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BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has openly discussed her ongoing struggle with adenomyosis, a condition affecting women’s health, after being diagnosed at 47. Now 50, the journalist is shedding light on this important topic with her new book, “It’s Probably Nothing,” and her radio segment, “That Time of the Month,” both aimed at addressing women’s health concerns that are frequently disregarded. Munchetty aims to break the taboo surrounding these issues and empower others to speak up about their experiences.
Naga Munchetty on Battling Adenomyosis and Raising Awareness
In an interview, Munchetty shared her motivations:
- “My hope is that, if we’re talking about it on national radio where parents, partners and children can hear it, it can’t be taboo.”
- “Both on radio and for my book, the reason people have spoken to me is, they don’t want someone else going through what they have.”
- “It’s a platform to say, ‘I’ve been told to keep my mouth shut and put up with it. But I don’t have to.'”
Personal Experience Drives Advocacy for Women’s Health
Munchetty’s advocacy is rooted in her own experiences. She faced years of being ignored, undiagnosed, and misdiagnosed before finally receiving confirmation of her adenomyosis.
Understanding Adenomyosis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Adenomyosis occurs when the uterine lining (endometrium) begins to grow into the muscular wall of the uterus. While treatments exist to alleviate symptoms, early diagnosis is crucial.
Common Symptoms of Adenomyosis:
- Heavy and painful menstrual cycles
- Chronic pelvic discomfort
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Abdominal bloating
According to the NHS, although generally more prevalent among women over 30, adenomyosis can affect any woman who menstruates.
Decades of Pain: Munchetty’s Journey to Diagnosis
Munchetty recounts the severity of her periods from a young age:
“I started my periods aged 15 and from day one they were painful, heavy and exhausting. I would faint, throw up, have to sleep on a towel, and they happened every three weeks for ten days.”
She also noted:
- “I didn’t talk to friends about them – the whole narrative around periods when I was younger was that they were dirty and unhygienic.”
- “Doctors told me that they would be more manageable and improve when I got older, or when I had a baby.”
After trying numerous treatments, Munchetty received her diagnosis at 47, following three decades of suffering and a continuous 35-day period.