Oldham nurse with same condition as Naga, now wants to make it news this month
Date published: 25 April 2025
Oldham nurse Lucy Bowker
An Oldham nurse who shares a crippling condition with Naga Munchetty and an estimated one in ten women, wants April to mark the moment we spring into action on adenomyosis.
Like the BBC Breakfast presenter, Lucy Bowker endures chronic pelvic pain and prolonged bleeding each month.
The Oldham staff nurse has even had her womb removed to ease suffering which for others can also include bloating, vomiting, and even miscarriage.
But while Naga and now Lucy have gone public on their agony, awareness of adenomyosis is even lower than that of its equally painful cousin, endometriosis.
Which is why Oldham campaign Endometriosis Awareness North has taken up the case.
“From extreme fatigue to hair loss and weight gain, adenomyosis is a painful, sapping condition made worse by no cure and a complete lack of recognition even within medical circles,” said campaign founder, Dr Anita Sharma.
“That makes it yet another female health condition that is simply not being treated seriously enough.”
Adenomyosis is caused by tissue that grows on the lining of the uterus becoming present on its inside muscular wall. It is more commonly diagnosed in women over 30 who have had children.
Despite being a different condition from endometriosis, it is possible to have both!
Though as a nurse, she was more aware of the condition, Lucy still had a long wait for a proper diagnosis.
She has endured umpteen operations including having her appendix removed – after doctors believed that was causing her the pain.
“My advice to women is listen to your bodies and if you continue to experience the symptoms, do not be fobbed off by claims it is IBS or the usual pain associated with your cycle,” continued mum of three, Lucy.
Dr Sharma concluded: “We are not prepared to see women go through the painful periods that wear down their wellbeing and even affect their relationships and careers.
"Our campaign will raise awareness among the medical profession, influence decision makers, and continue to run free webinars and gatherings for those with adenomyosis and endometriosis.”
Learn more about Endometriosis Awareness North by visiting: https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/
Lucy and Dr Sharma were speaking as part of Adenomyosis Awareness Month.
Discover more about the campaign here
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