques for health and healing. You can learn more here: www.sherrellmooretucker.com
This article was originally posted on April 23, 2019.
AFIYA Magazine looks to enhance the awareness and knowledge of wellness issues important to African-American women while providing a platform for us to grow, expand, and develop within our personal and professional lives.
