Life with Endometriosis, Adenomyosis & Hysterectomy: Lauren's story.

Like so many women, Lauren Tench's endometriosis journey began long before she ever heard the word 'endo'. Years of being told her pain was 'normal'. Years of being dismissed. Years of fighting to be heard.

Today, Lauren is the warrior behind @motherhoodandendometriosis - a thriving online community where those living with endometriosis find honesty, validation and a sense of being seen. She's navigated 13 surgeries, a hysterectomy at just 29 years old, the realities of parenting through chronic illness, and the grief that comes with all of it - and she's still showing up to share her story so others don't have to feel alone.

We sat down with Lauren to talk endo, adenomyosis, motherhood, hysterectomy, and what it really takes to advocate for yourself in a system that doesn't always listen.

MOXIE: For those who may not know your story yet, can you tell us a little bit about your journey with endometriosis and where you're at today?

LAUREN TENCH: My journey with endometriosis began long before I was diagnosed. Like many women, I spent years being told my pain was 'normal' when deep down I knew something wasn't right. Over the years, I endured countless symptoms, surgeries, fertility struggles, and chronic pain that affected every part of my life.

Eventually, I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis and adenomyosis. Since then, I've undergone 13 surgeries, including a hysterectomy at just 29 years old. Today, I continue to navigate the ongoing impacts of endometriosis while balancing motherhood and other health challenges. While my journey is far from over, I've found purpose in sharing my story and helping others feel less alone.

M: Looking back, what were the earliest signs that something wasn't right? And what do you wish you had known then?

LT: The earliest signs were incredibly painful periods, heavy bleeding, pain that would leave me curled up in bed, and exhaustion that seemed far beyond what my friends experienced. I also had pain outside of my cycle, which I later learned wasn't normal.

Looking back, I wish I had known that period pain should not control your life. I wish someone had told me that if you're missing school, work, social events, or struggling to function because of your period, that's not something you should simply accept.

M: What did your periods actually look and feel like when your endometriosis symptoms were at their worst?

LT: At their worst, my periods were debilitating. The pain felt like my pelvis was being crushed from the inside out. The bleeding was often extremely heavy, and I would experience severe cramping, back pain, fatigue, nausea, and pain that radiated through my legs. It wasn't just a bad period - it affected my ability to parent, work, sleep, and participate in everyday life. Every month felt like I was surviving rather than living.

When I was a teenager and in early adulthood, I was going through multiple packets of pads a day! It was insane, but unfortunately no one believed me.

M: You've built a really supportive online community through sharing your experience so openly. What prompted you to start speaking publicly about your journey with endometriosis and motherhood?

LT: I started sharing because I felt incredibly alone. When I was going through some of my darkest moments, I struggled to find honest conversations about what life with endometriosis and chronic illness really looked like. I wanted to create a space where women felt seen, validated and understood.

Over time, what started as sharing my own story became a community of women supporting one another through some of life's hardest challenges. If I can help at least one young person, I can sleep at night knowing I have tried. I never want anyone to feel as alone as I have.

M: How has endometriosis impacted your experience of motherhood and, in turn, parenting?

LT: Endometriosis has impacted every stage of my motherhood journey. It affected pregnancy, recovery, my physical ability to keep up with my children at times, and my mental health.

One of the hardest parts has been the guilt that comes with chronic illness. There have been days where pain, surgery, or recovery has taken me away from my boys, and that has been heartbreaking. But it has also taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of showing my children that strength isn't about never struggling - it's about continuing to move forward despite the challenges.

M: You've spoken openly about having a hysterectomy. How did you arrive at that decision, and what emotions came with it?

LT: The decision wasn't made lightly. After years of severe adenomyosis symptoms, ongoing pain, and exhausting every option available to me, a hysterectomy became the next step. I was only 29 years old, and there was a lot of grief attached to that decision.

Even though I had completed my family, there was still sadness in losing a part of myself and knowing that choice had been taken from me by disease. At the same time, there was hope that it would improve my quality of life and give me some relief from the relentless symptoms. I actually got two specialist opinions, as this wasn't a decision to take lightly, but ultimately it was needed.

M: Many people assume a hysterectomy 'cures' endometriosis. What has life after hysterectomy actually looked like for you?

LT: One of the biggest misconceptions is that a hysterectomy cures endometriosis. While my hysterectomy addressed my adenomyosis, it did not erase the reality of endometriosis. I've still experienced symptoms, ongoing health challenges, and the need for continued medical care.

Life after hysterectomy has been better in some ways, particularly without the severe adenomyosis pain and bleeding, but it certainly wasn't a magical cure. Endometriosis is a complex disease, and many people continue to live with its effects long after a hysterectomy. I have still had to have surgery to remove endometriosis, even after getting a hysterectomy.

M: What has changed for you physically and emotionally since no longer having periods?

LT: Physically, not having periods has brought relief from the heavy bleeding and some of the severe monthly symptoms that once dominated my life. Emotionally, it's been a mix of gratitude and grief - gratitude for the relief I have experienced, but also grief for everything that led me to needing a hysterectomy in the first place. It's been a journey of acceptance and learning to redefine what healing looks like.

M: If you could say one thing to someone struggling to get answers or navigate endometriosis, what would it be?

LT: Trust yourself. You know your body better than anyone else. If something doesn't feel right, keep asking questions and advocating for yourself.

Endometriosis can be an incredibly isolating disease, but you are not alone. Your pain is real, your experiences are valid, and you deserve to be heard. Don't give up on finding the care and support you need.

For more support and information on endometriosis and periods, visit our Endo Hub.

About our contributor

Lauren is a mum, endometriosis advocate and the creator behind Motherhood & Endometriosis, an online community where she shares the realities of living with chronic illness, parenting and life after hysterectomy. After years of navigating debilitating symptoms, multiple surgeries and the challenges of endometriosis, Lauren now uses her platform to raise awareness, foster connection and help others feel less alone in their journey.