Neroli was diagnosed officially with endometriosis in 2023, but she had been suffering the symptoms of it for 5 years before that.

The initial attempt to treat Neroli’s pain was hormonal birth control, but this made things worse; bleeding near constantly for six months and missing nearly six months of school due to the pain. It was only after diagnosis via laproscopy (an operation to see inside the abdomen via a camera) that she was prescribed better pain management.

The impact on Neroli’s confidence has been significant. Fear of both the pain and not being believed about it led to Neroli stopping doing many activities she would normally have loved.

“Endometriosis is not embarrassing and I am not just lazy. The fatigue, exhaustion and pain I experience is valid and not just something to ‘suck up’. It is ok to take a break and rest when your body is telling you to.”