Understanding Endometriosis in young people - Episode 144 HSE Talking Health & Wellbeing Podcast

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley speaks with Kathleen King, HSE National Endometriosis Education Lead, and Cate O’Connor, HSE National Endometriosis Education Officer, who have developed an educational programme educating young people in school and clubs about periods, pelvic pain and the impact of endometriosis and adenomyosis. They explore how severe menstrual symptoms can affect school, college, work, sport, friendships as well as mental health, and why it is vital to distinguish typical period discomfort from distressing symptoms that regularly disrupt daily activities. Kathleen explains that endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, predominantly found in the pelvis, linked with severe cyclical pain, bowel and bladder problems, fatigue and migraine, and that it can be difficult to diagnose. The guests put a real emphasise on the importance of tracking menstrual symptoms over several months, noticing patterns, and bringing concrete information to GP appointments. They introduce MISE, the HSE menstrual health and endometriosis education programme for schools, workplaces and sports clubs, adapted from a long‑running New Zealand initiative. MISE aims to normalise conversations about menstrual health, empower young people to understand their bodies, and help parents and teachers recognise when to seek medical advice. The episode also outlines how GPs can use HSE clinical guidance to make a presumptive diagnosis and start treatment, and highlights trusted information sources, including MISE Ireland and HSE.ie