Medical Misogyny: Naga Munchetty Opens Up About Decades of ‘Extreme Pain’
BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has spoken out about the "extreme pain" she has endured for decades due to a health condition, revealing that her symptoms were repeatedly dismissed by doctors. Munchetty, 50, was diagnosed with adenomyosis, a condition in which the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the womb, in 2023. However, it took 32 years for her to receive a diagnosis, during which time she experienced extremely heavy menstrual bleeding, severe period pain, and chronic pelvic discomfort.
In an interview with Lorraine on ITV, Munchetty discussed her new book, It’s Probably Nothing, which explores medical misogyny and the systemic failure of doctors to take women’s symptoms seriously. According to Yahoo Style UK, Munchetty described her book as "almost like a handbook" born out of her own experiences with medical misogyny.
"I think we all know women who have been told, ‘It’s probably nothing,’ and who have been told ‘Other women are dealing with it, it’s normal, you should too,’" Munchetty said. "And 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 all just getting on with life?’ Because we don’t talk about it enough, we don’t speak up about these symptoms enough and not enough research is put into them."
Munchetty’s experience with adenomyosis has been long and arduous. She recalled the trauma of her period starting and the realisation that something wasn’t right. "[I was] doubled over in pain, throwing up, passing out, cramps, fainting over and over again, and really, really heavy periods, to the point where I was setting an alarm at night to change my period product," she said. "I was sleeping on a towel, lying on the floor, because if I was uncomfortable on the floor, then perhaps it could detract from the pain."
Despite the severity of her symptoms, Munchetty says doctors repeatedly dismissed her concerns, often telling her she would "grow out of it." It wasn’t until a scan revealed a cyst on her ovaries that doctors investigated further. Eventually, she was diagnosed with adenomyosis, which she describes as the "evil twin" of endometriosis.
According to Yahoo Style UK, Munchetty is not alone in her experience. Health experts are now calling for more UK clinical trials to focus on women’s health. Alarming data reveals that women remain significantly under-represented, with a staggering 67% more male-only studies than female-only ones.
Munchetty encourages women to push for a diagnosis and treatment if they suspect something is wrong. "I think when you spend years and years being told it’s nothing, you find very different coping mechanisms," she said. "And now, when I look back and I think, ‘Okay, that diagnosis came, we’re all trying to be the best we can,’ I was prevented from being the best I could."
The issue of medical misogyny is a pressing concern, with many women experiencing similar struggles to Munchetty. As Yahoo Style UK reports, Munchetty’s book aims to highlight the systemic failures of the medical profession and to encourage women to speak out about their symptoms.
In conclusion, Naga Munchetty’s story is a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and understanding of women’s health issues. Her experience with adenomyosis and medical misogyny is a testament to the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking proper diagnosis and treatment. As Munchetty so eloquently puts it, "It’s not about me, it’s about understanding what it feels like to be told, ‘No, it’s nothing, it’s probably nothing. Oh, you’ll grow out of it. Have a baby that’ll fix it. It’ll get better when you get older.’"
The findings of a recent study according to The Guardian revealed that there is an urgent need for more research into women’s health. This should serve as a call to action for the medical profession to take women’s symptoms seriously and to prioritize their health and wellbeing. As Munchetty’s story demonstrates, this is a matter of life and death.
For anyone struggling with similar issues, there are resources available to help. The NHS and Women’s Aid offer support and guidance for women experiencing health issues.
