March has been a month dedicated to endometriosis for decades worldwide. This female disease is very common, affecting almost one in 10 women, which is why we at Femvie are trying to raise awareness about endometriosis and give women tips on how they can improve its course through a healthy lifestyle.
That's why Anet, the founder of Femvie , decided to share her experience with endometriosis and reassure other women that they are truly not alone.
In the interview, you will learn about Aneta's journey to diagnosis and whether endometriosis is approached differently in the Czech Republic and England, what she tried on her journey and what helped her the most, and last but not least, how she managed to transform her diagnosis into the Femvie platform and what other news you can expect from us.
What were the first symptoms of endometriosis you noticed?
Looking back, it was mainly a combination of digestive issues, pain and cramps in my back, lower abdomen and ovary that I actively observed and bothered me for a long time. There were months when it was manageable, and then there were a few months when I was lying on the floor every morning and evening, desperate and in pain.
The hardest part was that for a long time I didn't know what was happening to me and what was causing it . At work, I often suppressed the pain, which led to irritability and fatigue. I was afraid that this would affect how people perceived me, especially in the work environment, because sometimes I almost cried because of the pain. As a result, I tended to isolate myself or avoid trips and events because I was tired, out of mood, sometimes I didn't know what to eat so that it wouldn't cause cramps, and I didn't want to transfer these feelings and limitations to those around me.
What are your experiences with the diagnosis? Did you find understanding from the doctors?
My experience with the diagnosis was not entirely positive. I had long perceived menstrual pain and cramps as part of my life and considered them normal . When I shared the situation with my gynecologist, he examined me and assessed that everything was fine. So I started to attribute the symptoms to digestive problems, which led me (a very long way) to the diagnosis of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
Unfortunately, endometriosis presents complex diagnostic challenges, symptoms vary widely, and the condition is often misdiagnosed as an intestinal or digestive disorder. The most significant finding for me was a study ( 1 ) that showed that endometriosis was associated with a nearly three-fold increase in the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, and that more than 1 in 5 women with endometriosis have irritable bowel syndrome.
In this case , a comprehensive approach to health is very relevant , as it allows both problems to be identified.
Do you notice any difference in how endometriosis is approached in England and here in the Czech Republic?
It's impossible to assess it in such a general way - many factors play a role.
I would say that in England, many topics are discussed several years earlier and there are many communities and public events that discuss these topics. Thanks to this openness, I started to address my health much earlier here, holistically. In larger companies, it was completely common to organize lectures on meditation, mental health, but also women's hormonal problems. Topics related to health are much less taboo (at least from personal experience). Thanks to the environment in which I moved, I gradually got into the community of experts focused on women's health, and I gained understanding and validation that what I was going through was common, but not normal . I also gradually gained an overview of what could help me. Another advantage is that a lot of research is done in the UK, so access to information is relatively fast. Currently, there are several studies that examine genetic factors, the immune system, endometriosis diagnostics, and treatment with minimal side effects. The Endometriosis UK Foundation often funds this research with grants.
“ What I'm going through is common, but not normal .”
However, the quality of doctors and specialists in the Czech Republic is also at a high level. It is just not always easy for women to find out where and who to go to and how to solve a given hormonal symptom - we are trying to solve this problem using the Femvie platform. Thanks to us, women save time searching for conflicting information, the approach is individual, empathetic and comprehensive. We try to provide women with the support and reassurance they need in these stages of life, and we cooperate with gynecologists and physiotherapists to be able to give women the necessary recommendations. We believe that our approach goes hand in hand .
There are many classic and alternative options to better manage endometriosis. What have you tried on your journey?
On my journey to health, I've tried a lot:
- Chinese medicine (herbs and acupuncture)
- Functional medicine - focused on nutrition and supplementation (herbs and dietary supplements)
- Traditional medicine - (I took birth control for several years)
- Physiotherapy focused on the pelvic floor
- Hormonal yoga
- Regulation of the nervous system through holistic therapy
There are many trends that promise women solutions to their hormonal problems. In many cases, these are short-term patches or even completely inappropriate solutions, since each woman may have a completely different cause or imbalance and a blanket solution is not entirely appropriate. On the contrary, it can cause other problems that will manifest themselves over time.
Based on our experience (and the experience of the experts we work with), we know what really works and in the long term. That's why at Femvie we have put together a comprehensive approach with key pillars that, from our perspective, have the greatest impact on women's hormonal health. As part of our education and consultations, we create an individual plan and recommendations for women that will enable them to apply these changes.
Does endometriosis affect your daily life now?
Sometimes yes, but I can say that thanks to the information and changes I have included in my life - e.g. Endo complex supplementation , physiotherapy, nutritional adjustments, alcohol restriction and daily work with emotions and the nervous system - my pain and symptoms have improved significantly.
There is a difference between how you viewed endometriosis before and how you see it today.The main difference is that I learned to work with it. I am not the type of person who can function under a strict regime for a long time, I need balance in my life. Understanding the influence of a certain diet and approach to life on my symptoms has helped me a lot. Based on this, I know what is good and bad for me, and what boundaries I need to set. From time to time (a few times a year) I break my diet, drink alcohol, knowing that I will probably not feel the best afterwards, but I am prepared for it. When I do not feel well in these moments, I try to approach myself with rationality and understanding. I am my own support.
I used to feel frustrated with myself and my symptoms - now I see it as helping (maybe forcing) me to learn to really listen to my body , track my cycle and see what works and doesn't work for me, and live a healthier life accordingly. I believe that maybe something like this had to come into my life to set boundaries and prioritize myself and my overall health.
Are there any useful books, podcasts or documents that have helped you on your journey that you would like to recommend?
I would recommend Femvie's endometriosis e-book to everyone, which contains 6 steps to naturally relieve pain through nutrition . In addition, you will also learn what to do if you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, and what treatment and improvement options you have.
I would also recommend the Czech patient organization focused on Endometriosis - Endotalks .
When did the idea to build the Femvie brand come about?
All my life I have been fascinated and interested in topics related to health - mental, emotional and physical. The realization of the idea - Femvie [women's life] - came just after I had gone through a long and very difficult journey with my health and I found out firsthand how much time I could have saved if I had some information available, knew how to support my health with appropriate products, could easily and quickly consult someone about my situation and received a clear plan and assurance that I was on the right path.
As my health situation gradually became more apparent, I decided to be more transparent and started talking about my situation and feelings with those around me. I gradually discovered that there were many women around me who were also going through something and didn't feel supported or informed enough about what was going on in their bodies, how their cycles worked, or why they were experiencing hormonal fluctuations.
I decided to channel the frustration I felt into creating the Femvie platform , which offers such support to women. Our approach is comprehensive , we approach women with empathy, understanding, and we try to make it easier for them to access this necessary information that will allow them to live a healthier and more fulfilling life .
Do you have any plans or news with Femvie in the near future that women can look forward to?
Yes, we are planning two big news releases in the near future , which I am really looking forward to because we have been working on them for a very long time.
I will reveal that one of them is a product that has been in development for over a year and has undergone extensive testing and formula modification. We make sure that all of our products are purely natural and functional at the same time. Women who want to find a way to self-love and relax their bodies during their cycle can look forward to it .
The second new product will be a product that will make our comprehensive approach available to as many women as possible and help them balance their hormones in a practical and effective way . Women who want to prioritize their health and learn to live in harmony with their hormonal health can look forward to it.
"You can't heal a body you hate."
Is there anything you would like to say to women who are going through endometriosis or other hormone-related issues?
Don't let anyone tell you that the symptoms or pain you are experiencing are all in your head. Also, don't let yourself blame yourself for what is happening to you. You can't heal a body you hate . Your symptoms are not your destiny and they don't define you. If you are not feeling well, contact our experts, we will listen to your situation and support you in understanding your situation and resolving your difficulties as best as possible.
For several years, doctors told me that according to the tests and ultrasounds, everything was fine and that the cramps were “in my head”, probably stress-related, and that I should take it easier. The only reason I ever found out what was going on in my body was because I proactively started to take an interest in my health, looking for information and gradually piecing it together. This process doesn’t have to be as long and frustrating, our team is here to support you .
Are you suffering from endometriosis and are you wondering how you can improve your condition through diet? Or do you just want to learn more about this disease? The Femvie product range now includes the aforementioned e-book 6+1 Ways to Naturally Reduce Pain Through Nutrition in Endometriosis . You can also find individual and comprehensive support from our experts.
Do you want to share your story and journey to health with us? Let us know! Write to our email poradna@femvie.com .
