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Welcome to the When We Collective story board - a place to come together, share stories and be a part of the community.

To ensure this remains a safe and supportive, here are some housekeeping rules:

1. This is a supportive space

Everyone is welcome here - judgment is not.

2. Share your own experiences only

This wall is for personal stories - please do not name others.

3. Keep it safe for everyone

Avoid graphic descriptions of trauma knowing others may be reading. Posts that incite harm will be removed.

4. Kindness in comments

Comments are enabled, please use them to respond with care and support.

5. No promotional content

This is not a space for advertising, recruiting or linking to political campaigns.

6. Express yourself

This board is here so you can share openly without sharing your identity if you don't want to.

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I was diagnosed with PCOS about five years ago, but had been suffering the symptoms of it for a decade. At 15, I was told there was nothing wrong, that my body was simply figuring itself out. But if I wanted something, I should try the pill.

The pill and its effects? An entirely different story.

I fought for a diagnosis for years. For something to validate that what I was experiencing was true and wasn't just in my head. And whilst that diagnosis now exists, there is still so much more figuring out to do.

There is little guidance and support for those with PCOS. For me, the journey has felt turbulent and tricky at times. But what I also know is that there is such a large community of people like me, just trying to figure it out too.

Use this as a reminder to be kind to yourself, and that you're not alone in your experience🩷

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Everyone has an important story to share. If you're wondering where to start, here are some places to begin:

🌿Your story of menstrual health

Navigating a condition like PCOS, Endometriosis or Adenomyosis? Share an experience, a challenge you've navigated or something you wish more people understood.

🌿Something you're proud of

Share an achievement - no matter how big or small!

🌿A story of collective change

Tell us about a moment where community made something better.

🌿Someone who inspires you

Write about someone who has shaped you, lifted you, taught your made you believe in what's possible.

We're excited to hear your stories💚

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I've always had horrible cramps ever since I got my period, over 20 years ago. It was miserable every month and usually had to miss a day of school or work, even with pain medication.

I was always told 'this is normal', 'just take some aspirin', but I hated always having to take pain medication for it.

Over the years, I found other things to help me with the pain, and many of them have worked.

I noticed a huge difference when I switched to cleaner period products a few years ago and I will never go back to the conventional brands that are full of toxins.

Thank you, Natracare!

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When we are told for years that some people just get painful periods and that's 'normal', we start to question our own bodies and our mind. We push through the pain, minimise our symptoms and try to carry on with life as usual.

The pain and symptoms worsened for me. I later learned that after a 10 year+ battle with doctors, specialists and scans where I was told my 'anatomy was completely normal', I had stage 4 deep infiltrating Endometriosis.

It had taken over my pelvis - affecting my ovaries, ureters, bowel, uterus and the space between my organs. It took surgery to finally confirm what my body had been trying to tell me, and healthcare professionals, for years.

Getting support and answers was validating but also overwhelming. When we finally get a diagnosis, it isn't just a label, it's confirmation that our pain and symptoms are real.

When we share our stories, we help others to trust their instincts and bodies. We help encourage them to advocate for themselves and get the help that they deserve. 💛