Dearbhail Ormond, from Surrey, established Frendo to offer support for women suffering from endometriosis, following her own extensive journey to receive a diagnosis. Her story highlights the difficulties faced in diagnosing the condition and the mental health challenges that can accompany such a prolonged search for answers.
Dearbhail Ormond, a Surrey mum, was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 34, following an 18-year quest for answers, during which she consulted approximately 20 doctors. Prior to this diagnosis, she had been told she had polycystic ovary syndrome and fibromyalgia, but continued to suffer from severe fatigue, intense period pain, and discomfort after sexual intercourse. The protracted search for a diagnosis had significant impacts on her mental health, leading to feelings of self-doubt and isolation.
In response to her experiences, Ormond established Frendo, a company dedicated to supporting women who are affected by endometriosis. She underwent a hysterectomy in November 2023 as part of her treatment plan, which also addressed adenomyosis—a condition she was managing alongside her endometriosis. Despite being advised that her conditions might prevent her from conceiving, Ormond welcomed a baby girl into her family. Coincidentally, the launch of the Frendo app, a project aimed at aiding women with endometriosis, coincided with the birth of her daughter.
Ormond’s personal journey underscores the challenge of obtaining an accurate diagnosis for endometriosis and the importance of self-advocacy in navigating healthcare. She advocates for women experiencing symptoms of endometriosis to meticulously document their conditions and insist on receiving appropriate medical attention. Further information about Ormond’s initiatives can be found through Frendo’s website and the Frendo app’s Instagram page.
