BBC star Emma Barnett has spoken candidly about her struggle with endometriosis and adenomyosis, describing the pain as 'bone-grinding' and revealing she has been left on the floor in agony. The broadcaster is fronting a new documentary to highlight what she calls a 'silent emergency' affecting millions of women.
Collapse During a Run
Before her diagnosis, Barnett recalled collapsing in 'huge amounts of pain' while running through a park with a friend. 'I didn't know what was happening and my friend was really scared,' she said. After medical consultations, she was diagnosed with endometriosis at age 31. She also suffers from adenomyosis, a condition where uterine lining tissue grows into the muscle wall of the womb.
Living with Chronic Pain
Barnett described her pain as 'bone-grinding' and said she has 'learned to succumb to it.' She told Grazia magazine: 'Some days, I can't think straight and I get intense pain down my legs, which feels like I've been pulled down.' The former BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour host added that she has sometimes had to lie on the floor beside her two children while enduring the pain.
Despite making lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation, she still experiences frequent pain. 'Even when my insides are like a meat grinder, I can't let myself get bad about it,' she said.
A Silent Emergency
Barnett is fronting a BBC documentary to raise awareness about endometriosis, which she describes as a 'system-wide disease that can affect your brain, lungs and bowel, but people just think it's painful periods.' She hopes the film will lead to greater awareness, increased funding, and improved NHS pathways for the underdiagnosed condition.
Government Response
Last month, the Government released the renewed Women's Health Strategy for England. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the challenges faced by those with endometriosis and outlined plans to reduce diagnosis times and improve access to gynaecology care. He stated: 'Whether it's being passed from one appointment to another for conditions like endometriosis and fibroids, or a lack of proper pain relief during invasive procedures, it's clear the system is failing women. Women's voices must be central to delivering effective, respectful and empathetic care.'
