Laura Potts, a 29-year-old content creator originally from Walsall, has described being “gaslit” for 18 years while suffering from what she calls “hell on earth” pain caused by endometriosis. She says medical professionals repeatedly dismissed her symptoms as normal menstrual discomfort.
Early symptoms dismissed as 'part of being a woman'
Potts began experiencing severe pain during her first period as a teenager. She would pass out at school and vomit, but was told by doctors that her suffering was “just part of being a woman.” The NHS defines endometriosis as a condition where cells similar to the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body, often causing significant pain and other symptoms.
As she grew older, her health deteriorated further. She experienced pain and bleeding before and after sex, and had multiple periods in a single month. Despite repeatedly visiting her GP, she says she was “always fobbed off.”
PCOS diagnosis in 2022
In 2022, Potts was finally diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), also known as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). The NHS describes PCOS as a hormonal condition that can affect hair growth, periods, fertility, and mood. There is no cure, but treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage it.
Potts says she “knew nothing” about the condition at the time and began buying unnecessary supplements after researching online. She now stresses the importance of sharing health journeys and advocacy to help others avoid similar confusion.
Endometriosis diagnosis confirmed after laparoscopy
Despite the PCOS diagnosis, Potts’ pain continued to worsen. She recognised “flags” pointing to endometriosis, including severe menstrual pain. After numerous hospital appointments, she saw a gynaecologist, but an MRI scan showed nothing. In 2023, she underwent a laparoscopy — a keyhole surgery that allows surgeons to examine the pelvis using a camera. During the procedure, doctors discovered endometriosis.
Potts said: “I look back at it now and go, as if they were saying to me that they didn’t think I could have it without any testing, without any kind of knowledge or confirmation that that’s even true.”
Impact of weight stigma and gaslighting
Potts says she was repeatedly told her problems were due to her weight, which led to an eating disorder. She developed binge eating and struggled with her mental health. After the endometriosis diagnosis, she realised the weight-related explanations were incorrect. “I’ve just been gaslit my whole life that it was my weight and something I could control, and all along it wasn’t anything I could control,” she said.
Since the diagnosis, Potts’ condition has worsened. She has developed bowel problems, blood issues, and sciatica. She is now under the care of an endometriosis specialist and awaiting a second surgery — a robotic incision procedure.
Community and advocacy
Potts founded Your Endo Events, a community that organises events for people with chronic illness and endometriosis, creating safe spaces for women across the country to learn about the condition. She also runs a TikTok page under the handle @laurpottsx, where she shares her health journey and advice with over 18,000 followers.
