From the runway to real life, Tess Alexander talks endometriosis, self-care, and why women’s health needs to be prioritised.

 

Name: Tess Alexander

Day job: Presenter / Former Miss World Australia

Location: (Brand-spanking new to) Melbourne

 

Describe your work in one sentence.

I’m a presenter (mostly), but my Venn diagram includes fashion/beauty, lifestyle, and a healthy dose of realistic well-being!

 

How did your journey lead you here?

I grew up in the fashion industry and spent my formative years overseas modelling. It was incredible but also incredibly tough, so I moved back to Australia and started a career in health and wellness. The opportunity to enter Miss World Australia kept knocking at my door, so I took a leap of faith, entered, and was lucky enough to win. Miss World allowed me to have a voice where modelling did not. And here we are - the Venn diagram is Venning!

 

How do you balance endometriosis with a very public career?

Oh gosh, the truth? Compartmentalising pain while being ‘on’ and falling apart when I get home! (Dear reader, please, I implore you to have better boundaries than me - but I’m working on it!) And I never leave the house without pain relief in my bag, pocket, or bra!

 

Can you share your endometriosis diagnosis journey?

I have PCOS, and the supplement I was taking to manage my symptoms was suddenly discontinued. I was prescribed something "similar," but whatever barrier had been holding my symptoms in place was no longer working. It was a year from hell - my symptoms changed and increased tenfold, and my pain became utterly debilitating and constant. My gyno said, "I think we need to do lap surgery," and I said, "Where do I sign?"

 

How does endometriosis feel, physically and emotionally?

Endo feels like carrying a constant passenger; it’s always present, and every day, it determines what percentage of me it will occupy. Sometimes it’s 98%, other times 15%, but it’s always there. Endo isn’t confined to a ‘period,’ and its pain sure as hell isn’t, either! Chronic illness is chronic, and I try not to allocate specific days of the month where the pain makes more sense than others.

What treatments help you the most?

A combination of naturopathy to balance hormones and heat! 

Have you changed your diet or lifestyle to manage symptoms?

Yes, please let me de-influence you. You do not have to exercise when you’re feeling junk. You do not have to go for a walk, do yoga, or hit the gym. If you want to, amazing! But please don’t feel guilty for resting when your insides feel like they’ve been kissed by Satan himself. Rest is productive, too!

 

How vital was self-education in finding what works?

Very! While professional advice is important, learning from others’ experiences and exploring alternative treatments has astronomically helped me regain some control of my life. Living with endo is a total rollercoaster, but the more I understand, the more in control I feel!

 

What do you wish more people knew about endometriosis?

Symptoms are not confined to a ‘period.’ Endo is a systemic inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs at any time of the month. I have horrendous nerve pain in my legs, feet, arms, and hands, and when I was first understanding my symptoms, I found it hard to comprehend how my feet could hurt so inexplicably because of my… period? When I removed the constraints of traditional hormonal areas and thought of endo as the systemic illness that it is, it became easier for me to process the myriad of implications it causes.

What advice would you give to someone preparing for endometriosis surgery?

If you’re reading this and are about to have surgery, please know that however long it takes you to recover is normal for you - whether it’s 3 days, 3 weeks, or 3 months. Your body may take longer than expected to recover; if it does, don’t feel guilty or ashamed. It can be a complex surgery! So, try not to judge your recovery and post-surgery period pain levels against someone else’s.

What helped you recover post-surgery? Any recommendations?

Just time and self-kindness. Mentally (and physically) prepare for a 2-week recovery and try not to feel like you should be further along than you are. I was told I’d be able to go for a walk in 3 days, but believe me, I couldn’t even stand up on day 3, let alone move! (I know my Type A is showing, but I repeat this often: Rest is productive, too!)

 

What would you say to someone feeling alone in their endo journey?

When I’m feeling physically and emotionally drained, I find it helpful to rate my pain using a Comparative Pain Scale. There’s plenty online where you can compare your pain level to daily activities. I find it useful to A) communicate pain with others and B) provide solid evidence to your healthcare team. If you’re not feeling seen or understood, logging your pain helps provide tangible proof. That way, when you finally have your appointment after 3 months, the pattern of your symptoms is visible. Never forget, you know your body better than anyone else!

 

What does period self-care mean to you?

Allowing grace for days that completely and utterly suck, without feeling guilty about the lack of productivity.

 

Why are periods still so taboo?

In short, the patriarchy and gender inequality! Anything linked to womxn’s bodies has historically been controlled or silenced, and periods are no exception. Thankfully, I believe we are shifting the needle! More people are challenging the stigma, advocating for period-positive education, and normalising open discussions - at schools, with partners, and with friends. The more we talk about it, the less power the taboo holds!

 

What's your number one health message for all womxn?

Until 2023, nearly all period products were tested only with saline or water to simulate their theoretical effectiveness in absorbing menstrual flow. Womxn are not the problem. It’s time for science to catch up with reality.

 

What are your hopes for the future of period conversation?

• Better research: Women’s bodies must be included in medical studies, not just adapted to general studies as an afterthought.
• No more stigma: Menstruation should be as normal to talk about as digestion or sleep.
• Affordability & access: Period products should be a right, not a privilege.
• Workplace and policy support: Policies must recognise and value period health as part of overall well-being. 
• It’s time to move from secrecy to science, baby!

 

MY CYCLE

• My period in 3-words: This F***ing Sucks
• Period self-care toolkit: Heat & medication
• Best period hacks: Magnesium (try our Magnesium+ Spray) & bananas
• Contraception of choice: The universe?
• On day 1, you’ll find me: Swearing
• Scarlet pick: rae Heat Pad!