Endo Matters: Recent Episodes
Desired Physique
Hi and welcome to Endo Matters, a podcast that helps women with endometriosis get in control of their condition, no longer letting it control them! I’ll be asking you the listeners what help you would like, and giving you tips, advice and information on how you can live a better life with endo. After all, endo does matter !!
In this 1 of 4 episodes for endometriosis awareness month 2022, I sum up the year of this podcast and put my view out there on my opinions on endo right now.
I don’t often go on a rant, because I think keeping calm about things is always the best recipe. However, I am extremely passionate about this subject and wanted my listeners to hear where I stand on endo related subjects.
I am extremely open to debate, so if you don’t agree with anything covered in this episode, I am happy to hear your own viewpoint.
Many thanks for listening to the last year of Endo Matters, I appreciate all your support.
If you want to visit me on other platforms, please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media
In this 1 of 4 episodes for endometriosis awareness month 2022, I interview my husband, Stuart Brookes.
I ask Stu about what it is like to live with someone suffering with the condition and how he has tried to help me over the years.
He also gives his best advice for other partners of sufferers.
If you want to visit me on other platforms, please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media
In this 2nd of 4 episodes for endometriosis awareness month 2022, I interview endo sufferer Katie Mitchell.
Katie has suffered with endo most of her adult life and is soon to have a hysterectomy as a result.
Katie has worked with me and also shares what she has learnt and how that has helped her to get in control of the symptoms, no longer letting the symptoms control her.
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media
Show Notes Episode 15- My talk about Endo and Mental Health.
In this 1 of 4 special episodes for endometriosis awareness month 2022, I cover the subject of mental health.
In past episodes and on a lot of my socials I have talked a lot about the symptoms of endometriosis and how to help yourself with those symptoms.
What I haven’t talked a lot about is how it can affect your mental health.
In this show I give a very raw outline of my struggles with mental health and how having endometriosis has added to this massively.
I also touch on ways in which you can reach out and find help in these areas.
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media
Todays’ guest is someone who has had a big impact on my life and career, it’s thanks to her I started my journey in the fitness sector. What Yvette doesn’t know about health and fitness isn’t worth knowing, she has been an inspiration to me and many others. I first met Yvette at a job interview, which she got and subsequently she then became my boss as I got the job as a trainee trainer at that gym! Since that day Yvette encouraged me to go further, helping me get my qualification as a PT and was even my examiner. She is an amazing yoga teacher and holistic therapist and is just an all-round health guru! All that said, today I haven’t invited Yvette on the show to talk about her life as a teacher/practitioner. Sadly, Yvette quite recently got diagnosed with breast cancer and has had a single mastectomy. This show is aimed at helping women with endo, but I do think it is important to talk about other important issues that affect women particularly. What I have loved about what Yvette has gone through is that she has documented her whole journey on Instagram and in true Yvette style it’s been very upbeat, despite what she has gone through.
In this episode we cover:
· How Yvette was diagnosed
· How she dealt with the diagnosis mentally.
· How she documented her journey and why she wanted to do that.
· The medication she has been given and why as a holistic practitioner, she finds that the most difficult part of her experience with breast cancer.
· Yvette’s advice on how to get through breast cancer.
· Yvette’s advice on exercise pre and post op.
· How to surround yourself with the right people, who can best help you.
·
Here is the link to her Instagram where she covers her journey with breast cancer.
Yvette. Yogi. Cancer warrior. (@breastcancerlife) • Instagram photos and videos
If you want to check out Yvette’s amazing yoga classes look at her FB page
Health-n-Happiness | Facebook
If you want to visit me on other platforms; please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question, you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media andy@strengthinmedia.co.uk
Happy New Year
This episode aims to help you prioritise your health and find out where you need to be focusing on the most when you live with endometriosis.
At this time of year, we generally make goals that can be realistic, sometimes not, and it can be overwhelming, especially if we get thrown curve balls and cannot fulfil what we set out to achieve.
Over the last few years, I have been working with women to help them with their endometriosis symptoms. This is one of the exercises I ask them to do so that I can determine which areas they need the most help. It can also help you to set goals in the right places that will benefit you as an individual.
There are so many symptoms involved with having endo and to tackle them all at once is impossible. It is therefore important to work through them one by one.
Take out a fresh piece of paper or a blank screen
Write down on each line separately
Bloating
Pain
Brain fog
Low Energy
Painful Sex
Poor Sleep
Infertility
Low Mood
Dizziness and fainting
At the side of each symptom put a number from 1 to 10. 10 means this is very severe 1 is not so much an issue.
Have a look at your list and see which symptoms have the highest number. The highest ones are the ones you will concentrate on first.
If they are all at 10 then pick 1 to start with and then once that starts to improve you can move onto the next one.
Take that 1 symptom and make a list underneath with some action points of what could help you in that area. If you don’t know at all, maybe investigate a practitioner that specialises in that area to help you.
Listen to this episode to hear suggestions of action points you could make to help you get on top of each symptom.
If you want to visit me on other platforms, please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question that you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media info@strengthinmedia.co.uk
This month’s guest is a lovely lady called Helen Fenton. Helen owns her own yoga studio not far from me here in south Manchester. What I really love about what Helen does is that she is very woman focused and has qualifications in yoga for menopause. Teaching women at that stage of life how to really help them get through all those symptoms that the menopause can bring. That may be through yoga, meditation or merely teaching self-care techniques that can be also used off the mat in everyday life.
In this episode we cover:
· How Helen ventured into yoga after a cooperate career and her journey with anxiety.
· How she listened to her clients and knew that a qualification in menopause yoga would serve them well.
· Helens tips on how to help yourself through the menopause
· Working around the cycle in women of all ages
· How yoga can help endometriosis
Here are the titles and authors of the books Helen mentions:
My Menopausal Vagina- Jane Lewis
The New Hot- Meg Mathews
Where to find Helen:
Orange Bloom Yoga Studio | Facebook
Helen Fenton (@orangebloomyoga) • Instagram photos and videos
(12) Orange Bloom Yoga & Wellness: Overview | LinkedIn
Orange Bloom Yoga in Hazel Grove - Your Yoga, Your Way
If you want to visit me on other platforms; please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media info@strengthinmedia.co.uk
In this episode I cover 3 questions that were asked by the listeners. If you have a question, you would like answered in an episode, then please send to the email at the bottom of these notes.
1. How to deal with pain?
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3 tiers working in synergy- nutrition, exercise, stress management. Nutrition- no processed (ping it, add water to make into a meal) refined sugar, dairy, wheat/gluten, salt, alcohol, caffeine. Exercise; work it around the cycle, stress management. Reduce all areas of stress as much as possible.
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Hot water bottle
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Relaxing
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Patches
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Positions that you can get yourself into
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Pain killers
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Reiki
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Reflexology
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Meditation
2. Where can I look to for support?
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Make an endometriosis buddy
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Local support groups – Endo UK
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Explain to your partner how you feel and what you need, make it part of their life too.
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Social media- follow people who you relate to
3. Are superfoods a real thing or is it just marketing hype?
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A word used in marketing to sell things that are high in nutrition value
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Food on the superfood list is generally high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as blueberries kiwi fruit, goji berries. Fish, leafy greens, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, yogurt. All of which are great for a ‘healthy’ lifestyle and good balanced nutrition. They can help with the immune system and help keep disease and inflammation at bay.
Links
Long hot water bottle
Charcoal grey Henry hot water bottle – BE Lifestyle Boutique
Menthol Patches
BeYou Monthly Patches | Cooling & Comfortable | Cups & Period Pain (beyouonline.co.uk)
Comfortable positions for Endo pain
positions to help get comfortable should you have an endo flare up - YouTube
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media info@strengthinmedia.co.uk
In this episode I talk to long term endometriosis sufferer Michaela, who has been suffering since she was 9 years old. Had 11 endo related surgeries, fertility treatment and now at the very young age of 28 has just had a full hysterectomy.
In the show we chat about how she first recognised symptoms and her diagnosis. The journey she has been through with the medical profession and what she has learnt along the way. Her experience with medically induced menopause and dealing with that mentally and physically. How she now has used her experiences to reach out to others with the condition and offer advice and support to enable them to learn from the mistakes she made along the way.
It was such a pleasure to have Michaela on the show, she is a true inspiration and a real pioneer for the cause.
Michaela also leads a Manchester based support group and is starting a charity to help others with the condition.
You can read her blog called ‘Pretty in Pain’ on FB
Pretty In Pain | Facebook
On Instagram
Michaela Abenson (@pretty.in_pain) • Instagram photos and videos
On Linkedin
(10) Michaela (Labaton) Abenson | LinkedIn
If you want to visit me on other platforms, please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question that you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media
Menopause In this episode I have a great chat with Jacqui Sechiari who is a coach that helps women going through the perimenopause and menopause.
Having experienced symptoms of perimenopause herself, Jacqui started researching into this little-known world to find ways of relieving symptoms. She found that making small changes to certain things in her life made a big difference and was determined to share this information with others.
In the show we chat about:
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The transition from living with endometriosis to starting with the perimenopause
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Where to start if you start to have perimenopausal symptoms
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HRT
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How to still look out for cycles and tracking
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Useful reading material that will help you on your journey.
To find Jacqui look at:
Rediscover you. (@jacquisechiarimenopause) • Instagram photos and videos
Jacqui Sechiari: Rediscover you - Menopause | Facebook
Her book: The Menopause Manual
The Perimenopause Manual: Everything you wish you’d been told before you turned 40 - and more: Amazon.co.uk: Sechiari, Jacqui, Thomas, Benjamin: 9798687221900: Books
Her book recommendations
Menopause: The One-Stop Guide: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Dealing with the Menopause (One Stop Guides) : Abernethy, Kathy: Amazon.co.uk: Books
Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too: Amazon.co.uk: Thebe, Amanda: 9781771647601: Books
The XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women to Prevent Dementia eBook : Mosconi, Lisa: Amazon.co.uk: Books
https://womenempoweringwomen.co.uk/ambassadors/michellebrookes/?fbclid=IwAR0ZHgO3KVVbENwOFr0HwL6q6d_w91wj1iWfdKVvDo5dH83twf5mFUIQFqY
If you want to visit me on other platforms, please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question that you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media info@strengthinmedia.co.uk
Questions from the Audience
In this episode I answer questions from you the audience, covering:
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What foods you should eat as you are getting older to prepare for menopause
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What you can do to get a deeper sleep
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How to deal with irregular periods mentally
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Whether you need to modify your exercise to work around your cycle if you no longer have a bleed.
Here is the article I mention in the show about how the pandemic has affected to woman’s cycle:
65% of Women Say the Pandemic Has Affected Their Periods (womenshealthmag.com)
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media
In this episode I am joined by Chris Haddon, a holistic therapist who has a cool therapy room on a barge!
We discuss what reflexology is and how it can help endometriosis sufferers, especially having treatments in the week leading up to the period.
We also cover, meditation, mindfulness and how to relax in the best way possible for you.
You can find Chris on FB
(4) Take A Breather | Facebook
On Instagram
Take A Breather UK (@takeabreatheruk) • Instagram photos and videos
To book through his website
Take A Breather - Massage & Wellbeing (takeabreatheruk.com)
The book Chris mentions is:
Full Catastrophe Living by John Kabat Zin
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media (add you link)info@strengthinmedia.co.uk
In this episode I cover a subject that many endo sufferers can relate to which is emotional eating and cravings.
It is a common occurrence in the lead up to the period in particularly we can start to crave sugary or carb heavy foods that from my experience, make us feel worse. That said it can be difficult to stop those urges or overcome the cravings.
As endo is also an emotional rollercoaster itself, food can sometimes be something we use to fill the void or help us feel better in the short term. Again, which foods we choose can be also adding to our overall problems, therefore it is a vicious circle.
Whilst I know a lot about these areas as I have read quite a bit, I thought I would get someone on the show today that specialises in these areas to give you another angle from what I can maybe give you.
Dr Victoria Baxter is a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in relationships with food. We met a couple of months ago and so far, the chats we have had have been fascinating.
What she covers in this show is so interesting and describes subjects to do with the language we use around food, the culture we have grown up in around food and ultimately the issues surrounding emotional eating.
To find Dr Victoria Baxter look at her website:
Home – Love Food, Live Well (wordpress.com)
On FB
Love Food, Live Well | Facebook
Join her fab group:
Love Food, Live Well: Mindful Mouthfuls | Facebook
On Instagram
Love Food, Live Well (@lovefoodlytham) • Instagram photos and videos
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media info@strengthinmedia.co.uk
Sex is a taboo subject and can be very embarrassing to talk about.
I know myself that I have experienced painful sex due to my condition and have felt in the past very reluctant to even talk to my partner about it, let alone a doctor.
Women I have worked with have had relationships end because of this, so it is something I feel women should be encouraged to talk about and the medical profession to listen and offer some solutions.
As us ladies already know, sometimes the medical profession does not offer much in the way of help, so we may need to look for alternative solutions.
This episode aims to provide some solutions on how to have a better sex life whilst living with this condition.
I, however, am not an expert in this area so I have got us a guest today, who will be able to shed a bit of light on this subject.
Jemma Sawyer is a fellow endometriosis sufferer and her company Iloh owns her own online sexual health products company.
Jemma discusses her own endo journey and the experiences that led her to starting her company. Along with tips on how to have more pleasurable sex when you have the condition.
To look at the products Jemma talks about click Our Products – Iloh UK
Or follow Iloh on Instagram ILOH | By women, for women (@_iloh.co.uk) • Instagram photos and videos
Ask any questions via either of these platforms.
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media info@strengthinmedia.co.uk
In this episode I cover 5 questions that were asked by the listeners. If you have a question you would like answered in an episode, then please send to the email at the bottom of these notes.
1. How to deal with accepting diagnosis
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Most women have taken some time to get diagnosis, so it can feel like a relief, but also emotional
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People may not have believed you
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You may have felt yourself that maybe you were losing your mind
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There is no cure, need to get your head around that.
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Decide what you are going to do next, medical route, holistic. Start to educate yourself on what the best route is for you.
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Work with the condition not against it.
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When energy is low rest
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When in pain stop
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Look into ways you can help yourself
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Be grateful that it is endometriosis.
2. Is it something you are born with or can it develop as you get older?
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Research so far isn’t 100% clear on whether it is something we are born with or whether it develops.
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From what I have read so far it tends to indicate that if your mother or grandmother had it, then you are more likely to have it.
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Environmental factors and nutrition are pointing towards enhancement of symptoms- could this be why more cases these days? Or was it because there just wasn’t a name for it?
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If you have it yourself and have a daughter get her checked out as early as possible.
3. How can you support someone who has it if you don’t have it yourself?
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Try not to rise to the mood swings/sharpness/short temper. Instead try to calm them down.
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Be as helpful around the house or making meals etc when it’s the time of the month, so can rest as much as possible.
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Give lots of hugs and be a shoulder to cry on.
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Go along to hospital or doctor’s appointments
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Be kind and compassionate
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Believe then when they say they are in pain.
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Make them a hot water bottle and help to get them comfortable
4. What signs to look out for if you have a daughter
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Anything to do with abnormal periods
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Pain during the period
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Heavy periods
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Irregular periods
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Mood swings- more than just teenage tantrums
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Fatigue- more than just a lazy teenager
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Fainting
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Vomiting
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If she is showing any of these signs from the start, then start going to the doctors as soon as possible. Don’t be fobbed off with the …..it’s just painful periods !
5. How do symptoms change, if at all, when you go through menopause?
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Depends on severity of endo and where it is situated in body
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Ordinarily symptoms should reduce after menopause as endo is often worse during a period
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May swap endo symptoms for menopause symptoms
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The better you can look after your hormone health in your 40’s the better chance of a smooth menopause you’ll have.
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media info@strengthinmedia.co.uk
When I work with clients with endometriosis, the main basis of the programme we use is a 3- tier approach. In this episode I will go through each step to help you see what may be needed in order to relieve symptoms.
- Nutrition
Food elimination to find food triggers
Anti- inflammatory plan
Finding out the omega 3:6 balance
Eating in line with the cycle
- Exercise
Working around the cycle, matching intensity to certain times of the month
Choosing the type of exercise that you like
Listening to your body.
- Stress management
Identifying where the most of your stress is coming from
Have techniques you can draw upon to help relieve stress and anxiety
Know what types of things help you to relax.
If you are interested in finding out what your omega 3:6 level is, have a look at the blood test available along with a high-quality Omega 3 balance oil.
https://tryzinzino.com/2006918893/balanceoil/EN/English/
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media info@strengthinmedia.co.uk
Hi and welcome to the first episode of ‘Endo Matters’. In today’s show I will describe some of the more common symptoms of endometriosis and how you can begin to help yourself with them. These include:
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Painful periods- including pain in the abdomen, lower back and internally up the rectum. A good measure is if you have pain so bad you must take some form of pain relief.
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Painful sex- pain in the lower abdomen or internally during or after sex.
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Brain fog or forgetfulness- starting sentences and then forgetting what you are saying halfway through. Difficulty remembering easy things. A fuzzy head and lack of concentration.
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Bloating- stomach swelling drastically.
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IBS- very interlinked with endo. Trouble with digestion, either going to the toilet too much or not at all. Reaction to certain foods, drinks or stress.
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Low energy- feeling tired after the smallest amount of effort, sleeping loads, feeling weak.
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Disrupted sleep- pain keeping you awake or waking you up.
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Low/erratic mood- feelings of sadness or anger or both. Others irritating you for no reason at all.
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Dizziness and fainting- feeling light-headed in some cases passing out.
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Infertility – in severe cases some women find it very difficult to conceive and may have to try alternative methods.
If you are interested in looking at the supplements, I mention in this episode then click on this link:
https://www.zinzino.com/2006918893
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media info@strengthinmedia.co.uk
Hi, I’m Michelle wife, business owner and amateur living room dancer.
In this episode I will tell you about my own journey with endometriosis and how it has affected my life. I will also describe how I used the knowledge I already had as a PT and nutrition coach, researched further, and devised a 3-tier plan that now help women with endometriosis to live a happier, healthier life.
If you want to visit me on other platforms please find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/desphys1
https://www.instagram.com/desiredphysique/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebrookes/
Also visit my website
www.desiredphysique.co.uk
If you have a question you would like me to answer on this podcast, then please send to:
info@desiredphysique.co.uk
This podcast is produced by Strength in Media info@strengthinmedia.co.uk