Our Daughters Foundation
Empowering Hope, Healing, and Answers for Women with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.
Supporting women and girls through advocacy, cutting-edge research, and compassionate care for complex hormone-related illnesses.
Our Daughters Foundation
Empowering Hope, Healing,
and Answers for Women with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.
Supporting women and girls through advocacy, cutting-edge research, and compassionate care
for complex hormone-related illnesses.
Understanding Endometriosis & Adenomyosis
Across the globe, millions of women quietly endure the debilitating pain and complex challenges of endometriosis and adenomyosis. These prevalent conditions, often misunderstood and under diagnosed, significantly impact quality of life, demanding greater awareness and support.
Breaking the Silence:
The Journey No Woman Should Face Alone
1 in 10 girls and women have endometriosis, yet they see an average of 8 doctors and wait over 10 years for a diagnosis.
Over 63% of primary care physicians feel uncomfortable diagnosing endometriosis.
50% could not cite three main symptoms.
Often overlooked and misdiagnosed, Adenomyosis affects countless women, sometimes silently.
The cost of chronic illness shouldn't stand in the way of care. We're here to help.
Understanding Endometriosis & Adenomyosis
Across the globe, millions of women quietly endure the debilitating pain and complex challenges of endometriosis and adenomyosis. These prevalent conditions, often misunderstood and under diagnosed, significantly impact quality of life, demanding greater awareness and support.
Breaking the Silence:
The Journey No Woman Should Face Alone
1 in 10 girls and women have endometriosis, yet they see an average of 8 doctors and wait over 10 years for a diagnosis.
Over 63% of primary care physicians feel uncomfortable diagnosing endometriosis.
50% could not cite three main symptoms.
Often overlooked and misdiagnosed, Adenomyosis affects countless women, sometimes silently.
The cost of chronic illness shouldn't stand in the way of care. We're here to help.
Our Mission:
Advocacy. Research. Compassionate Care.
Our mission focuses on three vital pillars: Advocacy for awareness, Research for solutions, and Compassionate Care through grants, providing hope and healing to women and girls facing hormone-related illnesses.
Advocacy
Raising awareness, breaking taboos, and empowering patients.
Compassionate Care
Providing grants to women in need for access to essential treatments.
Research
Funding innovative studies to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Our Mission:
Advocacy. Research. Compassionate Care.
Our mission focuses on three vital pillars: Advocacy for awareness, Research for solutions, and Compassionate Care through grants, providing hope and healing to women and girls facing hormone-related illnesses.
Advocacy
Raising awareness, breaking taboos, and empowering patients.
Compassionate Care
Providing grants to women in need for access to essential treatments.
Research
Funding innovative studies to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Join Us: Make a Difference Today
Your support can transform lives. Every donation helps us fund research, advocate for better care, and provide essential grants to women facing debilitating conditions.
60%
Compassionate Patient Grants
25%
Advancing Critical Research
15%
Fueling Awareness & Advocacy
10 Things You Should Know About Endometriosis
By fostering education and awareness, you contribute to a brighter future for those with endometriosis.
What is endometriosis, and is it considered a menstrual disease?
Endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory condition characterized by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing in other parts of the body. Endometriosis has been found in every organ. It is not simply a menstrual disease, yet is often mischaracterized as such, even by reputable sources.
Approximately how many people are affected by endometriosis, and what are some common symptoms they may experience?
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 people born with female reproductive organs. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, pelvic pain any time during the month, a wide range of GI symptoms, urinary symptoms, fatigue, debilitating periods and more depending on where the endometriosis lesions are located in the body.
What is the average diagnostic delay for endometriosis, and what factors contribute to this delay?
Symptoms often start early in life, but due to cultural taboos, misinformation and a historical lack of emphasis in medical education, they may be ignored or misdiagnosed by caregivers, healthcare consumers and practitioners alike. The average diagnostic delay is 7-10 years.
When can endometriosis symptoms begin, and what percentage of teenagers with chronic pelvic pain may have the condition?
Endometriosis symptoms may begin as early as when puberty starts. Endometriosis symptoms can present before menstruation, during menstruation, and/or after menstruation. An estimated 70% of teens with chronic pelvic pain go on to be later diagnosed with endometriosis.
What constitutes a "red flag" regarding pelvic pain, and what action should be taken if someone experiences this?
Red flag: If you or your patient regularly feels pain during or around periods, and this pain is bad enough to interfere with usual activities, this is a red flag - it is not normal and should be investigated further as soon as possible. (If you do not have this, it doesn't mean that you don't have endometriosis).
Identified risk factors for developing endometriosis.
Risk factors for endometriosis include a mother or sister having the disease (7x increased risk), early onset of menses, short or frequent menstrual cycles, Mullerian abnormalities, autoimmune conditions and more. However, many people develop endo who have none of these risk factors.
Is a hysterectomy considered a cure for endometriosis, and is pregnancy a cure?
Hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis. A disease characterized by tissue found outside of the uterus is not cured by removal of the uterus, ovaries and/or tubes and cervix. Over 100,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States for endometriosis and most of them are unnecessary. Neither is pregnancy a cure for endometriosis.
What are some common co-morbidities associated with endometriosis?
People with endometriosis have an increased risk of co-morbidities including allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and certain cancers, such as ovarian and breast cancer.
Why are individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plans needed for endometriosis, and which specialist should be consulted?
People with endometriosis need an individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plan that may include specialized, incredibly difficult surgery. Most gynecologists are not trained in advanced endometriosis cases. Drug therapy may suppress symptoms, yet it does not eradicate endometriosis. Patients should be referred to an endometriosis specialist.
How does endometriosis impact quality of life beyond physical symptoms, and what holistic approach is recommended?
Endometriosis often reduces quality of life and contributes to psychological distress. Unnecessary delays in diagnosis and gaslighting contribute to the negative mental health impacts of the disease. A holistic approach to care including mental health support can improve quality of life.
Join Us: Make a Difference Today
Your support can transform lives. Every donation helps us fund research, advocate for better care, and provide essential grants to women facing debilitating conditions.
What is endometriosis, and is it considered a menstrual disease?
Endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory condition characterized by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing in other parts of the body. Endometriosis has been found in every organ. It is not simply a menstrual disease, yet is often mischaracterized as such, even by reputable sources.
Approximately how many people are affected by endometriosis, and what are some common symptoms they may experience?
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 people born with female reproductive organs. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, pelvic pain any time during the month, a wide range of GI symptoms, urinary symptoms, fatigue, debilitating periods and more depending on where the endometriosis lesions are located in the body.
What is the average diagnostic delay for endometriosis, and what factors contribute to this delay?
Symptoms often start early in life, but due to cultural taboos, misinformation and a historical lack of emphasis in medical education, they may be ignored or misdiagnosed by caregivers, healthcare consumers and practitioners alike. The average diagnostic delay is 7-10 years.
When can endometriosis symptoms begin, and what percentage of teenagers with chronic pelvic pain may have the condition?
Endometriosis symptoms may begin as early as when puberty starts. Endometriosis symptoms can present before menstruation, during menstruation, and/or after menstruation. An estimated 70% of teens with chronic pelvic pain go on to be later diagnosed with endometriosis.
What constitutes a "red flag" regarding pelvic pain, and what action should be taken if someone experiences this?
Red flag: If you or your patient regularly feels pain during or around periods, and this pain is bad enough to interfere with usual activities, this is a red flag - it is not normal and should be investigated further as soon as possible. (If you do not have this, it doesn't mean that you don't have endometriosis).
Identified risk factors for developing endometriosis.
Risk factors for endometriosis include a mother or sister having the disease (7x increased risk), early onset of menses, short or frequent menstrual cycles, Mullerian abnormalities, autoimmune conditions and more. However, many people develop endo who have none of these risk factors.
Is a hysterectomy considered a cure for endometriosis, and is pregnancy a cure?
Hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis. A disease characterized by tissue found outside of the uterus is not cured by removal of the uterus, ovaries and/or tubes and cervix. Over 100,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States for endometriosis and most of them are unnecessary. Neither is pregnancy a cure for endometriosis.
What are some common co-morbidities associated with endometriosis?
People with endometriosis have an increased risk of co-morbidities including allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and certain cancers, such as ovarian and breast cancer.
Why are individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plans needed for endometriosis, and which specialist should be consulted?
People with endometriosis need an individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plan that may include specialized, incredibly difficult surgery. Most gynecologists are not trained in advanced endometriosis cases. Drug therapy may suppress symptoms, yet it does not eradicate endometriosis. Patients should be referred to an endometriosis specialist.
How does endometriosis impact quality of life beyond physical symptoms, and what holistic approach is recommended?
Endometriosis often reduces quality of life and contributes to psychological distress. Unnecessary delays in diagnosis and gaslighting contribute to the negative mental health impacts of the disease. A holistic approach to care including mental health support can improve quality of life.
10 Things You Should Know About Endometriosis
By fostering education and awareness, you contribute to a brighter future for those with endometriosis.
What is endometriosis, and is it considered a menstrual disease?
Endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory condition characterized by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing in other parts of the body. Endometriosis has been found in every organ. It is not simply a menstrual disease, yet is often mischaracterized as such, even by reputable sources.
Approximately how many people are affected by endometriosis, and what are some common symptoms they may experience?
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 people born with female reproductive organs. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, pelvic pain any time during the month, a wide range of GI symptoms, urinary symptoms, fatigue, debilitating periods and more depending on where the endometriosis lesions are located in the body.
What is the average diagnostic delay for endometriosis, and what factors contribute to this delay?
Symptoms often start early in life, but due to cultural taboos, misinformation and a historical lack of emphasis in medical education, they may be ignored or misdiagnosed by caregivers, healthcare consumers and practitioners alike. The average diagnostic delay is 7-10 years.
When can endometriosis symptoms begin, and what percentage of teenagers with chronic pelvic pain may have the condition?
Endometriosis symptoms may begin as early as when puberty starts. Endometriosis symptoms can present before menstruation, during menstruation, and/or after menstruation. An estimated 70% of teens with chronic pelvic pain go on to be later diagnosed with endometriosis.
What constitutes a "red flag" regarding pelvic pain, and what action should be taken if someone experiences this?
Red flag: If you or your patient regularly feels pain during or around periods, and this pain is bad enough to interfere with usual activities, this is a red flag - it is not normal and should be investigated further as soon as possible. (If you do not have this, it doesn't mean that you don't have endometriosis).
Identified risk factors for developing endometriosis.
Risk factors for endometriosis include a mother or sister having the disease (7x increased risk), early onset of menses, short or frequent menstrual cycles, Mullerian abnormalities, autoimmune conditions and more. However, many people develop endo who have none of these risk factors.
Is a hysterectomy considered a cure for endometriosis, and is pregnancy a cure?
Hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis. A disease characterized by tissue found outside of the uterus is not cured by removal of the uterus, ovaries and/or tubes and cervix. Over 100,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States for endometriosis and most of them are unnecessary. Neither is pregnancy a cure for endometriosis.
What are some common co-morbidities associated with endometriosis?
People with endometriosis have an increased risk of co-morbidities including allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and certain cancers, such as ovarian and breast cancer.
Why are individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plans needed for endometriosis, and which specialist should be consulted?
People with endometriosis need an individualized, multi-disciplinary treatment plan that may include specialized, incredibly difficult surgery. Most gynecologists are not trained in advanced endometriosis cases. Drug therapy may suppress symptoms, yet it does not eradicate endometriosis. Patients should be referred to an endometriosis specialist.
How does endometriosis impact quality of life beyond physical symptoms, and what holistic approach is recommended?
Endometriosis often reduces quality of life and contributes to psychological distress. Unnecessary delays in diagnosis and gaslighting contribute to the negative mental health impacts of the disease. A holistic approach to care including mental health support can improve quality of life.
Source: Think Endo
Real Journeys, Real Hope.
Diagnosed at 28 after 8 years of relentless symptoms, her story is a testament to the diagnostic challenges many face. In collaboration with Think Endo and Mayo Clinic, we share stories like hers to illuminate the path forward.
Source: Think Endo
Real Journeys, Real Hope.
Diagnosed at 28 after 8 years of relentless symptoms, her story is a testament to the diagnostic challenges many face. In collaboration with Think Endo and Mayo Clinic, we share stories like hers to illuminate the path forward.
Powering Progress for Women's Health
Breaking News:
Landmark Donation Powers World-First Endometriosis Research Institute at UNSW
Exciting advancements are on the horizon for endometriosis research! Learn about a significant step forward that could change the future of diagnosis and treatment.
Source: UNSW
Powering Progress for Women's Health
Breaking News:
Landmark Donation Powers World-First Endometriosis Research Institute at UNSW
Exciting advancements are on the horizon for endometriosis research! Learn about a significant step forward that could change the future of diagnosis and treatment.
Source: UNSW
Adenomyosis: The Forgotten Condition
Often overlooked and deeply impactful, adenomyosis is a complex uterine condition
that deserves greater understanding and recognition.
Adenomyosis represents the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. Patients with symptomatic adenomyosis commonly present with abnormal uterine bleeding, painful menstruation, and an enlarged uterus. The bulky uterus may put pressure on the bladder and rectum.
A first description of adenomyosis was made by Carl von Rokitansky in 1860, who referred to it as "adenomyoma." This was followed by the recent definition provided in 1972 by Bird, describing it as a benign invasion of the endometrium into the myometrium.
Its incidence or prevalence is not well known; however, it is estimated to range from 5% to 70%. The mean frequency of adenomyosis at hysterectomy is approximately 20% to 30%.
Adenomyosis often coexists with endometriosis and fibroids, and its symptoms can overlap.
In 1977, a team of researchers noted that the association of adenomyosis with other pelvic diseases has reduced its significance as a cause of gynecologic symptoms, stating, “Adenomyosis is the forgotten process and a neglected diagnosis.”
Adenomyosis often presents without symptoms (about 1/3 of cases). It's found in up to 50% of women with infertility and commonly coexists with fibroids and endometriosis (around 80% of cases). Symptoms include heavy and painful periods, abnormal bleeding, and pain during sex. No FDA-approved medication specifically treats it. Prevalence is estimated at 5-70%, and 20-30% of hysterectomies reveal adenomyosis.
Adenomyosis:
The Forgotten Condition
Often overlooked and deeply impactful, adenomyosis is a complex uterine condition
that deserves greater understanding and recognition.
Adenomyosis represents the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. Patients with symptomatic adenomyosis commonly present with abnormal uterine bleeding, painful menstruation, and an enlarged uterus. The bulky uterus may put pressure on the bladder and rectum.
A first description of adenomyosis was made by Carl von Rokitansky in 1860, who referred to it as "adenomyoma." This was followed by the recent definition provided in 1972 by Bird, describing it as a benign invasion of the endometrium into the myometrium.
Its incidence or prevalence is not well known; however, it is estimated to range from 5% to 70%. The mean frequency of adenomyosis at hysterectomy is approximately 20% to 30%.
Adenomyosis often coexists with endometriosis and fibroids, and its symptoms can overlap.
In 1977, a team of researchers noted that the association of adenomyosis with other pelvic diseases has reduced its significance as a cause of gynecologic symptoms, stating, “Adenomyosis is the forgotten process and a neglected diagnosis.”
Adenomyosis often presents without symptoms (about 1/3 of cases). It's found in up to 50% of women with infertility and commonly coexists with fibroids and endometriosis (around 80% of cases). Symptoms include heavy and painful periods, abnormal bleeding, and pain during sex. No FDA-approved medication specifically treats it. Prevalence is estimated at 5-70%, and 20-30% of hysterectomies reveal adenomyosis.
Your Impact:
Fueling Hope, Healing, and Progress
Every donation, no matter the size, directly contributes to a future where women and girls facing complex hormone-related illnesses
receive the answers, dignity, and care they deserve. See how your generosity creates a ripple effect of positive change.
Accelerating Life-Changing Research
Your support directly funds cutting-edge research into endometriosis, adenomyosis, and similar conditions, fostering breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment that will significantly reduce suffering for countless women and bring us closer to a cure.
Expanding Access to Compassionate Care
Your contributions provide essential grants, enabling women to access crucial, often unaffordable, specialized treatments, surgeries, and holistic therapies, thereby empowering them to pursue healing and dramatically improve their quality of life.
Empowering a Global Community Through Advocacy
Through your generosity, we can amplify voices, raise vital public awareness, and champion policy changes that enhance healthcare and support systems for women's reproductive health, fostering a more informed and supportive global community.
Your Impact:
Fueling Hope, Healing,
and Progress
Every donation, no matter the size, directly contributes to a future where women and girls facing complex hormone-related illnesses
receive the answers, dignity, and care they deserve. See how your generosity creates a ripple effect of positive change.
Accelerating Life-Changing Research
Your support directly funds cutting-edge research into endometriosis, adenomyosis, and similar conditions, fostering breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment that will significantly reduce suffering for countless women and bring us closer to a cure.
Expanding Access to Compassionate Care
Your contributions provide essential grants, enabling women to access crucial, often unaffordable, specialized treatments, surgeries, and holistic therapies, thereby empowering them to pursue healing and dramatically improve their quality of life.
Empowering a Global Community Through Advocacy
Through your generosity, we can amplify voices, raise vital public awareness, and champion policy changes that enhance healthcare and support systems for women's reproductive health, fostering a more informed and supportive global community.
Join Us: Make a Difference Today
Your support can transform lives. Every donation helps us fund research, advocate for better care, and provide essential grants to women facing debilitating conditions.
Join Us: Make a Difference Today
Your support can transform lives. Every donation helps us fund research, advocate for better care, and provide essential grants to women facing debilitating conditions.
