Beyond “Normal” Period Pain: What Endometriosis Is Really Telling Us
This week, Nikki sits down with Dr. Mathew Leonardi, one of North America’s leading experts on endometriosis, to uncover the truth about a condition that affects 1 in 10 women, yet often takes a decade to diagnose. From the hidden history of “hysteria” in women’s medicine to unfortunately normalized period pain,, this episode dives deep into how bias, outdated systems, and silence have shaped the way women experience healthcare, and how Dr. Leonardi is working to change that.
Dr. Leonardi shares:
Why it takes an average of 10 years for women to get an endometriosis diagnosis
How cultural stigma and language have minimized women’s pain for generations
The real signs your period pain isn’t normal and deserves investigation
Why surgery shouldn’t be the only way to diagnose or treat endo
The reality that endo can be a chronic and recurrent condition — and why a “one and done” approach rarely works
The use of ultrasound vs surgery in endometriosis diagnosis
The promise of new, multimodal care — combining medication, physiotherapy, diet, and mental health support — to help women find real relief
The hope: how research and awareness are finally shifting the narrative
It’s an eye-opening, validating, and empowering conversation that every woman should hear — whether you’ve been dismissed in a doctor’s office or simply want to understand your body better.
Show Notes:
For more of Dr. Leonardi, please visit
*Warning- this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones.*
*Disclaimer: All opinions of our guests are their own and in no way represent that of Lexi Miles Corrin and or Nikki Bergen.*