Living With Adenomyosis is a Henpicked Lunch & Learn session focused on understanding a common but often misunderstood menstrual health condition that affects millions of women — yet frequently goes undiagnosed for years.

In this episode, Deborah Garlick, Founder of Henpicked, is joined by Henpicked's menstrual health expert Sally Leach to explore what adenomyosis is, how it differs from endometriosis, and why so many women are told their symptoms are "normal" — when they're anything but.

Adenomyosis can cause severe period pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, brain fog, bloating, and pelvic pain, with a profound impact on quality of life, mental health, relationships, and work. Despite affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women, awareness remains low — even among those living with it.

This conversation covers:

• What adenomyosis actually is and how it affects the uterus

• Common symptoms — and why they're so often normalised

• The emotional and practical toll of living with chronic pain

• Why diagnosis can take years, and how to advocate for yourself

• The range of treatment options, from hormonal support to surgery

• Practical, lived-experience tips for managing symptoms day to day

• Why education and workplace understanding matter so much

This session is part of Henpicked's commitment to opening up honest conversations about menstrual health, helping women feel informed, believed, and supported — at work and in life.

👉 You can also read Henpicked's in-depth article on adenomyosis here:
Understanding Adenomyosis – https://henpicked.net/menopause-hub/understanding-adenomyosis/

00:00 – Welcome & why this conversation matters
Why adenomyosis is painful, exhausting, confusing — and still widely misunderstood

02:20 – What is adenomyosis?
How it affects the uterus and how it differs from endometriosis

05:50 – How common is adenomyosis really?
UK and global prevalence — and why awareness is still so low

06:20 – Symptoms explained
Heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, fatigue, brain fog, bloating and pain during sex

09:30 – What counts as "heavy" bleeding?
Clear signs your period may not be normal

10:45 – "This is just part of being a woman"
Why symptoms are normalised — and the harm that causes

12:30 – The emotional impact of living with chronic pain
Mental health, relationships, isolation and unpredictability

13:50 – Why diagnosis takes so long
Dismissal, delayed referrals and being told you're "unlucky"

17:40 – Getting specialist support
When and why to ask for a gynaecology referral

18:10 – Treatment options explained
Hormonal treatments, pain management and surgical options

21:00 – Medically induced menopause (GnRH analogues)
What they are, how they work, and key considerations

23:10 – Living with adenomyosis day to day
Pain management tools, emotional support and community

25:00 – Lifestyle & self-management tips
Diet, movement, stress, rest and tracking symptoms

26:50 – Advocating for yourself at medical appointments
Four key questions to ask when discussing treatment

29:10 – Raising awareness & breaking the silence
Why talking about adenomyosis matters — at home and at work

30:00 – Closing thoughts & next Henpicked Lunch & Learn

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Prof Mary Ann Lumsden is Hon Professor of Medical Education & Gynaecology, at the University of Glasgow. She retired from active practice in Glasgow in 2021 due to commitments as CEO, International Federation Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FIGO), a global charity for improvement in women's health.

She was instrumental in setting up the first Menopause Clinic in Edinburgh in 1989 and involved in the care of women with Menopausal and Menstrual Disorders since.

Prof Lumsden has cared for women with menopausal and menstrual disorders (particularly those women with uterine fibroids) for over 30 years.

She has particular interest in mid-life women's health including chronic disease prevention (e.g. cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis) as well as women with medical problems who need advice on management of menopausal symptoms. Also, she has advised on the care of women after cancer both young and older.

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