What we think about “Below the Belt,” a new endometriosis documentary

Dear friend,

For a disease that’s roughly as common as diabetes, very little is known about endometriosis (which also happens to be a leading cause of female infertility). Millions of women suffer from this debilitating disease around the globe, and in ways that go far beyond painful periods (though those would be bad enough!). Women with endo are often mistakenly diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for example, for the extreme bloating and intestinal distress they can experience, which may actually come from endometriosis lesions on (or within) their bowels. (See? It is more than just a painful period disease.) There have even been some extremely rare cases of endometriosis lesions being found as far “north” in the body as the brain! 

Fortunately, as more and more women share their stories with endometriosis, public awareness is increasing, and research into the disease is also (slowly) increasing. This week, we review a brand-new documentary on endometriosis called Below the Belt, and examine new research linking the development of endo to heavy metal exposure. You can find links to both articles, below. 
  
Action call: Our annual gala is this weekend! Please keep Natural Womanhood in your prayers as we work hard to raise enough money to fund our efforts for next year, including bringing even more Cycle Mindfulness Clubs to college campuses across the country. And if you’re not local to San Antonio, TX (where we’re headquartered, and where our gala always takes place), but still want to support our work, please consider making a generous tax-deductible donation today! 

Best,
Grace

Grace Emily Stark
Editor
Natural Womanhood