The impact of endometriosis on colleagues has become the latest women’s health focus of University of the West of Scotland. 

The University is pledging its support to those affected by the disease by joining Endometriosis UK’s Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme and highlighting the help and resources available to its staff with the chronic menstrual condition. 

Endometriosis impacts the physical and mental health of 1 in 10 women from puberty to menopause, with symptoms including chronic pelvic pain and painful periods. Despite being so common, it takes on average almost nine years to get diagnosed in Scotland, for reasons including lack of understanding of the disease. 

With March being Endometriosis Awareness Month, UWS has signed up to be an Endometriosis Friendly Employer as part of its widespread commitment to improving women’s health. 

Fiona Morton, Vice-Principal (People and Student Wellbeing) at UWS, said: “We’re delighted to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme, ensuring we are best placed to support those who work at UWS with endometriosis, as well as continue to break down taboos about menstrual health. 

We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK in what is an incredibly important scheme for those who suffer with their menstrual health, and to equip and empower colleagues to be supportive and understanding. Signing up furthers our commitment as an institution to improving women’s health overall, which is a real priority area for us.

Fiona Morton, Vice-Principal (People and Student Wellbeing)

As well as becoming an endometriosis-friendly employer, the University is also pioneering ground-breaking research into wider women’s health issues. UWS is undertaking research focusing on understanding the impact of the menstrual cycle, including endometriosis, on sports participation with organisations such as Glasgow City Football Club, which has resulted in positive changes to policies, training regimes, and even kit clothing to better support the needs of their female athletes.

The University was also the first to closely examine a severe hormone-based mood condition, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – an acute form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), affecting one in 20 women, with 72 percent of those diagnosed having suicidal thoughts. 
This research focus is behind the creation of a new Women's Health Research Network at UWS, which is poised to fill a critical gap by prioritising research that specifically focuses on women’s health issues across various stages of life.

Laura Jackson, Lecturer in Adult Nursing and Community Health in the School of Health and Life Sciences at UWS, and a founding member of the network, said: "Historically, research has often overlooked or inadequately represented women, resulting in a significant gap in our understanding of women's health issues. The Women's Health Research Network is a vital step towards rectifying this imbalance. By focusing our efforts on women's health, we can develop targeted interventions and improve healthcare outcomes for women."

A UWS employee, Chloe Shields, who works in the University’s Student Success team, has shared her struggles with the condition and the support the University has given her over the years. 

Chloe said: “After eight years of experiencing a variety of different symptoms associated with endometriosis, I was finally diagnosed with the condition via laparoscopy in 2019. Between misdiagnoses, medication trials, and health and lifestyle changes, it was a drawn-out and frustrating process.”

Discussing the support from UWS, Chloe added: “One of my main concerns was my career prospects with endometriosis. Maintaining a full-time position and managing my flare-ups which sometimes rendered me housebound with debilitating pain seemed unachievable. I applied to work at UWS due to the institutional values and goals, thinking it would be an understanding environment and a good fit for me."

I’ve now been at UWS for more than two years and have been met with overwhelming support, understanding and flexibility. The ongoing support I received from my team and line manager has been instrumental to my career development and wellbeing.

Chloe Shields, UWS

Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: “I’m delighted to welcome University of the West of Scotland to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. By showing its employees they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.” 

University of the West of Scotland has a strong commitment to promoting equality and diversity in all aspects of University life. Signing up to become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer is testament to this commitment and also directly addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5, 8 and 10.

Find out more about the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme here and keep an eye on our social media channels during Endometriosis Awareness Month of March for a mini series of videos and resources featuring UWS colleague Chloe, sharing her experience.