6. The Pain Women Are Expected to Endure | Endometriosis, Work & the Cost of Silence

One in ten women lives with endometriosis. Most spend years being dismissed before they’re diagnosed.This episode of Hats On! is the first of our Deep Dive series — where we unpack one topic through three lenses: the personal experience, the workplace reality, and what organisations can actually do better.Today’s topic is endometriosis.A chronic condition affecting an estimated 190 million people worldwide — yet still misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and rarely discussed openly at work.In this episode, we explore:What endometriosis actually is and why diagnosis can take up to a decadeThe physical and emotional cost of living with chronic painWhy so many women suffer in silence at workThe impact on careers, productivity, fertility, and mental healthThe practical changes organisations can make to better support employeesThis isn’t just a women’s health issue. It’s a leadership issue. A workplace issue. A systems issue.If you’ve ever felt dismissed, unseen, or forced to push through pain in silence — this episode is for you. And if you lead people, manage teams, or shape workplace policy, this conversation matters even more.Link to the Endometriosis UK friendly employer scheme:https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-friendly-employer-schemeDisclaimer: Guest's opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hats On! or its partners. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice.