"Even after they found it, I was still gaslighting myself into thinking maybe I don't have it."
What does it take to get diagnosed with a disease you didn't even know existed — while playing international sport through it the whole time? Ellisha sits down with Wales international rugby player and endometriosis advocate Gwen Crabb for a raw, eye-opening conversation about growing up with dismissed, debilitating periods, playing an entire Rugby World Cup with undiagnosed stage four endometriosis, and the three-year fight for a diagnosis that changed everything.
What We Cover
Gwen got her first period the same year she started playing rugby, aged 14 — and was told by doctors for years that her symptoms would "settle down."
She spent four years on the contraceptive pill unknowingly managing her symptoms, then had the worst period of her life when she came off it at 22, which kickstarted years of confusing, dismissed symptoms.
After a three-year battle for an NHS referral, Gwen was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis in December 2024 — just months after playing an entire Rugby World Cup without knowing she had it.
She opens up about the brutal World Cup match against Canada that pushed her to breaking point, plus her recent excision surgery and recovery.
Gwen shares the lifestyle changes, coping strategies, and conversations with her coaches that have completely changed how she manages her condition day to day.
She and Ellisha answer two listener dilemmas on advocating for period pain at work and balancing elite training with a chronic illness.
Our Sponsor
Evelyn Health is dedicated to helping those struggling with PMS and PMDD through expert-led, science-backed supplements and functional foods. Having used them for over a year to manage my own hormonal health, I'm so proud to have them as a partner.
Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome back and meeting Gwen
03:22 - Getting her first period at 14, the same year she started rugby
05:51 - Years of being dismissed by GPs
19:09 - The three-year fight for an NHS referral, and diagnosis day
33:04 - Playing through undiagnosed stage four endo at the Rugby World Cup
41:19 - Recovery, coping strategies and lifestyle changes
54:38 - Quickfire questions and listener dilemmas
This podcast explores research and lived experience around women's health and chronic conditions. Our discussions aim to reflect current evidence while acknowledging that understanding in this field continues to evolve. The content is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners experiencing significant or distressing symptoms should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
Subscribe and connect
Hit follow so you never miss an episode of The Hormonal Hotline, and come say hi on Instagram @thehormonalhotline. Got a dilemma for the Hotline? Send it our way - anonymously, always.
Produced by @the32collective_
What is The Hormonal Hotline?
Ever feel like your health struggles are "all in your head"? It’s time to change the narrative.
Welcome to the supportive, straight talking "girls group chat" you’ve been waiting for. Hosted by Ellisha - your resident big sister, fellow struggler, and open book - this podcast is a safe space for young women navigating the complexities of health issues like PMDD, ADHD, and everything in between.
We know what it’s like to be chronically online but feel completely unheard. Whether you’re paralyzed by information overload, tired of doctors dismissing your pain, or fearing your symptoms are impacting your relationships and career, we’re here to cut through the noise.
What to expect each week:
Raw & Relatable Chat: No inaccessible celebrities here - just real stories from "normal" women going through the exact same thing.
The Hormone Hotline: We dive into your anonymous listener dilemmas from across the web to provide actionable advice and support.
Self-Advocacy Tools: We move from feeling silenced to feeling empowered, equipping you with the confidence to advocate for your physical and mental health.
Stop the chronic comparison and start healing. It’s time to move from overwhelmed to equipped.
Hit follow and join the chat. You aren't falling behind, and you certainly aren't alone.