05:30, 04 March 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
As March ushers in Endometriosis Awareness Month, many are reflecting on the impact this often misunderstood condition has on millions of women.
In the UK, approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age are affected by endometriosis, making it the second most prevalent gynecological condition in the country. The disease causes tissue similar to the lining inside the womb to grow outside it, causing pain, especially during periods, and sometimes leading to fertility problems.
One of the voices leading the charge for awareness is Elen Wyn, a 25-year-old part-time translator and opera singer, who many may know from appearing in Series 3 of The Traitors UK.
Although her time on the show was unfortunately short-lived, Elen praised the welfare team for being incredibly supportive and accommodating of her condition while filming. However, her journey prior to being diagnosed was far from easy, as she has spent over a decade battling for treatment.
Elen’s journey to get a diagnosis began at just 13 years old. What started as debilitating menstrual pain gradually escalated into a far more serious condition, though it took years for her symptoms to be taken seriously.
"I remember thinking this isn't how it's supposed to be. A GP told me it was just my low pain tolerance and that I'd get used to it. But as the pain worsened over the years, by 21 or 22, it became so bad I couldn't walk or function at all." Elen says. “Throughout my years at school and at university, I just kind of suffered in silence. I was told once by one doctor that this is how it should be. I just believed him.”
Recalling the frustrating dismissals she encountered from doctors early on. It wasn’t until she found a supportive GP in Cardiff that she was able to get the scans and tests necessary for a diagnosis, confirming what she had suspected for years: endometriosis.
For many women like Elen, seeking medical help can be a battle in itself. Despite experiencing extreme pain and other symptoms, Elen’s early experiences in healthcare reflected a larger societal narrative that women’s health concerns—especially those related to menstruation—are often brushed aside.
"There’s this idea that all women exaggerate their pain or that it's just related to hormones," she says. "That really needs to change."
Unfortunately, this dismissive attitude can delay diagnosis, which is exactly what happened to Elen.
With her condition untreated for so long, Elen believes that had she received proper medical care earlier, her condition might not have progressed as severely as it did. She describes having Stage 4 endometriosis as affecting her other organs such as her bowel, kidney and bladder.
She questions the widespread prescription of hormonal contraceptives like the pill, which she feels often mask the problem rather than address the underlying issue.
“There’s no cure for this condition, it’s spread to my kidney. If it had been looked into sooner, they could have prevented this,” Elen shares.
“Doctors are quick to push the pill on people, and that terrifies me. While I understand its role in contraception, people need to be educated more before accepting the pill or the coil. In some cases, these options just mask the problem.However, the problem is still there, and it's still spreading and it's still getting worse.”
Elen highlights a significant struggle: the lack of awareness surrounding endometriosis. “Society makes us think severe period pain is normal, but it’s not,” she says. “That’s simply not true.”
Through self-research, Elen has helped manage her condition. “I’ve made lifestyle changes, adjusted my workout routine, and I focus on managing inflammation,” she explained. While these changes have helped her cope, the impact on her career as an opera singer has been profound.
Her symptoms affect her core strength and technique, making it difficult to maintain the stamina needed for performances. Yet Elen’s determination to continue her passion for singing remains unwavering. In addition to making changes in her personal life, Elen took to her social media account to be an active advocate for raising awareness of the conduction, using her story to highlight the urgent need for change.
"The past 10 years I'd spent trying to get a diagnosis or to try and understand my own body, they were really difficult for me, and it was a huge mental burden on me, because I was always told that what I was experiencing was normal. I was so hard on myself and I just want other 14-year-old girls out there to know that what they're experiencing might not be normal. They might have something wrong with them that needs to be looked into. They need to be taken seriously.”
Since appearing on The Traitors UK, Elen has used her growing platform to raise awareness about endometriosis, calling for more research, support, and funding. With cases rising and critical questions still unanswered, she’s dedicated to shedding light on the condition during Endometriosis Awareness Month.
In response to the support she has received for her content, Elen says: "It's really such a bittersweet feeling, because it's amazing that people have had the strength and the courage to also share their stories, and it's amazing that there are so many women out there who can relate to me and validate me and understand my pain.
“However, it's also so heartbreaking that there are so many women, 1000s of women who are in the same boat as me when they shouldn't be. We should be looked after. "
Stay tuned to Elen’s updates this Endometriosis Awareness Month as she continues to inspire and empower others through some exciting initiatives. You will be able to find and engage with her content every single day.
Give Elen a follow on Instagram and TikTok, so that you don’t miss out!
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Endometriosis UK. This is the UK’s leading charity providing support, information, and advocacy for those affected by endometriosis. They aim to raise awareness, fund research, and improve the quality of life for individuals living with the condition. Find out more.
Endometriosis Cymru. This is a charity focused on supporting individuals in Wales who are living with endometriosis by providing resources, and improving healthcare access and care for those affected by the condition. Learn more here.
The Endometriosis Foundation. This charity works to increase awareness, promote education, and fund critical research for better diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing
