The diversity of depression

Endometriosis is costing women, and Australia, an estimated total of $9.7 billion per year in medical bills and lost productivity, according to new research.
This equates to an average cost of $30,000 per sufferer per year, both personally and to society.

Around 20–40% of this cost sits directly within the health sector:
– Medications
– Doctor visits
– Assisted reproductive technology (e.g. IVF)
– Transport costs to attend appointments

The remaining 60–80% is due to lost productivity, either from absenteeism or presenteeism—being physically present but unable to perform due to severe pain and discomfort.

Reducing pain caused by endometriosis by just 20% could save Australia billions.

This condition affects more than 830,000 women—over 10% of Australia’s female population.

Symptoms vary widely, contributing to the condition being overlooked or misdiagnosed for 7–12 years, with 1 in 5 doctors missing the diagnosis.
At least 50% of patients experience fertility issues.

Given the scale, one would expect significantly more research, education, awareness, investment, and progress in this field.

Yet many men remain unaware of what endometriosis even is.

This is not necessarily the fault of men.
It is a failure of the system to provide adequate education and visibility.

Women are not being treated with the care, respect, or urgency this condition demands.

It’s time things changed.

You are only as ‘strong’ as your weakest link

Our body is a complex yet beautiful organism that we barely scrape the surface when it comes to an understanding of how we work.

What we do know is that every system within our body is interdependent on one another. It works and flows synergistically and has a bidirectional relationship.

We often prioritise aesthetics whilst neglecting other systems, only paying attention to them when it is too late and hardship, dysfunction, or disease has manifested as a consequence.

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The following systems are what need respect, nurture, and care:

• Muscular System
• Structural
• Endocrinological
• Neurological
• Gastro-Intestinal
• Microbial
• Cardiovascular System
• Pulmonary System
• Immunological
• Biotransformation
• Lymphatic System
• Psychological
• Emotional
• Environmental
• Spiritual

Are you currently exposed to phthalates on a regular basis? Were you exposed during early developmental stages—for example, through maternal exposure such as a mother working in a hair salon while pregnant? Have you noticed symptom improvement after reducing phthalate exposure?

Higher phthalate levels have been associated with a two-fold increase in the rate of endometriosis. Phthalates are present in almost anything fragranced and are widely used in soft plastics, vinyl, cleaning products, nail polish, and perfumes. As early as 2002, environmental groups reported that over 70% of personal care products contained phthalates. Today, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 470 million pounds of phthalates are produced each year.

Phthalates are now officially recognised as reproductive toxins throughout both the European Union and the United States. Animal studies show that rats given high doses of certain phthalates stopped ovulating altogether. Phthalates reduce oestrogen production by ovarian follicles—oestrogen being one of the primary drivers of follicle growth and egg development in both animals and humans. Suppression of oestrogen by follicle cells would be expected to impair follicle growth, helping explain why women with endometriosis often exhibit significantly higher phthalate levels than those without the condition.

Potential sources of exposure are extensive. Plastics can leach into food, particularly when food is packaged while hot or stored in plastic for long periods. Personal care products are a major contributor, including cosmetics, hair products, lotions, infant care products, medications, medical devices, nail polish, and perfumes.

Vinyl products are another source, such as shower curtains, flooring, wallpapers, blinds, diaper mats, rain gear, inflatable mattresses, school supplies, car interiors, and yoga mats. Additional exposures may come from air fresheners, electronics, plastic jewellery, sex toys, and children’s toys.

Given their prevalence and biological impact, understanding and minimising phthalate exposure is an important consideration in hormone and reproductive health.