Heavy periods. Overwhelming exhaustion. Excruciating period cramps.

Ash Robertson has experienced the symptoms of endometriosis for seven years.

The 19-year-old was diagnosed as a teenager.

“My half-sister has endometriosis, so I was aware of the condition before going to see a doctor and asking questions,” she says.

Knowing her family history of the disease made getting a diagnosis easier; something Ms Robertson is grateful for.

“I am [also] personally quite lucky that my severity isn’t very high, so I haven’t had to have any surgeries, which is a common thing, ” she says.

Others aren’t so lucky.

Despite impacting one in seven Australian women, endometriosis is often dismissed and under-diagnosed.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare describes endometriosis as a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body.

The AIHW says the inflammatory condition is not just painful; it can also impact fertility, and lead to reduced participation in school, work and social activities.

Maree Davenport is the former chief executive of Endometriosis Australia and has a very personal connection to the disease.

Her teenage daughter was diagnosed after many trips to hospital emergency rooms and invasive procedures including trans-vaginal ultrasounds and laparoscopic surgery.

“My daughter started experiencing symptoms when she was eight years old… which we didn’t put down to a gynaecological condition at all at that age.”

Maree Davenport

Ms Davenport’s experience navigating her daughter’s diagnosis highlighted critical gaps in education and awareness around endometriosis and inspired her to start advocating.

Now, in an Australian first, she’s sharing her knowledge in a new publication called The Australian Guide to Living Well with Endometriosis.

The guide is designed to provide women with evidence-based advice and helpful strategies.

It also tells the stories of prominent women who have the condition, including performers and social media influencers.

“The book is there to inform professionals as much as guide ‘Endo Warriors’ on their journey as well,” she says.

Ms Davenport also hopes her book will spark conversations, challenge misconceptions and empower those affected to seek the support they deserve.

Associate Professor Ravani Duggan from Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital’s Centre for Nursing Research agrees there is significant societal stigma around women’s health issues.

“We still are in a society where you don’t openly say ‘I’ve got my period’ or ‘I’ve got this issue’ because there is still shame associated with it,” she says.

“We still think of women having their period as being unclean and [there are] lots of very negative myths that need to be overturned.”

Ash Roberstson knows first hand the value of having her pain believed – and diagnosed – at an early age.

“It is not something that [we] made up because we are weak or that women have a lower pain tolerance than men.”

As International Women’s Day and Endometriosis Awareness Month shines a light on women’s health, Ms Roberston hopes people start the conversation and educate themselves on issues that affect so many women.

“What I wish people understood about endometriosis is that it is real,” she says.

“It’s also something that can’t be cured, only treated.’’