Christiana Hansen, 49, of Chatham, is on the highest dose of painkillers, taking them two to four times daily to manage her endometriosis. Diagnosed in 2023 after five years of symptoms, she describes the pain as "a very, very heavy stabbing pain" that leaves her crying and isolated.

Endometriosis affects one in 10 women, with cells like those in the womb lining growing elsewhere, often on the bladder or bowel. Hansen felt dismissed by her GP, who called it a "woman issue" and "normal." Her retort: "Pain is not normal." She now campaigns through her organization HEDUCA for a wellbeing hub in Medway focused on women's and girls' reproductive conditions.

Jessica Lewis, 25, from Broadstairs, was diagnosed two years ago after symptoms began at age 14. She has collapsed from the pain and visited her doctor 22 times before surgery in 2024 confirmed endometriosis. "It affects every single thing I do day to day," she says, adding she now dreads things she used to look forward to.

Both women want more funding and better training for medical professionals. Local MP Tristan Osborne supports Hansen's hub idea, calling it "sensible and appropriate." NHS Kent and Medway acknowledges the delays and apologizes, while the Department of Health and Social Care calls the long waits "unacceptable" and promises action through the Women's Health Strategy, including expanding surgical hubs and prioritizing endometriosis on NHS Online.

For now, Hansen's message to sufferers: "You are not alone. We are with you."