Told her symptoms were “just normal,” Jemma spent two decades searching for answers. ENdi is her answer.
Name: Jemma
Pronouns: She/Her
Day job: ENdi App
Location: York
When did you first realise something was wrong?
From puberty and starting my periods, I had very heavy, painful periods, fainting spells, and often ended up in the hospital. But we had no idea it could be endo. My mum and her mum (my grandmother) had similar experiences, so we assumed it was just normal. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I realised it wasn’t.
What early symptoms did you have before diagnosis?
Severe period pain, heavy bleeding, nausea, and fainting. I was rushed to hospital a few times with suspected appendicitis, which it never was. Looking back, I believe it was endo all along.
How long did it take to get diagnosed?
I started my period around age 11 or 12, but wasn’t diagnosed until I was 32. So it took around 20 years to get a proper diagnosis, as I was always told it was “just normal” to have such bad periods.
How did you feel when you got your diagnosis?
There was some validation, but mainly a lot of confusion. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what endometriosis meant. It wasn’t widely spoken about, so the diagnosis didn’t bring clarity; it just raised more questions, and nobody seemed to be able to help.
What are your daily endo non-negotiables?
Tracking everything - pain, symptoms, meds, and cycles - is essential. I focus on eating anti-inflammatory foods, taking my supplements, avoiding alcohol, sugar, and processed foods, and resting when I need to. I’m always researching, trying new things, and doing whatever I can to support my body. The biggest thing is being kind to myself, listening to my body, and not punishing myself if I can’t show up the way I want to that day.
How do you care for yourself during a flare?
During a flare-up, I rely on strong pain meds, rest, hot water bottles, and a lot of support from loved ones.
Which treatments or changes have helped most?
I’ve tried many hormonal treatments over the years, but they didn’t work for me and caused unpleasant side effects. I’ve also explored supplements, lifestyle and diet changes, alternative healthcare, acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I’m currently awaiting surgery. Nothing has been a total game-changer yet, but keeping my stress low, eating a simple vegan diet, having acupuncture, and staying on top of vitamins does help somewhat.
One piece of advice for someone newly diagnosed.
Track everything! You’re not crazy, and you deserve to be taken seriously. Bring someone you trust to appointments to help advocate for you and use Endi to back yourself with real stats. Do your own research - don’t just listen on social media. Read accredited journals, unbiased studies, and learn from all angles to make informed decisions. Only see accredited surgeons and specialists, and if you’re considering surgery, push for specialist excision, not ablation, for the best chance of long-term relief.
What inspired you to create Endi?
I was so sick of carrying a huge folder of my medical notes to doctors and still being dismissed. I built Endi because it’s the tool I always needed. It breaks my heart knowing others are going through the same thing - it’s no way to live. I care deeply about helping people feel seen and supported, and Endi is my way of helping people advocate for themselves and start getting the care they deserve.
What is Endi, and how does it work?
Endi is a health companion app for people with endometriosis and related conditions. It helps you track symptoms, cycles, medications, appointments, and contacts in one place. Those questions doctors ask that we’re expected to know on the spot, like your last period, smear, cycle length, or scan results, are all stored clearly and accessibly in the app. Endi turns your personal data into simple, powerful insights you can use. You can export a summary PDF to take to appointments, such as: “I’ve had eight sick days this year, with an average pain score of 8 across 24 days.” Plus, users get exclusive discounts on top period and wellness brands. All data is anonymous and private, stored securely on your own device’s cloud. We only ever see completely anonymous data if you choose to opt in, which can then be shared with researchers to help improve endometriosis treatment and understanding.
What tools or support does Endi offer you wish you’d had?
I wish I’d had a way to track my health and flare-ups properly, to spot patterns, remember what meds I took and when, and answer those impossible questions doctors ask, like “When was your first ever period?” I also wish I’d had something during public emergency flare-ups to explain what was happening and get help when I couldn’t speak (Endi has an emergency page you can discreetly share that does exactly that). Everything I needed back then, Endi now does.
Is endometriosis finally being taken seriously?
I think it’s improving, but far too slowly. There’s more awareness in the press and social media, which is a great start. But the medical world still hasn’t caught up. Too many people with endo are still being gaslit, misdiagnosed, or left to be their own researchers, advocates, and experts. That shouldn’t be the case in 2025.
What do you wish more people knew about endo?
Endometriosis is not “just a bad period.” It’s a complex, chronic, often systemic condition that can affect your whole body, your life, and your relationships, and there’s no cure. There are over 50 subtypes, and anyone can have any variation, which makes it incredibly complex to treat. It’s not a period problem; it’s a full-body, often autoimmune-like disease. I also wish more people knew that hysterectomies are not a cure; endo can still grow without a womb. People deserve better advice, better research, and better care.
One thing you’d change about how the system treats periods?
Believe us. Stop normalising pain. Take symptoms seriously from the very beginning. We must meet patients with empathy and explain things clearly so we can understand and take part in our care. Do more research, ask better questions, and listen without judgment. We’re not looking for sympathy, just understanding and proper support.
Why are periods still such a taboo?
Shame and stigma. We’re taught from a young age to hide them, downplay them, and not complain, especially in male-dominated systems. They’re wrongly seen as dirty or embarrassing when, in reality, they’re a fundamental part of creating human life. Half the population experiences them, yet society still acts like they’re something to be ashamed of. Governments, businesses, and schools must do far more, but it also starts at home. We need to educate parents, partners, children, and siblings to normalise these conversations.
If you could share one health message with all women, what would it be?
Your pain is real. You know your body better than anyone. Trust yourself, advocate fiercely, and never settle for being dismissed.
MY CYCLE
- My period in 3 words: Debilitating, Pain, Exhausting.
- Period self-care toolkit: Period pants, hot water bottles, magnesium spray (you'll love ours!), pain killers, and my ENdi app to track everything.
- Most underrated period hack: Planning around your cycle. Scheduling your life accordingly saves you from guilt or frustration when you need to cancel and helps you honour your body instead of fighting it.
- Ultimate period outfit: Oversized Anine Bing sweatshirt, plain jogging bottoms, and wool socks!
- On day 1, you’ll find me: In bed, with two hot water bottles, dosed up with painkillers, barely able to move.
- Fave period comfort food: A dark vegan chocolate cake my Mum makes, ginger tea, or homemade veg soup.
- Best cycle movement: I don’t think there is a best way; everyone’s different. I think move when and how you can. When I’m well, I enjoy gentle yoga, pilates, or dancing. Right now, I can only manage short strolls, and that’s okay, as even that can make a difference. Don’t feel bad if you can’t do what others can. Listen to your body.
- Scarlet pick: rae heat pad and knickers are genius! Magnesium spray, and the period swimwear.
