S5 Ep. 2: Painful Periods Are NOT Normal: Finding the Root Cause of Endometriosis with Dr. Pakiz

In this episode of Hormone Genius, Teresa and Jamie sit down with Dr. Kristina Pakiz, a board-certified OB/GYN specializing in NaProTECHNOLOGY and women's reproductive health, for an important conversation about painful periods, endometriosis, infertility, and finding the root cause of women's health problems. Dr. Pakiz begins with a message every woman needs to hear: painful periods are not something you simply have to tough out. Women shouldn't have to wait until they're vomiting, doubled over, or completely incapacitated before their pain is taken seriously. In her practice, she works to understand why a woman is experiencing pain rather than simply suppressing the symptoms. We dive deep into endometriosis, the most common cause of painful periods, and discuss why the amount of disease doesn't necessarily correspond to the amount of pain a woman experiences. We also explore other potential causes of pelvic pain, including fibroids, adhesions, inflammation, and other gynecologic conditions. You'll learn: • Why painful periods shouldn't automatically be considered “normal” • Why women frequently minimize or apologize for their pain • The connection between endometriosis, inflammation, and infertility • Why endometriosis can sometimes be difficult to detect on imaging • What a diagnostic laparoscopy actually involves • Why the expertise of the surgeon matters when treating endometriosis • The difference between removing disease and simply burning or suppressing it • How scar tissue can contribute to future pain and fertility problems • How nutrition, sleep, stress reduction, and targeted supplements can support overall health • Why infertility can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying disease • And perhaps most importantly, how to advocate for yourself when you feel unheard Dr. Pakiz also shares how her practice, Vivify Women's Health & Fertility, allows her to work with women and couples through telehealth and provide specialized care for conditions including endometriosis, infertility, PCOS, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, abnormal bleeding, and other gynecologic concerns. Check out her clinic at https://vivifyfertilityhealth.com/ Thanks to our Episode Sponsor!Bekah Yawn is a FEMM Educator, FIAT Hormone Coach, Childbirth Educator, Doula, and host of For The Love of Hormones Podcast. Bekah serves women who are trying to conceive or recovering from miscarriage, and continues support once pregnancy is achieved. Inside of her course, Fertility Framework, Bekah teaches women:1: How to chart their cycle so that they can understand WHY they are having hormone and cycle issues. 2: How to strengthen their faith by learning from women of the Bible and their fertility journeys.3: How to finally learn the lifestyle they need to live in order to naturally support their hormones and fertility.Head over to bekahyawn.com (spell out please) to get started in this program- so you can finally understand and support your cycle- all within God's design. Opinions, statements, and beliefs of our interviewees are not necessarily a reflection of the HG podcast's beliefs and opinions as a whole.Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.