Ep 24: The Diagnosis Behind the Diagnoses? MCAS, POTS & Endometriosis with Dr Alexis Cutchens

Why do so many people with endometriosis also have food sensitivities, bloating, bladder symptoms, migraines, fatigue, POTS or hypermobility? Is it coincidence, or are we missing part of the picture?Recorded live at the 2026 Australian POTS Foundation Conference, we sat down with internationally recognised cardiologist Dr Alexis Cutchens to talk about mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), a topic many of us were never taught about, but one that keeps showing up in complex patients.We explore what mast cells actually do, why MCAS can look like much more than "just allergies", and why clinicians working in pelvic pain often find themselves learning about POTS, connective tissue disorders and immune dysfunction.Along the way, we discuss everything from heavy periods, bladder symptoms, medication sensitivities, hormones and pregnancy through to perimenopause, antihistamines, and the very real experience of patients who seem to collect diagnosis after diagnosis without anyone joining the dots.This is a conversation about curiosity and complexity. We don't have all the answers, but if you've ever wondered whether these conditions might be more connected than we realise, come along for this incredible ride!