Endometriosis affects up to one in seven Australian women – along with those who are transgender, gender diverse or remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
March shines a light on this condition as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
We talk to Co-founder of Matilda Health, physiotherapist and Pelvic Health Masters Graduate, Joanna Morris about the illness along with her practical health tips:
Endometriosis is a whole-body, chronic condition affecting 1 in 7 people assigned female at birth. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body, most commonly in the pelvic area.
Common symptoms include pain, fatigue, infertility, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and heavy and/or prolonged periods.
Diagnosis is most commonly confirmed through laparoscopic surgery with histological testing, although in some cases, transvaginal ultrasound or MRI can provide indication of the condition.
Joanna says the journey to diagnosis is often long and frustrating - on average, it takes up to seven years. During this time, some people are lucky enough to find effective ways to manage their symptoms, while others continue searching for relief.
Matilda is a digital health platform changing the way people approach laparoscopic surgery for confirmed or suspected endometriosis. Co-designed with gynaecologists, holistic healthcare professionals and those with lived experience, Matilda provides education and support before and after surgery for confirmed or suspected endometriosis.
"The program is built around four key pillars: movement, nutrition, rest and mental wellbeing. With expert guidance, we empower people to feel prepared for surgery and support them in recovering more effectively,” Joanna explains.
Early data shows that Matilda is improving people’s readiness for surgery and boosting their confidence in self-management both before and after the procedure. As a fully digital platform, it is available 24/7 and can support those living in rural and regional areas.
Managing endometriosis requires a multi-faceted approach, like many other chronic conditions. It involves a combination of medical, surgical, and holistic care.
"At Matilda, we bridge the gap between these approaches, wrapping surgical and medical care provided by gynaecologists with affordable and accessible holistic support.”
If you're preparing for endometriosis surgery or looking for holistic support, visit www.matilda.health to learn more.
Joanna’s Practical Tips for Managing Endometriosis:
Movement matters:
Movement looks different for everyone, but the benefits are consistent! Regular movement can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relax muscles, support digestion and boost mental wellbeing.
Actionable tip: move in a way that makes you smile. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t stick with it. Movement can be as simple as a diaphragmatic breathing exercise or as dynamic as a spin class - it all counts.
Nourish your body:
Eating well doesn’t mean following a strict exclusion diet. Instead, it’s about tuning in to how your body responds to different foods and learning how nutrition can complement medical and surgical treatments for endometriosis.
Actionable tip: eat the rainbow! Start by adding more colour to your plate. Track your food and fluid intake to identify any triggers and use that data to make informed dietary adjustments.
Prioritise rest:
This is your permission to say no when your body needs rest. Poor sleep can increase pain sensitivity, drain your energy and contribute to inflammation.
Actionable tip: Establish good sleep habits - reduce screen time before bed, practise mindfulness exercises to unwind, and create a sleep-friendly environment.
Take care of your mental wellbeing:
The mental health burden of endometriosis is significant. Managing both your physical and emotional health is crucial.
Actionable tip: find a strategy that works for you and make it part of your routine. This could be journalling, mindfulness, or connecting with others. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help - a psychologist can play a key role in long-term management.
Prepare for surgery:
You wouldn’t run a marathon without training - endometriosis surgery is no different!
Actionable tip: use the weeks leading up to surgery to move your body, improve your nutrition and manage stress. The Matilda program provides weekly expert-led content to guide you through every step of the pre- and post-surgery journey, taking the guesswork out of preparation and recovery.
For more support, visit www.matilda.health.
