'I was told incredibly painful periods were normal': Living with chronic endometriosis pain

Fyiya Grace first started to experience symptoms at 13. She was told her heavy, painful periods were all part of being a woman. Now, she wants to ensure other young girls struggling with the condition don't feel as alone as she once did 

Social media content creator Fyiya Grace, from New Ross, Wexford, had to take many sick days due to endometriosis. Photograph: Patrick Browne

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, in areas including the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It affects about 300,000 women in Ireland.

The disease is categorised into stages, from 1-4, based on the location, extent, and depth of endometriosis implants.