Endometriosis, PCOS in women often goes undiagnosed for years episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 3, 2026 · 50 MIN

Endometriosis, PCOS in women often goes undiagnosed for years

from Sound of Ideas · host Ideastream Public Media

Women's Hormonal HealthEndometriosis can be a painful and sometimes debilitating chronic disease in which tissue from the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. According to the Yale school of medicine, even though it is one of the most common women's health conditions, affecting 1 in 10 women worldwide, it is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed. It can take between four and 11 years for women to receive a correct diagnosis, according to the American Medical Association, and it has no cure. There are a host of other conditions that women navigate that experts say are under researched and misunderstood, including polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, which is a common hormonal disorder, impacting 10% to 13% of women, that can lead to irregular or painful periods, weight gain, among other issues. According to the Society for Women's Health Research, almost half of women saw three or more clinicians before being diagnosed. And it is estimated that up to 70% of women with PCOS do not know they have it. Both endometriosis and PCOS are associated with fertility challenges. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," an expert in women's health helps us better understand these conditions and others. We'll learn why it can be so difficult to receive a diagnosis, as well as what treatment options are available. We'll hear directly from patients, who will share how these diseases have, in some cases, completely upended their lives. Guests:- Rachel Pope, M.D., OB/GYN & Chief of Female Sexual Health, University Hospitals- Megan Clarke, Patient with endometriosis- Megan Gallager, Patient who had thyroid removed twice- Sarah Lackney, Patient with uterine fibroids The Menu: New foods at Progressive FieldTomorrow is Opening Day for the Cleveland Guardians, and at Progressive Field, fans will find more than just a new roster. The stadium is rolling out a new lineup of food, local partnerships and updated spaces. It's also drawing national attention, ranking fourth on USA Today's "10 Best" list for baseball stadium food. Voters highlighted Cleveland favorites, from pierogi and sausages to the Slider Dog topped with Froot Loops, bacon and mac and cheese. This season also brings expanded collaborations with local spots like Good Company, STEAK, Aladdin's, and Sauce the City. Concession areas are getting a refresh as well, with the Arcade Marketplace shifting to a grab-and-go format and the former Fat Head's space reopening as The Landing, a self-checkout market and gathering spot. "The Menu" is our biweekly segment on Northeast Ohio's food scene, produced in collaboration with Cleveland Magazine. Guests:- Dillon Stewart, Editor, Cleveland Magazine- Julia Licastro, Vice President of Operations and Partner, Hangry Brands- Rachelle Murphy, Culinary Director, Seasoned Brands

Women's Hormonal HealthEndometriosis can be a painful and sometimes debilitating chronic disease in which tissue from the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. According to the Yale school of medicine, even though it is one of the most common women's health conditions, affecting 1 in 10 women worldwide, it is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed. It can take between four and 11 years for women to receive a correct diagnosis, according to the American Medical Association, and it has no cure. There are a host of other conditions that women navigate that experts say are under researched and misunderstood, including polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, which is a common hormonal disorder, impacting 10% to 13% of women, that can lead to irregular or painful periods, weight gain, among other issues. According to the Society for Women's Health Research, almost half of women saw three or more clinicians before being diagnosed. And it is estimated that up to 70% of women with PCOS do not know they have it. Both endometriosis and PCOS are associated with fertility challenges. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," an expert in women's health helps us better understand these conditions and others. We'll learn why it can be so difficult to receive a diagnosis, as well as what treatment options are available. We'll hear directly from patients, who will share how these diseases have, in some cases, completely upended their lives. Guests:- Rachel Pope, M.D., OB/GYN & Chief of Female Sexual Health, University Hospitals- Megan Clarke, Patient with endometriosis- Megan Gallager, Patient who had thyroid removed twice- Sarah Lackney, Patient with uterine fibroids The Menu: New foods at Progressive FieldTomorrow is Opening Day for the Cleveland Guardians, and at Progressive Field, fans will find more than just a new roster. The stadium is rolling out a new lineup of food, local partnerships and updated spaces. It's also drawing national attention, ranking fourth on USA Today's "10 Best" list for baseball stadium food. Voters highlighted Cleveland favorites, from pierogi and sausages to the Slider Dog topped with Froot Loops, bacon and mac and cheese. This season also brings expanded collaborations with local spots like Good Company, STEAK, Aladdin's, and Sauce the City. Concession areas are getting a refresh as well, with the Arcade Marketplace shifting to a grab-and-go format and the former Fat Head's space reopening as The Landing, a self-checkout market and gathering spot. "The Menu" is our biweekly segment on Northeast Ohio's food scene, produced in collaboration with Cleveland Magazine. Guests:- Dillon Stewart, Editor, Cleveland Magazine- Julia Licastro, Vice President of Operations and Partner, Hangry Brands- Rachelle Murphy, Culinary Director, Seasoned Brands

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Endometriosis, PCOS in women often goes undiagnosed for years

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This episode was published on April 3, 2026.

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Women's Hormonal HealthEndometriosis can be a painful and sometimes debilitating chronic disease in which tissue from the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. According to the Yale school of medicine, even though it is one of the most common...

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