Endometriosis Awareness Month

March was originally established as Endometriosis Awareness week in 1993.

Where It Began

“When all you know is pain, you don't know that it's not normal. It is not [our] lot to suffer, even if we've been raised that way." - Susan Sarandon, a fellow endometriosis warrior

Mary Lou Ballweg, the founder of the Endometriosis Association, initiated a week of events in 1993 in the U.S. to raise awareness and acknowledge those struggling with endometriosis. Since its inception, the week has expanded to a fully international movement for the entire month of March. It includes fundraisers, activities, events and social media campaigns to advocate for endometriosis research and raise awareness of this widespread, debilitating chronic disease.

Why Yellow?

From the publishing of their first brochure in 1980, which included a yellow color scheme, yellow has been the universal color for endometriosis awareness. As that brochure was translated into many languages and shared internationally, it didn't take long for the color yellow to be automatically associated with endometriosis.

Ballweg also felt that a plain yellow ribbon wasn't enough to make an impact. She, along with her team, decided to include the phrase "Ask me about endo" in order to make it a more engaging awareness accessory.

How To Get Involved

There are many ways that you can provide meaningful support to endometriosis awareness and all the endo warriors out there.

Talk About It. We all have multiple social media platforms at our fingertips that can be used to share information and spread awareness. So create a post with endometriosis facts or one that sheds a light on your experience with endo, or even one that simply raises awareness. By speaking out and normalizing the conversation around menstrual issues and menstrual health, you can effect change. Feel free to use the facts from this blog and/or my Instagram if you need somewhere to start (and please tag @endo_atlantic when you do)!

Hashtag. When you do post, include the #EndometriosisAwarenessMonth and #EndoMarch hashtags. It's a great way to get your posts in the endo community and allow others following you to explore those endometriosis categories and learn more.

Wear yellow. As mentioned above, the Endometriosis Association has yellow ribbons and brochures that you can wear and hand out for free. You can contact them on their website for more information on how to get some for yourself. The Endometriosis Network Canada has a store with handcrafted jewelry to wear and raise awareness.

Volunteer or Donate. If you have time, you can volunteer with an endometriosis organization in your area or check out their websites to see how to get involved virtually. You can also donate to these organizations or help with a fundraiser for endometriosis. Not all donations need to be monetary either; you can donate period products to your local shelter or assist with research by submitting your endometriosis story to websites like Women's Health Experience Canada.

Write your government. Organizations like EndoAct Canada are working to change policy around how endometriosis is considered and treated on a government level. They use science-backed research and cases to lead this action. Every voice counts and helps build a better case for the right care everywhere for endometriosis sufferers. Here in Halifax, Nova Scotia you can write to the Minister of Health and Wellness Zach Churchill, Deputy Minister Dr. Kevin Orrell, or Public Health Minister Dr. Robert Strang.

Learn about your health history. There is a growing argument that a genetic component of endometriosis exists for some people with endo. Have a conversation with your family to see if anyone has had endometriosis and learn more about the likelihood that you or your other family members might have it or pass it along.

The more we work together on all fronts for endometriosis awareness and a cure, the better. You can join a movement or even start your own to make a difference. Educate yourself and your community on endometriosis and how it impacts everyone's life (not just those who have it). Hopefully one day we'll have spent enough effort and money that there will be a cure. Then future generations won't go years without a proper diagnosis or having to deal with excruciating pain for life.