‘It’s Not Just a Period’: Lunaire raises awareness for women’s health at Warwick

Women’s health advocate and Lunaire founder Alexandra Morris visited Warwick this week, hosting an event to discuss topics such as periods, cycles, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and PCOS, and “calling out the BS in women’s health”.

In recent years, period-related issues have become more widely spoken about as more women speak up about their stories and struggles in the healthcare system.

Despite this, however, painful periods and hormonal issues remain immensely under-researched, even though one in five women live with PCOS and one in 10 live with endometriosis.

Endometriosis, now classed as one of the top 20 most painful conditions, had an average diagnosis waiting time of nine years in 2024 and currently no cure.

It is caused by tissue similar to the uterus lining growing outside of the uterus, and can cause severe pain in and around the pelvis during menstruation. In some cases, this pain extends throughout a person’s whole cycle.

When Morris asked who had heard of endometriosis, though, fewer than the majority raised their hand

Morris shared her experience of getting diagnosed with endometriosis after years of rejection from healthcare professionals and gynaecologists.

The importance of the discussion became immediately apparent when Morris asked the room who had heard the phrase “it’s just part of being a woman,” and most attendees raised their hands.

When Morris asked who had heard of endometriosis, though, fewer than the majority raised their hand.

Education surrounding periods is evidently insufficient, with painful periods being normalised to such an extent that people believe it is, in fact, part of being a woman, and that those suffering with the condition should just go on birth control or get pregnant.

Through its podcast, ‘It’s Not Just a Period’, Lunaire aims to expose “healthcare’s dirty little secret” by having women share their stories of medical gaslighting.

Whether they are struggling to get a diagnosis or already have one, Lunaire’s coaching service offers support for people at any stage, allowing them to share their experience with an understanding and kind ear

These essential discussions help others who have periods understand that symptoms like intense pain, nausea, bloating, and heavy bleeding are not normal, despite what professionals may repeatedly try to claim.

Lunaire also offers one-on-one coaching to help women seek advice and healthcare tips specifically on the topic of periods and period-related issues, which are often overlooked and under-researched in the medical field.

Whether they are struggling to get a diagnosis or already have one, Lunaire’s coaching service offers support for people at any stage, allowing them to share their experience with an understanding and kind ear.

Lunaire’s podcast, ‘It’s Not Just a Period’, is available here, and you can follow its Instagram page for information about period and medical-related issues.