This EndoLife

Shannon Leparski is the plant-based women’s health expert who’s helping people to balance their hormones and manage conditions like endometriosis through good nutrition.

Shannon’s new book, The Happy Hormone Guide, offers a full plant-based nutrition and lifestyle cycle syncing plan that supports every single phase of your cycle, to help readerss to have better periods and ease hormonal symptoms like PMS and brain fog. In her book, she breaks down the best foods to stock up on for the follicular, ovulatory, luteal and menstrual phases and includes recipes for each one!

I eat a plant-based diet for endometriosis and over the years I’ve had questions related to endo and eating this way. Am I getting enough iron? How do I get the right amount of B vitamins? What about omega fatty acids? Shannon doesn’t just address the nutrients that plant-based eaters need, but the nutrients all us need to have good hormonal health. Even though eating a plant-based diet has been shown to reduce inflammation and eating more plants is always one of the first recommendations by nutritionists for endo, it’s important that if we do try eating this way, that we do it responsibly and make sure we’re eating enough of the right things - and that goes for all of us, whatever our diet! I also want to state that we’re all different - some people do better on a Mediterranean diet, others vegan, others paleo. It’s about our genetics, our bodies’ needs, our values and our lifestyles - and it’s okay for us to do things differently when it comes to managing endo. So know that there is no judgement here!

This episode isn’t just for those of us eating plants, it’s for everyone. In this episode we dive into how to create a hormone healthy meal, what to eat in each phase of our cycle and what nutrients are essential for good hormonal health.

Let's get social! Come say hello on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or sign up to my newsletter.

This episode is sponsored by BeYou Cramp Relief Patches. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-works

This episode is also sponsored by my free Endometriosis Diet Grocery List. This pdf list includes all the foods I buy on a monthly basis, categorised into easy sections. I share my personal endometriosis diet plan, free recipe resources, recommendations to help you get started with the endometriosis diet and nutrition tips. Download here.

 

Show Notes

The Happy Hormone Guide

The Glowing Fridge (Shannon’s website)

Shannon’s Instagram

I often get asked what are the best supplements for endometriosis. I always state that what works for me, may not work for you, so I generally share information on the vitamins and herbal supplements that have been shown to help with endometriosis in studies. But there' is something I always share, which is true for the majority for us with endometriosis - reducing inflammation is one of the key components in managing endometriosis. That can be done through eating an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing stress and if appropriate, taking certain health supplements such as curcumin.

I have found that using anti-inflammatory supplements have made a huge difference in reducing my endometriosis pain, specifically, ginger root powder, turmeric and magnesium. That’s why I was so excited when I heard about Semaine; a new supplement design specifically to reduce inflammation and pain for people with painful periods and endometriosis.

Lauren and Catherine Lee are the incredible and literal endo sisters (well - endo twins) behind Semaine, who went on a quest to find a form of pain relief that didn’t negatively effect their bodies. After going through decades of pain without an answer, and then not finding a huge amount of relief from that pain after diagnosis, they begun digging into the studies and research on endometriosis, inflammation and natural options for pain reduction. After experiencing amazing results, they were inspired to see if their herbal and vitamin blend could help others with period pain. After successfully trialing their supplement, Semaine was born.

In this episode, we talk about Lauren and Catherine’s journey to diagnosis, the science behind endometriosis pain and inflammation, the research behind herbs, spices, minerals and vitamins such as vitamin D, magnesium and green tea extract; and why Semaine is about both education and solutions when it comes to living and thriving with endometriosis.

Semaine’s Indiegogo campaign is currently running until November 7th, and if you back Semaine, you can get 30% off for a 6 months or 12 months supply! They are also doing international shipping (yay for us UK folks!). The discount will not be running when they launch in January, so if you’re able to purchase now, go for it!

Let's get social! Come say hello on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or sign up to my newsletter.

This episode is sponsored by BeYou Cramp Relief Patches. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-works

This episode is also sponsored by my free guide ‘Managing Endometriosis Naturally’. This guide is perfect for anyone just starting out on this journey of managing and reducing their symptoms. Download here.

 

Show Notes

Semaine’s Indiegogo campaign

Semaine Health website

Semaine Instagram

I have found that using anti-inflammatory supplements have made a huge difference in reducing my endometriosis pain, specifically, ginger root powder, turmeric and magnesium. That’s why I was so excited when I heard about Semaine; a new supplement design specifically to reduce inflammation and pain for people with painful periods and endometriosis.

Two years ago I went self-employed to help manage my endometriosis. Employment just wasn’t working for me - I had been signed off from work, I was struggling to explain the impact endometriosis was having on my mental health to my boss and in short, I simply felt unable to work. It felt like the normal 9-5 work system was just not set up for people like me. People who had low energy, whose health seemed to vary from day to day, whose needs changed hourly, whose mental health was unpredictable and vulnerable.

I found myself in a very difficult and painful decision, but I made the jump and went freelance as a writer and content creator. It was a terrifying time, but also a freeing one and a decision I would never change.

But that decision hasn’t come without its sacrifices. There was the pay cut, but there’s also the very unique challenges that come with being self-employed, which are often heightened by the challenges of endometriosis. I’ve spent two years navigating these - from no longer having sick pay or holiday pay, to having to work extra hours, to creating work-life boundaries, to being lonely, supporting my mental health and working through endometriosis brain fog and fatigue.

It’s admittedly a whole lot easier working for myself. It’s not for everyone, but I’ve found that I’ve managed to keep on top of my anxiety and symptoms, and I’ve seen my productivity soar as I’ve nurtured my skills whilst tending to my needs in a safe environment. Yet I’ve also had to work very hard to manage the difficulties that a self-employed endometriosis warrior faces. So in this episode, I’m exploring going self-employed for endometriosis, and diving into what life can be like for a business owner, entrepreneur or freelancer and the unique challenges they can face when journeying down this road with endo. Whilst this episode is about working for yourself, I do think the tips that I share are applicable to everyone, whether self-employed or employed, so I think it’s worth having a listen whatever your situation!

Let's get social! Come say hello on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or sign up to my newsletter.

This episode is sponsored by BeYou. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches and CBD range. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-works

This episode is sponsored by my free “Endometriosis Symptom Tracker”. If you feel like you’re just in pain or tired all the time, and you can’t tell what’s making your endo better or worse, this tracker could help you begin to understand the subtle patterns in your endometriosis symptoms. As always, this guide doesn’t replace your medical treatment and is not intended to treat or cure endometriosis, but provides you with options that helped me to live well with endometriosis. Download here.

Show Notes

Rise Podcast ep 92: How To Be Successful in Business Without Compromising Your Health

Goal Digger Podcast ep 298: The Secret to Rest and Why It’ll Make Your Business Better

Brendon Burchard’s podcast

Amy Porterfield’s podcast

Brain FM

Lion’s Mane

Cordyceps

Headspace Meditation App

Two years ago I went self-employed to help manage my endometriosis. Employment just wasn’t working for me - I had been signed off from work, I was struggling to explain the impact endometriosis was having on my mental health to my boss and in short, I simply felt unable to work. Today I’m exploring going self-employed for endometriosis, and diving into what life can be like for a business owner, entrepreneur or freelancer and the unique challenges they can face when journeying down this road with endo.

Gretchen Decker is just wonderful. She is the Holistic Health Coach behind Glow with Gretchen, contributor at Allbodies and co-founder of endometriosis support group, Everything Endo LA.

Gretchen set up Everything Endo LA after discovering that she didn’t have any local support, when she was in desperate need of it. Since then, the group has grown into a safe space that supports people living with and affected by endometriosis, and the group is changing lives.

In this episode, we talk about Gretchen’s incredible health transformation with endometriosis - from being in a dark place to living a life of joy and purpose, what running a support group has done for her and the people she supports and how you can start your own, get involved or attend a support group. I adore Gretchen, and I’m sure you will too!

Listen and subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, listen directly/download MP3 here or just listen below!

Let's get social! Come say hello on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or sign up to my newsletter.

This episode is sponsored by BeYou Cramp Relief Patches. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-works

This episode is also sponsored by my free Endometriosis Diet Grocery List. This pdf list includes all the foods I buy on a monthly basis, categorised into easy sections. I share my personal endometriosis diet plan, free recipe resources, recommendations to help you get started with the endometriosis diet and nutrition tips. Download here.

 

Show Notes

Everything Endo LA

Everything Endo LA Instagram

Glow with Gretchen Instagram

Approved book

Gretchen Decker is a Holistic Health Coach, contributor at Allbodies and co-founder of endometriosis support group, Everything Endo LA.In this episode, we talk about Gretchen’s incredible health transformation with endometriosis - from being in a dark place to living a life of joy and purpose, what running a support group has done for her and the people she supports and how you can start your own, get involved or attend a support group. I adore Gretchen, and I’m sure you will too!

Life with endometriosis isn’t always easy and it can have a huge impact on a person’s social life. In the past few years, I’ve really experienced this. Even though I’m doing well in my management of the disease, it admittedly takes a lot of work to be able to do that, and sometimes that has come at the price of my social life.

But I believe that a life filled with joyful moments with the ones we love is possible with endometriosis. It just might look different from your ordinary ‘healthy’ person’s social life. So I’m currently exploring ways to expand and enrich my social life, from sending flowers to cosy nights in.

I hope that this episode makes you feel lesson alone, if it feels like endometriosis is taking over your life right now, and that my story gives you some hope.

Let's get social! Come say hello on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or sign up to my newsletter.

This episode is sponsored by BeYou. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches and CBD range. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-works

This episode is also sponsored by my free guide ‘Managing Endometriosis Naturally’. This guide is perfect for anyone just starting out on this journey of managing and reducing their symptoms. Download here.

 

Show Notes

Tired Girl Society

Goal Digger Loneliness and friendships episode

Endometriosis UK 

Everything Endo LA 

Shelf Help Club

Harry Potter and The Sacred Text meetups

She’s Lost Control 

Rob Bell podcast and events

Harry Potter and The Sacred Text podcast

The Struggle Between My Relationship and My Health

Life with endometriosis isn’t always easy and it can have a huge impact on a person’s social life. In the past few years, I’ve really experienced this.

But I believe that a life filled with joyful moments with the ones we love is possible with endometriosis. It just might look different from your ordinary ‘healthy’ person’s social life. So I’m currently exploring ways to expand and enrich my social life, from sending flowers to cosy nights in.

Lauren Kornegay is the founder of ENDO Black; a safe space and community for people of colour and African Americans affected by endometriosis. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and discovering that she couldn’t find any materials or information that represented her or didn’t centre around cis white women, she decided to go out and create it for herself and the communities that have been so underrepresented.

And Lauren’s work is so needed. Here are some shocking statistics about people of colour and the treatment they receive (or don’t receive) around their reproductive health (thanks to Maisie Hill for this info in her book):

Black women are more likely than white women to have unnecessary surgeries such as hysterectomies.

A 2012 review of endometriosis research found that only two articles were devoted to endometriosis in black women. They were published in 1975 and 1976 and found that black women with endometriosis tended to be incorrectly diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease - disease caused by sexually transmitted infections.

In the UK, black women are five times more likely to die in the childbirth year than white women, and Asian women are twice as likely to.

 

In fact, Maisie goes on to explain “In the American South there is a history of medical students practicing medically unnecessary hysterectomies on poor black women without informed consent” and that “it was the experimental reproductive surgeries performed on black enslaved women in the 1920s and 1930s that gave birth to modern American gynaecology”.

Lauren is working hard to create support and representation for people of colour, African Americans and other groups that the medical industry have missed when it comes to treating and managing endometriosis. She’s also looking to create change without our policies and laws, and to begin conversations and create awareness within these communities.

In this episode, we talk about Lauren’s personal story and the experiences she had as an African American women with endometriosis, the issues facing people of colour and African Americans with endo and how we can collectively work together to make the endometriosis community more inclusive and be allies to every warrior with endometriosis, not just the ones that look like us.

It was an absolute privileged to have Lauren on and share this incredibly important message with us - I am truly grateful for the work she is doing!

Let's get social! Come say hello on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or sign up to my newsletter.

This episode is sponsored by BeYou. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches and CBD range. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-works

This episode is sponsored by my free “Endometriosis Symptom Tracker”. If you feel like you’re just in pain or tired all the time, and you can’t tell what’s making your endo better or worse, this tracker could help you begin to understand the subtle patterns in your endometriosis symptoms. As always, this guide doesn’t replace your medical treatment and is not intended to treat or cure endometriosis, but provides you with options that helped me to live well with endometriosis. Download here.

 

 

Show Notes

ENDO Black

ENDO Black Facebook Group

ENDO Black Instagram

Period Power book