A SOLIHULL woman who began to go through the menopause at 26 is seeking to raise money to treat a reproductive disease.
Tanya Barad, 29, wants to raise awareness and much-needed funds for a charity which supports those with endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a reproductive disease affecting one in 10 women – an estimated two million in the UK.
It causes symptoms such as period, pelvic and back pain as well as painful sex and periods among other problems.
Tanya, diagnosed with the illness when she was only 19, says she has had three surgeries and hormone treatment to control the worst symptoms.
She described living with the condition as a constant struggle and said she slipped into a deep depression after she was diagnosed.
A charity ball, the Endo Ball, organised with Tanya’s help is set to take place at the Birmingham Airport Holiday Inn on May 25.
Proceeds will go to Endometriosis UK, a charity which provides support to sufferers, putting them in contact with others fighting the illness.
Tanya told us: “I was diagnosed with endometriosis my first term at university when I was 19.
“I had been having painful periods and painful sex for years and it was giving me severe back problems that were stopping me from living my life.
“I quickly had a diagnostic surgery and went into a deep depression due to the idea of having a long-term disease and pain – and also knowing there is a good chance I may not have children.
She added: “10 years on and I still struggle with my endometriosis.
“I have had three surgeries so far, with another to come soon, and have tried a variety of hormone treatments from being in a long term fake pregnancy to fake menopause when I was just 26.
“Having endometriosis has changed me as a person, it affects every aspect of my life but it also has made me realise how strong I am and helped connect me to thousands of women around the country in a very special way.”
There is no cure and treatments involve regular surgery and hormone treatments, which trigger a long term pseudo pregnancy or a pseudo menopause.
Tanya says she wants to raise awareness so that people who have symptoms know when to seek medical advice.
Diagnosis still takes on average seven-and-a-half years, she says.
