Our guests today are 29 year old Anna Cooper and 30 year old Gabz Pearson, both Endometriosis sufferers who struggled for years with symptoms and were only diagnosed after years of misdiagnosis and professional gaslighting.In this open and honest chat we discover how Anna, mum to a 7 year old daughter, has had 15 operations due to endometriosis and the length of time it took to diagnose and operate. She tells us that because of the years she was dismissed and told by several Health care professionals, including a Gynaecologist that she did not have Endometriosis, the tissue grew, damaging her bowel and bladder irreparably. Anna explains how this has impacted her both physically, emotionally and mentally. We chat with Gabz about her experiences leading up to her endo diagnosis and how since then she has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, IBS, Adenomyosis, chronic back pain and bulging discs.She tells us about her difficult decision around her fertility and a hysterectomy and the impact of chronic pain and medical menopause. Anna and Gabz connected on social media, becoming Instagram friends and bonding through the mutual demon of Endometriosis. They have become more like family and no long just cyber palsWe ask them how the Menstrual Health Project began, and like all the best projects, they answer ‘around the dining room table one day……’They feel frustrated & deflated at the lack of information and support and don’t want any other young girls at the beginning their menstrual journey to suffer as they have. It’s a difficult yet inspiring conversation and another reason Lou & Jinty have faith in this younger generation to make the changes that are so needed in Womens Health. The Menstrual Health Project a charity who’s mission it is to provide practical support for those suffering with menstrual health concerns and conditions through educational tools & resources to help people navigate more accurately and comfortably through whatever stage in life they are at, they want people to feel heard, empowered and informed.You can watch the full un-edited interview on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFgmHLcdx28eco-XlkWYwUA. Find Anna & Gabz here- Menstrual health Project: https://www.menstrualhealthproject.org.ukInstagram: @mentrualhealthprojectFacebook: Menstrual health ProjectE: hello@menstrualhealthproject.org.ukIn the Book Collective we delve into chapter 3 of Femina by Janina Ramirez, we learn how the patriarchy wrote the female Viking warriors out of history and how gender fluidity is nothing new., some great Norse stories, Thor in a dress? And Thanks to the advancement in science and DNA remains found of the Birka warrior are now confirmed as female. It’s a chapter both Jinty & Lou loved, as you will be able to tell when you listen! The Foodie this week is a tasty vegan biscuit recipe from the Six Vegan Sisters. https://www.sixvegansisters.com/2022/02/20/giant-loaded-peanut-butter-cookies/#wprm-recipe-container-20019 There’s a fantastic quote from Jinty, we find out about a new drug to help with hot flushes, and as it’s national skin cancer awareness month we look into some shocking SPF and skin cancer statistics, oh and do you know the difference between a twiffler and a muffin?There’s the WI, find out how Lou got on with her Bee sleeping supplements.It’s another episode brimming with chat, your comments, and all the usual shenanigans. So, settle in for this hour(ish) podcast full of meaningful chat. If you’ve enjoyed our Podcast please consider buying us a Ko-Fi. This helps us ensure we bring you quality of content and sound.https://ko-fi.com/womenkindcollectivepodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/womenkindcollectivepodcast/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.