Naga Munchetty Opens Up About Medical Misogyny and Her Journey with Adenomyosis
A shocking revelation by Naga Munchetty, a 50-year-old journalist and presenter of BBC Breakfast, has brought to light the struggles she faced with medical misogyny before being diagnosed with adenomyosis. In an emotional interview on ITV’s Lorraine, Naga shared her 32-year-long battle with the condition, which affects one in ten women in the UK.
According to the Daily Mail, Naga’s symptoms began at the age of 15, when she started experiencing extreme pain, heavy periods, and vomiting. Despite her persistent efforts to seek medical help, she was repeatedly told by doctors that she would "grow out of it" or that it was "probably nothing." The lack of attention and care from medical professionals led Naga to feel like she was not being listened to, and it took her 32 years to finally receive a diagnosis.
Naga’s condition, adenomyosis, occurs when the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle in the wall of the womb. The Daily Mail reports that Naga had to undergo numerous conversations with her doctor, only to be dismissed and told to go on contraception. While the contraception provided relief from her symptoms, it did not address the underlying issue. It wasn’t until she had a scan and a cyst was found on her ovary that she was finally diagnosed with adenomyosis.
The journalist has now written a book, Critical Conversations on the Women’s Health Crisis (and How to Thrive Despite it), which explores the experiences of men and women who have faced similar struggles with medical misogyny. As reported by the Daily Mail, Naga’s book aims to provide a platform for those who have been ignored or dismissed by medical professionals. She hopes that her story will raise awareness about the condition and the need for better care and support for women.
In her interview with Lorraine, Naga revealed that before her diagnosis, she had opted for sterilization in an attempt to alleviate her symptoms. The Daily Mail reports that Naga’s decision to undergo sterilization was not taken lightly, but she felt it was her only option at the time. Today, Naga takes the hormonal contraceptive pill to prevent periods and is on HRT for the perimenopause.
The Daily Mail reports that Naga’s story is a testament to the struggles many women face when seeking medical care. Her experience highlights the need for better education, research, and support for women with adenomyosis and other conditions. As Naga so eloquently put it, "We all know women who have been told it’s probably nothing. Other women are dealing with it. It’s normal. You spend a long time thinking is it me, am I really weak? Am I just not coping as a woman? Am I not like the other women who are just getting on with life?"
Understanding Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition where the lining of the womb (uterus) starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb. According to the Daily Mail, it affects one in ten women and can cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pain, and vomiting. The condition is more commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 30, but it can affect anyone who has periods. While there are treatments available to help manage symptoms, Naga’s story highlights the need for better awareness and understanding of the condition.
By sharing her story, Naga Munchetty hopes to inspire change and encourage women to speak up about their experiences with medical misogyny. As the Daily Mail reports, Naga’s book and her interview on Lorraine have sparked a vital conversation about women’s health and the need for better care and support.
