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How to Endo
After years of dismissive doctors and misinformation, Bridget Hustwaite finally received a diagnosis for her intensely heavy periods, pulsing headaches and the excruciating abdominal pain that makes her ovaries feel like they are on fire. She has endometriosis - hard to pronounce, hard to diagnose and even harder to live with.
Two excision surgeries and one thriving endo Instagram community later, Bridget knows firsthand how much personal research and self-advocating endo sufferers have to do just to have their pain acknowledged. With her trademark enthusiasm, Bridget has blended her own experience with a raft of tips and strategies from health experts and endo warriors to help you thrive whenever you can, and survive on days when you just can't. Covering everything from diet to acupuncture, fertility to mental health, and surgery to sex, How to Endo is the essential guide to navigating this sucker punch of a chronic illness.
Inspiring, vivacious and completely honest, Bridget's book is for everyone on the endo spectrum: the battle-hardened warriors, the newly diagnosed and thosestill searching for answers.
Two excision surgeries and one thriving endo Instagram community later, Bridget knows firsthand how much personal research and self-advocating endo sufferers have to do just to have their pain acknowledged. With her trademark enthusiasm, Bridget has blended her own experience with a raft of tips and strategies from health experts and endo warriors to help you thrive whenever you can, and survive on days when you just can't. Covering everything from diet to acupuncture, fertility to mental health, and surgery to sex, How to Endo is the essential guide to navigating this sucker punch of a chronic illness.
Inspiring, vivacious and completely honest, Bridget's book is for everyone on the endo spectrum: the battle-hardened warriors, the newly diagnosed and thosestill searching for answers.
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2021
129 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
February 21, 2021
How to Endo by Australian author and Triple J radio personality Bridget Hustwaite, is a detailed, comprehensive and compassionate look at life for an endometriosis sufferer. From prior to diagnosis, trying to find the right person to help you, being believed by medical professionals – right through to after excision surgery, mental health and beyond. Bridget shares her heart-breaking journey with helpful links and the inclusion of support people, plus groups on Instagram and other social media.
Bridget is a down to earth person who says it as it is, which makes How to Endo nothing like a medical textbook. Everything in this amazingly detailed book is bound to help endo sufferers everywhere. Her diagnosis took 12 years to happen – my daughter’s much the same. And there are many, many others out there who would be nodding their heads in agreement.
I wish Bridget all the best in her continuing endo journey – endometriosis is an incurable disease – and thank her profusely for her indepth sharing, and incredibly helpful book. How to Endo is highly recommended to those who are suffering from endo, others who might wonder if that’s what they have, and also people (like me) who have loved ones suffering.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Bridget is a down to earth person who says it as it is, which makes How to Endo nothing like a medical textbook. Everything in this amazingly detailed book is bound to help endo sufferers everywhere. Her diagnosis took 12 years to happen – my daughter’s much the same. And there are many, many others out there who would be nodding their heads in agreement.
I wish Bridget all the best in her continuing endo journey – endometriosis is an incurable disease – and thank her profusely for her indepth sharing, and incredibly helpful book. How to Endo is highly recommended to those who are suffering from endo, others who might wonder if that’s what they have, and also people (like me) who have loved ones suffering.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2021
3.5 stars.
Oh this was a hard one to rate. I read this book because (as I imagine most other people who have read/want to read it) I have endometriosis. Part of me just wanted to give it five stars from the sheer joy that this book even exists. When I was diagnosed at 20 not a single person who I told about my diagnosis knew what endo was. It has only been in recent years that when I've told people about it that they know what it is. So just the fact that this book has been written and published just shows how far things have come. But that said there was a lot of things I didn't like about this book and I almost had to make myself keep reading to the end. If only to be able to write this review from the point of view of a battle worn endo warrior.
This book contains two things, stories about the authors own experiences with endo and information that she has found out about it. It is with the information that the author provides that I have issues. Don't get me wrong, some of it is fantastic. Other things should definitely be thought about with caution. Make sure when you are reading that you have your critical thinking hats on! Whilst some of this book is very well researched, other parts are completely contradictory. For example, there is a part where the author gets advice from a range of practitioners including specialists in acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and naturopathy. A lot of the information in these sections is in direct contradiction to each other. Further to that, it also contradicts information given by doctors and dieticians in other places in the book. If this book is meant to be a guide on how to help deal with endo then surely the information provided should at least be consistent. Having information that is different from the information presented 2 pages before on the same topic is just going to lead to more confusion.
Further to this, this book has a good healthy dose of opinion. The author makes it clear that she believes the best way to treat endo is to have it removed through surgery. I am here to tell you that surgery is not always the answer and not all endo can be removed. Please, please remember while reading this that this author is not a doctor or a medical practitioner of any kind.
This book reads like a conversation with a friend or like I'm reading someone's diary. I would assume that was intentional to make to accessible and easy to understand. It was something that I really liked about it. All people with endo should be able to access and understand material. It was also very of the moment, as in there were plenty of references to things like covid 19 and lock down. I couldn't help but think that this gave the book a sooner expiration date than other non fiction.
I really appreciate the fact that this book exists. I truely appreciate that the author has shared her own experiences and what she has done for people with endo. But I can't help but caution you not to treat this book like an endo bible. The best thing you can do for your endo is to get a gp who you trust, that you gel with, and that has an understanding of endo, and build your team and your understanding from there.
Oh this was a hard one to rate. I read this book because (as I imagine most other people who have read/want to read it) I have endometriosis. Part of me just wanted to give it five stars from the sheer joy that this book even exists. When I was diagnosed at 20 not a single person who I told about my diagnosis knew what endo was. It has only been in recent years that when I've told people about it that they know what it is. So just the fact that this book has been written and published just shows how far things have come. But that said there was a lot of things I didn't like about this book and I almost had to make myself keep reading to the end. If only to be able to write this review from the point of view of a battle worn endo warrior.
This book contains two things, stories about the authors own experiences with endo and information that she has found out about it. It is with the information that the author provides that I have issues. Don't get me wrong, some of it is fantastic. Other things should definitely be thought about with caution. Make sure when you are reading that you have your critical thinking hats on! Whilst some of this book is very well researched, other parts are completely contradictory. For example, there is a part where the author gets advice from a range of practitioners including specialists in acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and naturopathy. A lot of the information in these sections is in direct contradiction to each other. Further to that, it also contradicts information given by doctors and dieticians in other places in the book. If this book is meant to be a guide on how to help deal with endo then surely the information provided should at least be consistent. Having information that is different from the information presented 2 pages before on the same topic is just going to lead to more confusion.
Further to this, this book has a good healthy dose of opinion. The author makes it clear that she believes the best way to treat endo is to have it removed through surgery. I am here to tell you that surgery is not always the answer and not all endo can be removed. Please, please remember while reading this that this author is not a doctor or a medical practitioner of any kind.
This book reads like a conversation with a friend or like I'm reading someone's diary. I would assume that was intentional to make to accessible and easy to understand. It was something that I really liked about it. All people with endo should be able to access and understand material. It was also very of the moment, as in there were plenty of references to things like covid 19 and lock down. I couldn't help but think that this gave the book a sooner expiration date than other non fiction.
I really appreciate the fact that this book exists. I truely appreciate that the author has shared her own experiences and what she has done for people with endo. But I can't help but caution you not to treat this book like an endo bible. The best thing you can do for your endo is to get a gp who you trust, that you gel with, and that has an understanding of endo, and build your team and your understanding from there.
March 20, 2021
I'm not sure I learned a lot personally - the real value and comfort of this book is someone speaking about this stuff and bringing attention to the huge psychological impact this physical disease has. It is written in a very accessible voice and the last chapter in particular I would refer to well meaning supporters who might not know what to say or do to help friends or family suffering from endometriosis.
April 25, 2021
Great book for anyone suffering with or supporting someone with endo. Wish I had this book when I was 16!
December 6, 2021
Super informative and extremely well written.
December 23, 2024
This is the perfect book for beginners learning about endo and other chronic illnesses and beautifully addresses topics about diversity and privilege around endo discussions. It’s a great starter for people looking to get diagnosed, financially friendly options and hearing about people’s journeys
April 25, 2024
My new bible 💔 I don’t think I can ever recommend this one enough. If you know someone who has endo in your life or even suspect you/they could have it, please read it. Especially via audiobook. It’s so engaging and I’ve learnt SO much. Never related to something so much. Lots of sobbing involved whilst reading this because I finally felt heard 😭
August 7, 2023
Excellent source 👏
May 17, 2021
This book is EVERYTHING 😭💪🏼👊🏻
February 4, 2024
the first half was everything I ever needed to know and I'm definitely gonna keep revisiting it but couldn't take the naturopathy / magical chinese herbs / chakra-aligning stuff seriously
August 16, 2022
i really enjoyed this read. very informative and interesting. learnt so many things i didnt know about endometriosis and how those who have it live their lives. especially enjoyed the chapter “endo is for everyone” which spoke on inclusiveness to this chronic illness
June 7, 2025
Super informative, very accessible to people who don’t have much knowledge on health, the health care system or endo. Will be recommending to patients or anyone wanting to know more about endo.
November 19, 2021
TW: chronic illness, infertility, mental health.
Wow, this book hit all the marks. The informative style of writing, the simple and easy navigation and topics, outlining the struggles with being diagnosed, managing and gaining understanding of how to live with chronic illness.
As a person who has endo and has generally managed my pain quite well, has twice yearly hospital appointments, and only required two surgeries (so far) it is such a difficult topic to understand and navigate. Bridget hits the nail on the head regarding people's opinions of endo, and the dismissive nature of friends, family, workplaces and medical professionals when seeking diagnosis, pain management, pain relief or alternative therapy.
What I really loved about this was the narrative style of this book, not only does it share own voices, with Bridget openly discussing her own journey and struggles with diagnosis, surgery and ongoing management of her symptoms, it also provides a plethora of resouces, mostly based in Australia for others who are curious, want to support others, or who may also be diagnosed to be able to reach out and join the community.
My favourite part was to label yourself a chronic illness warrior, and that's how I see myself, and so many of my friends and family that live daily with ongoing health conditions, including invisible illnesses.
A highlly informative read, scattered with Bridget's own journey made this a must read and must recommend for me.
Wow, this book hit all the marks. The informative style of writing, the simple and easy navigation and topics, outlining the struggles with being diagnosed, managing and gaining understanding of how to live with chronic illness.
As a person who has endo and has generally managed my pain quite well, has twice yearly hospital appointments, and only required two surgeries (so far) it is such a difficult topic to understand and navigate. Bridget hits the nail on the head regarding people's opinions of endo, and the dismissive nature of friends, family, workplaces and medical professionals when seeking diagnosis, pain management, pain relief or alternative therapy.
What I really loved about this was the narrative style of this book, not only does it share own voices, with Bridget openly discussing her own journey and struggles with diagnosis, surgery and ongoing management of her symptoms, it also provides a plethora of resouces, mostly based in Australia for others who are curious, want to support others, or who may also be diagnosed to be able to reach out and join the community.
My favourite part was to label yourself a chronic illness warrior, and that's how I see myself, and so many of my friends and family that live daily with ongoing health conditions, including invisible illnesses.
A highlly informative read, scattered with Bridget's own journey made this a must read and must recommend for me.
October 6, 2021
Did you know that period pain isn't normal? Endometriosis can't be cured by a hysterectomy? Cis men can get endometriosis?
Strongly recommend this book (written in Melbourne) to those who think they might have or do have endometriosis (or like me, adenomyosis). Or to others with pelvic pain issues struggling to be taken seriously. I looked at this book thinking how can there be so much to say about endometriosis? But every part was so necessary.
The book covers
-the author's personal story of the struggle for diagnosis and constantly being gaslit by doctors. Very powerful.
-getting a diagnosis and subsequent surgery (no cure)
-what is endo, adeno, PID and many other similar diseases
-How to deal: endo is a chronic disease. here's tips from experts to manage it (dietician, TCM practioner, naturopath and more). The authors tips on how to manage endo in different settings.
-History of medical science re why diseases of the uterus are so underresearched, racism and cissexism in medicine etc
There is SO MUCH SILENCE AND SHAME around these invisible illnesses. This book feels like a very supportive and encouraging friend helping you deal with a possible or actual endo (or similar) diagnosis when your doctors aren't taking you seriously. It goes into detail and ideas i never thought of for managing this crap disease, as well as reiterating that it IS a chronic disease not "just a bad period". I also love how inclusive and reflecting the author was on who can get endo (not just cis white women). I loved how she always asked about low cost options for support and treatment.
The book covered adenomyosis to some degree, known as the sister disease (or possibly evil cousin of) endo (possibly also the same disease. $0 allocated to adeno funding). The inclusion of adeno was very helpful and validating. So much that applies to endo applies to adeno.
Highly recommended as a great reference. This book is inspiring me to get further diagnoses and support and tap into support groups etc. When it's your life it's so easy to think chronic stabbing pain and periods taking over your life is normal or not that bad as you're "used to it", this book makes you realise that you've been doing it pretty tough and that support and help is available.
Thank you Bridget - legend!
Strongly recommend this book (written in Melbourne) to those who think they might have or do have endometriosis (or like me, adenomyosis). Or to others with pelvic pain issues struggling to be taken seriously. I looked at this book thinking how can there be so much to say about endometriosis? But every part was so necessary.
The book covers
-the author's personal story of the struggle for diagnosis and constantly being gaslit by doctors. Very powerful.
-getting a diagnosis and subsequent surgery (no cure)
-what is endo, adeno, PID and many other similar diseases
-How to deal: endo is a chronic disease. here's tips from experts to manage it (dietician, TCM practioner, naturopath and more). The authors tips on how to manage endo in different settings.
-History of medical science re why diseases of the uterus are so underresearched, racism and cissexism in medicine etc
There is SO MUCH SILENCE AND SHAME around these invisible illnesses. This book feels like a very supportive and encouraging friend helping you deal with a possible or actual endo (or similar) diagnosis when your doctors aren't taking you seriously. It goes into detail and ideas i never thought of for managing this crap disease, as well as reiterating that it IS a chronic disease not "just a bad period". I also love how inclusive and reflecting the author was on who can get endo (not just cis white women). I loved how she always asked about low cost options for support and treatment.
The book covered adenomyosis to some degree, known as the sister disease (or possibly evil cousin of) endo (possibly also the same disease. $0 allocated to adeno funding). The inclusion of adeno was very helpful and validating. So much that applies to endo applies to adeno.
Highly recommended as a great reference. This book is inspiring me to get further diagnoses and support and tap into support groups etc. When it's your life it's so easy to think chronic stabbing pain and periods taking over your life is normal or not that bad as you're "used to it", this book makes you realise that you've been doing it pretty tough and that support and help is available.
Thank you Bridget - legend!
July 4, 2021
I also listened to this one through audible and it was informative about the health condition I suffer with every day: endometriosis. Bridget, the author, narrates her book and discusses the important major topics such as, treatment options both holistic and western both pre-op and post-op, and just how to navigate life with this condition in the workplace (heavily emphasized), in friendships, and in the world. She provides a plethora of resources, mainly based in Australia or the U.K., to help people with questions they may have about the disease. I also like how she embedded her personal anecdote about her surgeries and how life in the pandemic resembles a typical day in the life of a chronic illness warrior. She discusses the importance of reframing our mindset (in the therapy section of her book) about how we speak to our body. I appreciated that so much and found that helpful, as it’s something that is a struggle for a lot of us in this Endo community. Overall, I would highly recommend if you are an Endo warrior yourself, a parent/loved one of someone battling this disease, or a medical professional who wants to learn more.
April 14, 2021
(4.5)
A helpful and easy to read book about a super important yet very much unknown issue. Bridget helpfully explains many facets of this disease that I’ve recently being diagnosed with. She engages with a lot of experts and goes through many of the methods of managing the disease.
I highly recommend this to anyone who has experienced or knows someone experiencing endometriosis. I think it clearly articulates the wide variety of experiences and symptoms that can be dealt with.
There was a few pieces of contrary advice that wasn’t really acknowledged and I did finish it feeling like there was something missing. Overall, it was great though.
A helpful and easy to read book about a super important yet very much unknown issue. Bridget helpfully explains many facets of this disease that I’ve recently being diagnosed with. She engages with a lot of experts and goes through many of the methods of managing the disease.
I highly recommend this to anyone who has experienced or knows someone experiencing endometriosis. I think it clearly articulates the wide variety of experiences and symptoms that can be dealt with.
There was a few pieces of contrary advice that wasn’t really acknowledged and I did finish it feeling like there was something missing. Overall, it was great though.
January 7, 2023
Whether you have a uterus or not, you know someone with one and, as such, I think *everyone* should read this book.
How to Endo is a great starting point on the topic of endometriosis - it covers the basics of symptoms, surgeries, and treatments, addresses problems around race and gender within the endo community, and even includes a little "how to" on supporting someone you know with the disease.
Endometriosis has flow under the radar far too long for such a prevalent condition. Chances are you know someone that deals with this every day, whether they've told you or not, so do uterus owners a favour and get reading. Knowledge is power.
How to Endo is a great starting point on the topic of endometriosis - it covers the basics of symptoms, surgeries, and treatments, addresses problems around race and gender within the endo community, and even includes a little "how to" on supporting someone you know with the disease.
Endometriosis has flow under the radar far too long for such a prevalent condition. Chances are you know someone that deals with this every day, whether they've told you or not, so do uterus owners a favour and get reading. Knowledge is power.
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August 18, 20243.00 ★
easily digestible nonfiction. the language used was a little cringe at times but i appreciate the range of perspectives and inclusive discussions.
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
easily digestible nonfiction. the language used was a little cringe at times but i appreciate the range of perspectives and inclusive discussions.
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
January 1, 2022
Mijn regels nemen al sinds de start veel te vaak mijn leven volledig over en het gebeurde al te vaak dat dokters mijn klachten niet serieus namen, dus ben ik zoveel mogelijk informatie aan het verzamelen voor mijn eerste gynaecoloogbezoek in Ierland. Dit boek was duidelijk, to the point en nog veel vaker herkenbaar dan verwacht (nog steeds geen diagnose hier), dus ben ik blij dat het op mijn pad kwam.
January 27, 2024
Just okay.
Not necessarily a book I would recommend as a lot of the info is outdated now and as someone who has endo I found it to be based on the authors own experience and opinion more than anything else.
Good starting point and amazing to have a book about this, but there is a lot of information in there that isn’t necessarily ‘fact’ and is subjective.
Not necessarily a book I would recommend as a lot of the info is outdated now and as someone who has endo I found it to be based on the authors own experience and opinion more than anything else.
Good starting point and amazing to have a book about this, but there is a lot of information in there that isn’t necessarily ‘fact’ and is subjective.
January 1, 2025
“How to Endo” teach base on a topic that not many people knows about. It deep drive into the writer personal experience with endometriosis and their challenges living with it. This books give you tips on how you can manage the disease and how to live a semi normal life. As someone that suffers from endometriosis this book taught me tips on how I can better control my endo and how to not let it control my life.
October 15, 2021
Whether you have endo or other menstrual or pelvic issue, or a loved one does, you gotta read this. I have maybe endo, maybe adeno, maybe PCOS, maybe you're making it up diagnosis, and I got so much from this book! Read it!
April 29, 2022
I really admire those with endo and even more so if they are elite athletes in contact sport. I can’t wait to use this as a conversation starter and make sure I can help my clients/athletes more.
March 25, 2023
I'd sum up this book as a good introduction to endometriosis. There wasn't as much detail as I'd hoped for having recently been diagnosed. I was after more actionable steps but this book has provided me with a strong foundation on which I can confidently continue to build my knowledge.
One area where this book smashes it out of the park is in terms of raising awareness. We need more books like this. I wonder if I had known more about endo from books like this would I have been diagnosed sooner?
Props to Hustwaite for clearly defining endo as a chronic illness and validating the pain and real life ramifications of endo. I actually found myself tearing up at times when I felt really seen.
One area where this book smashes it out of the park is in terms of raising awareness. We need more books like this. I wonder if I had known more about endo from books like this would I have been diagnosed sooner?
Props to Hustwaite for clearly defining endo as a chronic illness and validating the pain and real life ramifications of endo. I actually found myself tearing up at times when I felt really seen.
October 18, 2021
Fantastic book, fucking awful disease. Wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Filled with so much information I wasn’t aware of even after having endo for so long, will be trying out a few of her tips and joining the support groups mentioned. Must read for anyone with Endometriosis or with a loved one who suffers from endometriosis.
February 24, 2022
Fucking relatable. Has inspired me to try for another surgery, I didn't even know I had ablation and not excision!!!!
January 18, 2025
This book made me feel very seen - and for that I am very grateful. The last chapter in particular will be kept in my back pocket for friends + fam.
January 19, 2026
This book really had me in my feels. As an endo baby myself, I really do think the hardship of this disease was beautifully phrased within this novel. However, at times I felt that Bridget leaned too far into the incurable nature of the disease, and while that is an important aspect for a patient to realise, I think that no one should let endo stop them from succeeding or focus on the bad of this illness more often than not. Apart from that, a really informative and beautiful read, structured like a big sister giving advice. Would recommend for anyone experiencing endo, and especially for people who know someone experiencing endo.
May 5, 2024
This is the most relatable book and made me feel so validated 😭🥹 amazing book for those who have endo / know someone with endo to understand the condition more 💛
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews