Dannielle was diagnosed with PCOS when she was 16 and Endometriosis when she was 18 years old.  Now 19, she shares her Journey with us.  And she is a loud voice for self-advocacy!

Dannielle’s Journey:   Hello, my name’s Dannielle and honestly even though I’m young I kinda figured there had been something going on with my body.. in addition to endo, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian syndrome at 16 as well. The initial process was confusing before I had ever been diagnosed with either PCOS or endometriosis, because after seeing multiple medical professionals, some were saying it was PCOS, and some mentioned endo, only to later on figure out I have both diagnoses now.

I still remember what the hardest part and can still be frustrating is having the doctors listen and feeling like your voice is being heard. At 14 is when I started thinking “something wasn’t right”, but was told “you’re too young to have any issues.” Which is entirely false. These things in addition to having crippling depression and anxiety, make me feel like I’m burdening others and should be embarrassed to tell others about my endo and PCOS, but I’ve realized that I shouldn’t be scared, that I– or any of us chose to have this diagnoses!

Words of Advice:  One of the biggest things I will always say is, Advocate. If you have a concern, or something you feel as if it isn’t being addressed, tell your doctor. If you don’t tell them how bad your pain or symptoms really are, they won’t help as effectively at least with my experience.

I want to send a special Thank You out to Dannielle for being brave enough to share her journey with us today!!  I know how scary, and liberating, it can be!   ❤ Yours, Lisa.

And if YOU would like to share your story, you can do so by clicking I would love to share it.  The best part about this disease is the strong network of love and support from our fellow EndoSisters, and our friends and family, too.

Yours, Lisa.