Know Your Endo: An Empowering Guide to Health and Hope With Endometriosis

by Jessica Murnane

Learn how to navigate your life with endometriosis in this essential and hopeful guide--including tools and strategies to gain a deeper understanding of your body and manage chronic pain through diet, movement, stress management, and more.

Endometriosis isn’t just about having “painful periods.” It can be a complex, debilitating, and all-encompassing condition that impacts one’s mental health, relationships, and career. Endo affects 1 in 10 women and girls across the globe, but even after receiving a diagnosis, many are still left in the dark about their condition. In Know Your Endo , Jessica Murnane breaks through the misinformation and gives essential guidance, encouragement, and practical lifestyle tools to help those living with endo have more control and feel better in their bodies.

In this empowering and heartfelt guide, Jessica, who suffers from endo herself, shares a progressive five-week plan focused on learning a new management tool each week. Including sections on diet (with recipes!), movement, products, and personal-care rituals, Know Your Endo eases readers into a new lifestyle and arms them with the information needed to truly understand their condition. Insights and help from endometriosis doctors and experts are woven throughout, as well as first-person accounts of how endo can impact every aspect of your life.

Finally, there’s a resource for all people suffering in silence from this chronic condition offering what they need hope.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Medical

272 pages, Paperback

Published April 27, 2021

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know Your Endo is an informative book about endometriosis that feels like the author is your friend. Jessica focuses on figuring out what is best for your body. She doesn’t give a one size fits all solution but gives a plan to figure out what works best for you. Jessica talks about her personal experiences and struggles, and she even mentions peeing in her pants at a fancy event. Many professionals share their knowledge as well as regular people share their experience. This book is real and honest. It starts with some information about endometriosis and then has a five week plan. Each week focuses on a specific aspect of life like stress management or food. There are prompts throughout the book to help the reader access their current situation and goals for the future. Each week has goals on what to work towards. This book really is about finding what works for you and making lifestyle changes to help you live with endometriosis. I highly recommend Know Your Endo for anyone that has endometriosis, suspects they might, has painful periods or wants to learn more about endometriosis.

Thank you Avery Books for Know Your Endo.

Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...

[8stitches 9lives]

Endo has the ability to wreck your life. Being found on a park bench almost comatose and taken to hospital in an ambulance is the worst experience I've had. Put in the resuscitation ward and due to not responding to verbal stimuli and not being able to stay awake I was given multiple sternum rubs to try to gain a reaction. Didn't know my own name, where I lived, anything. All of this caused by such excruciating pain that you are almost passing out. Pain so bad only morphine or fentanyl relieved it. I only found this out after they told me what happened; I had no recollection of it at all.

I guess I'm going to have to fight tooth and nail for a proper diagnosis as although gynaecologists believe it is that, the only way to confirm is laparoscopy (surgery) which they are reluctant to do. To anyone living with the condition, I feel your pain (literally). I'm sorry, but I can't live on huge doses of daily morphine for the rest of my life, and I'm not willing to. This week I'm taking a stand, and I'm going to fight until I get answers. No more bullshit, no more masking it over with opiates. I refuse to stand for this any longer.

[Nōn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know Your Endo is an act of empathy—a vulnerable, courageous, precious gift bestowed upon those with Endometriosis, and for those who (like me) know someone who has Endometriosis. Looking at the odds, that means it's for just about all of us.

[Jenn Kause · Rating 5 out of 5]

I snagged this book at a local bookstore- never heard or seen of it before but I’ve read TONS of endometriosis books and other media. I honestly thought maybe there’d be one or two things to learn and the rest I’ve already known.
That being said, I really needed this book.
The struggling and pain I’ve felt really just keeps hitting my breaking points, and I think this book is a really good start for me. I’ve done all the things asked of me: two surgeries, different BC, and I’m still not at where I want to be.
The author and her experience I’ve felt a lot- not everything but enough to really relate to. Her steps are practical starts to feeing better, and I look forward to try and put them to practice. After all, I’ve got nothing to lose.

I think I’d recommend reading this book with another one, maybe how to endo. Some of the info will overlap but I think the steps and additional information will be helpful to new friendos and experienced friendos that might be struggling.

[Meaghan Recollet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book so practical and encouraging! Many tools covered weekly, to incorporate into our everyday. I loved that Murnane acknowledged that everyone manages their endo differently, and gave many options for every lifestyle and budget!

[bella c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, informative, and also felt like talking with a friend over coffee. It gave practical steps and options for helping to live with endo in everyday life. I really liked this book and recommend it to anyone, whether you are just starting your endo journey or have been on it for a while. You can also sign up for a monthly newsletter full of info through her Instagram!

[Shannon Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers many tools to make living with endometriosis more manageable. I liked the gender inclusive language and that she mentioned the additional barriers LGBTQ and BIPOC endowarriors face. However, she lost me with green washing and clean beauty. I agree there is merit in switching to organic pads/tampons, but parabens (I like my personal care products to be without mold) and aluminum in deodorant are fine. It’s needless fear mongering. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to those who love someone with endo or to people new to their diagnosis.

[Gervais Hagerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endometriosis is a confusing, elusive, shape-shifter disease that often leaves sufferers feeling depleted and isolated. Jessica offers a straightforward roadmap that guides readers toward healthier, happier, more empowered lives; and she welcomes everyone into her community. Plus, she writes so encouragingly and intimately, reading her book feels like a conversation with an old friend.

If you or someone you know is suffering from endometriosis, get this book.

[Ally Marshall · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars...

First half had really good information.
Second half goes downhill...

Some merit and encouragement from the first half of the book but overall this book is a bit too positive / "everything will be fine!" for me - I was crippled for over a year with chronic endo pain (and I'm still in a lot of pain most of the time), and the idea that changing to organic makeup / deoderant and exercising every day would fix that just doesn't gel with me. There was a long time where I could barely bend down to pack a dishwasher, never mind do pilates. The author did put a lot of emphasis on everyone with endo is different, see what works for you... which I can appreciate... but it just felt too unrealistic to me after going through that.

One day I'll find an endo book that works for me... one day...!

[Alyssa DiLorenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you suffer from Endometriosis or think you suffer from Endometriosis, this is the book for you. A beautiful culmination of research and personal experience stories about the trial and errors of getting a diagnosis and pain management thereafter. This chronic disease effects the lives of so many. Jessica puts together a list of management tools that she encourages you to try various methods without a one size fits all demeanor, she want you to build a better quality of life on your own terms.

I just initially read through the book, and I am very excited to adopt new lifestyle changes with her pdf and book resources to guide me along the way.

At times an Endometriosis diagnosis feels incredibly lonely, but I feel seen and heard unlike ever before. An absolute must read.

[Lys · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is probably my favorite book about endometriosis that I've read so far. There were a lot of moments where I felt very seen.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and inspiring. Shared with loved ones to help them understand and educate them on endo.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve yet to find a book on endometriosis that’s in-depth and presents the latest scientific research on the disease. This topic is rife with books from lifestyle writers that are a combination of memoir, personal anecdote, and surface level summary of the basics. Maybe it’s impossible to summarize for a lay audience but I’d love to read about what’s known medically, like really drilling down, about how the disease manifests. I guess it speaks to the lack of information that’s available but then I keep hearing about how increasingly more research is happening on this front so there must be some out there??

That said, this book was fine. It was written in a relatable, accessible way and the writer won me over, in spite of myself. But at this point I want something more than what the current crop of endo-lite books are offering — books like this one, Vagina Problems, Private Parts, even Beat Your Endo which was actually written by a doctor but still lacking in substance. At this point I feel like I get it: the gold standard treatment is excision surgery and in order to effectively manage your symptoms you have to turn your life upside down, become a gluten, caffeine, alcohol free vegan who shuns all chemicals and bans stress. Most endo books are pretty much variations on this theme and l’d love to hear something that goes further.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

the first endo book I’ve read that really gives peace and hope to the reader and lots of practical advice including recipes to help you get started right away with manageable dietary changes (so helpful).
Discusses self compassion, movement, diet, managing stress, limiting environmental exposure, CBD, pelvic floor therapy, etc. as tools to try out in the endo journey. Meant to be read over at least 5 weeks with small interactive journaling sections and weekly schedules to focus on each of the tools. This is the book to read first after a doctor mentions endo as a potential diagnosis, the science and history of endo can wait until you’ve processed and feel in control of this new diagnosis. The author recommends a host of additional resources on their website at knowyourendo.com/bookresources. This is absolutely hands down the first book I would give someone who thinks they might have endo.

[Kaitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book was great and had some solid advice for those living with endo, especially those who have recently been diagnosed and don’t have much knowledge or those who are trying to get a diagnosis.

However when she started mentioned the EWG, she lost me - affected her advice from that point and all got a bit woo woo after that.

Some useful nuggets for the newly diagnosed but absolutely take everything after the first section with a pinch of salt. If you can borrow from somebody or loan from a library then do, not worth the money imo.

[Roots.Branches.Wellness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women’s health issues have been misunderstood, not prioritized, and downright disregarded for too much of history. If you are struggling with endo, @knowyourendo is an amazing guide that outlines a Five-Week Endo Tool Kit- including stress management, good food, movement, kinder home + body, and additional tools to explore. The author has a powerful story about learning to manage her own endo and this book feels like talking to an experienced friend passing on her wisdom.

“The tools you're about to learn in the pages of this book are management practices, not treatments for endometriosis. These tools are not a cure and they will not stop your endo from growing. I wish it were as simple as "a green smoothie a day keeps the endo away!" but unfortunately, that's not how it works. While these tools are not a cure, they do have the potential to have a powerful impact on your life.”

“If you're a person living with endometriosis, caring for yourself needs to be your number-one priority. I understand that your plate might already be full of commitments and responsibilities. And when you have endo, just making it out of bed in the morning can feel like a part-time job. I also understand that so many of us have been dismissed or been made to feel sal because of this condition. If you've been told time after time that our pain is in your head, that you’re exaggerating, or that it can't really be that bad, why would you dare make the time and space to care for yourself? But here's what I have to say to that. If you're a person living with endometriosis, caring for yourself needs to be your number-one priority.”

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've now read a lot of books about hormones and endo. This is the best one. It's grounded in lived experience, so it's practical and realistic.

The two things I thought were really valuable:

1. The book starts by acknowledging the emotional and social impacts of living with endo, and shares actionable, evidence-based coping strategies.

2. This book is responsibly written for a layperson audience:

- while it doesn't provide primary literature citations, the author took care to consult with relevant medical experts (who are quoted throughout).

- the medical description of endo and its clinical treatment options are accurate.

- it emphasizes the need to keep up with medical and PT appointments as an essential part of one's management (while acknowledging that many endo patients have experienced medical trauma and gaslighting that might make them hesitant to do this).

- instead of insisting on hardline dietary rules or supplements with little to no evidence*, this book is clear about what is actually supported by dietary science vs. what is not known but may anecdotally work for some people. It suggests an open-minded, experimental approach to developing a dietary strategy for symptom management, which I think is the only ethical approach for someone who isn't a registered dietitian**. Finally, it addresses psychological roadblocks to dietary change, which is always a part of the picture.



*side-eyeing all the naturopath/nutritionist books here. Seriously, this pisses me off.

**side-eyeing several books, including a few by medical doctors.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book about living with endometriosis. I loved that the author is so positive, yet sensitive and empathetic to the fact that the reader might not be. The way she presents each topic in the book automatically made me want to be open to what she suggests. I even read the diet section. While I am definitely not becoming a vegan anytime soon, I read it with an open mind. I found the section on movement and alternative therapies the most informative, as I've already been down the diet path.

I wasn't crazy about the journal sections. I don't want to write about myself, I just want to read. Easy to skip over that though. I think the hardest part is how limiting the diet suggestions are. She had a lot of recipes, but honestly with the exception of the smoothie (which I already have a version of), everything sounded very unappetizing to me. I'm someone who already limits dairy and gluten and eats pretty healthy, so I don't imagine it going over well with someone currently following the standard American diet. That's really the only thing that kept it from 5 stars.

Highly recommend this one to all "friendos" and happily walking away with some new things to try. 4.5 stars

[Rel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw this at my local library and picked it up on the way out. Published 2021 I was hopeful it had something new. Maybe a new insight. Unfortunately not.
I’ll be honest, I read the introduction then skipped straight to the food section. Then sighed when it was the same ol same ol.

There was little written on supplements. Vit E, Vit C, Zinc, Curcumin, Omega 3 & 6. Should be your standard. ( You tube 7 natural treatments for Endometriosis and watch Well by Becky).

What I’ve come to realise is that no book is going to stop your pain. You have to do the research, experiment and help yourself. Especially when it comes to diet and symptoms. Everyone is different.
Becoming a vegan is not something everyone would choose for themselves. Just because you have endometriosis doesn’t mean you have to either.

If you’re at the beginning of your Endo journey then I do recommend this book for you.
If you’re like me and heard it all before, maybe borrow it from your local library and form your own opinion.

[Cat Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book of Summer 2023 Reading List.

I’ll preface this review by saying that this is not a book that is supposed to be read in two days on the beach. It’s supposed to be a five-week long journey, one that I will undertake while re-reading this once back home.

That does not take away from my appreciation of this brilliant book. For the first time, I feel like I not only have practical tools to address the chronic issues I experience on a daily basis, but also effective language to use when consulting with professionals, or talking with friends, family and colleagues.
I particularly appreciate the careful writing of the author — there is no “cure” or “one-size-fits-all” for endometriosis, and she makes this clear when recounting the experiences of what worked for the different women interviewed for this book.
A must-read for every woman living with endo, no matter the stage or extent or their symptoms.

One star withheld for the US-centricism of the writing, especially as this pertains to medical care and products one could use for symptom alleviation.

[Dr. T · Rating 2 out of 5]

More category self-help than I thought it was gonna be. I was looking for something more sciencey. But there were a bunch of tips and suggestions that I will take with me, and there were good descriptions of what is happening in your body with endometrosis.
It's good to be presented with alternatives if you don't respond to medication/surgery.
The book is also very American focused, where healthcare is a problem, so a lot of that doesn't really apply if you live elsewhere (thankfully!).
It really did irk me that the author chose not to use the word woman... endometriosis is a women's health issue. We are talking about biology and science here! If this was a book about prostate cancer, they would never write "people with prostrates."

[Claire Ragozzino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know Your Endo is such an incredible resource for women’s health. In a topic that is either overlooked or overwhelmed with resources that can feel daunting and unapproachable, Jessica Murnane has created a comprehensive guide for the modern women navigating this terrain. This book gracefully bridges the medical and the everyday, making it not only incredibly informative but also easy to read and empowered in actionable steps to take. The five-week plan provided takes the guesswork out of the process but also gives you room to find your own feel good along the way. For any woman or friend in your life struggling with endo or painful periods, this book is a must-have!

[Toni Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for work and was impressed with its straightforward explication and advice about coping with this debilitating and woe-fully under researched disease. If this was a condition that affected men, it's safe to say there would be far better treatments, if not a cure. Anyway, the book was informative and offered a lot of support and suggestions with a warm, friendly and informal tone. I was slightly put off but the subtle "vegan manifesto"-vibe; but all in all I'd recommend this to anyone who has endometriosis or knows someone who does. It goes a long way in explaining the nuances of this condition.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a health researcher and someone with lived and living experience, I have read a lot over the years. This book, unlike many written on holistic female hormonal health, PCOS, endometriosis, etc. was the first time that a book was not a walking advertisement for that ND, MD, or the like. Jessica Murnane did an exceptional job. I have never felt more seen, and the set up of the book really allows for the incorporation of sustainable habits. If you have endo, or think you may have endo, READ THIS BOOK! Because it's great.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gave a decent overview about endometriosis and gave things that could be worked on to help manage symptoms. In the diet section, it did focus on going more organic and vegan but noted that this could not be for everyone. I did like how the book stressed that what works for one, doesn’t work for all. Overall, the book didn’t seem to push an agenda (go vegan, only have excision surgery, etc.) and so I wasn’t put off by the advice. I think the book actually could have delved deeper into some areas.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great intro to endometriosis book. It’s definitely from a more liberal/progressive perspective and wasn’t super helpful to me personally but I think would be to others. I’m sad that she did not bring up the different parts of the cycle and specific kinds of food that are particularly helpful, but overall helpful. I think this would be good for someone young, inexperienced, and needing to be told what to do.

[Chloe Sweetwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to be diagnosed via laparoscopy after 2 years of complaining and advocating for myself, and 3 Dr’s later. This book has been extremely validating for me. Some of my symptoms I tried explaining to my Dr, says it’s “not related to endo”, but according to my research and Know Your Endo, it’s 100% related to the disease. I feel less alone, more educated, and feel more hopeful of ways to manage my pain.

[Natalie Dunn-Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books or resources I've read about endo in the last year and a half (which has been quite a few), this was the most compassionate, accessible, and practical of them all. I cried a few times while reading this book because Jessica hits the nail right on the head about what having endo is really, truly like and the challenges that come with learning to deal with it on our own terms.

[Katie Lowery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to read as much as I can before my surgery and this book was very helpful! Fairly straight to the facts and gave some suggestions of how to make a life with this disorder more helpful. I didn’t enjoy some parts, but it was a purely educational read so I don’t expect to be dying to read a book like this each day.

[Crystal Cobb · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s ok but doesn’t go deep enough. Touched bases on a lot of different tools such as diet, exercise, and different therapies but I really didn’t get anything out if it. A quick read and well written so I gave it 3 stars.