A HIGH school teacher sent Bridget Hustwaite a thank you note this week for speaking and writing so openly about her debilitating, painful periods. The teacher had a student who was missing so much school from being in so much crippling pain but now knew they were not alone.
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In candidly speaking up, and now writing a book How to Endo about her endometriosis experience, Hustwaite has started breaking more barriers than the taboo in talking periods. Inequalities to best health practice - both socioeconomic and distance - were added hurdles Hustwaite found for many adults in achieving a good quality of life on their period.
Hustwaite said researching endometriosis and listening to the stories of others proved a "privilege check" for her.
Endometriosis affects one in 10 Australians who were assigned female at birth. It is as common as diabetes and asthma.
And yet, the triple j radio presenter considers herself fortunate to be able to keep working in a full-time job she loved and that could afford some flexibility.
I want to find ways to make care more accessible, regardless of whether you live regional or metro, regardless of whether you have private or public healthcare. Unfortunately, that's not the case in Australia right now.
- Bridget Hustwaite
"I've learnt people don't have the same access and same level of care for endometriosis. A lot depends of where you live and how much you earn," Hustwaite said.
"I have a platform to talk about it...I want to find ways to make care more accessible, regardless of whether you live regional or metro, regardless of whether you have private or public healthcare. Unfortunately, that's not the case in Australia right now.
"There is so much more research and funding for endometriosis, which is great, but while there is no cure, excise surgery is one of the best forms of treatment and people should be able to access what they deserve. Care should be consistent."
Hustwaite found the top response in a Google-search endometriosis was incorrect.
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She said endometriosis was a chronic illness - an invisible illness - and as such there was a lot of misunderstanding about the condition - it was far more than just bad periods. To live with endometriosis needed an ongoing plan.
Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those that line the uterus grow in locations outside the uterus, according to the state government's Better Health Channel. These cells are not just confined to reproductive organs. They bleed, cause inflammation and pain, and then heal but cannot leave the body via menstruation. This can create scar tissue.
One of the key symptoms is excruciating period pain.
Hustwaite said opening up such discussions were really important. Endometriosis was not covered in the curriculum when Hustwaite was in school in Ballarat, Victoria. Period pain was not really the kind of talk you would have with friends.
Hustwaite said it felt "strangely so comfortable" in publicly talking about debilitating, painful periods with her listeners and now readers.
She hoped to be relatable, like a friend or a big sister with lived experience, to normalise discussions she would have appreciated. She shares the practical advice and "chaos" in her endometriosis diagnosis.
Hustwaite repeatedly endured doctors just prescribing her the pill and one flat-out telling her the pain she experienced could not be endometriosis. Hustwaite was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2018.
In sharing, Hustwaite wants to empower young people in knowing what to ask when they visit their general practitioner, taking notes on their symptoms and feeling some control and collaboration in the consultation.
Hustwaite hoped her book would break up boring medical jargon and be useful.
The nature of her job was to open discussions and inform, and sharing her experience seemed an important step for Hustwaite.
Some nights I might say 'I don't feel great so let's get some music on and hype me up'. I hope this would help others and I know for many it can be uncomfortable to talk about those things.
- Bridget Hustwaite
"I communicate with young people every weeknight. My condition affects me when I'm at work, on-air in pain. I didn't want to be fake or internalise it all," Hustwaite said.
"Young people are developing a sense of what is normal with their bodies. I feel obliged to use my platform and luckily I can be transparent. Some nights I might say 'I don't feel great so let's get some music on and hype me up'. I hope this would help others and I know for many it can be uncomfortable to talk about those things.
"It's not like I have to be a complete open book but I can open that discussion and create a dialogue in this situation."
Endometriosis is a chronic illness Hustwaite will have to always manage. But she said she was going okay.
After two surgeries now and access to legal medicinal cannabis to help manage pain, Hustwaite said she was learning to slow down and watch her diet for potential triggers. Hustwaite has pelvic physiotherapy and said she was gradually learning to undo ongoing damage to her body from pain.
How to Endo has tips and advice from Australian health experts on topics including: myth busting; conditions associated with endo no-one has heard about; what is the go with sex; and, what it costs to have a chronic illness in Australia.
Hustwaite said while it was a niche topic, the book was for people with endo and people without endo for overall awareness and greater compassion for each other.
The book has already become a top-10 best-seller on Australian online bookshop Booktopia - up there with three Julia Quinn Bridgerton books, a fact Hustwaite can hardly believe.
Just like her niche Instagram @Endogram, now with more than 30,500 followers, Hustwaite said this showed endometriosis was a topic that needed greater attention.
March is Endometriosis Awareness month. How to Endo is available through booksellers now.