AbbVie has announced that actress, dancer and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Julianne Hough is encouraging women to discuss symptoms of endometriosis and advocate for their own care through a campaign called “SpeakENDO.” The campaign, sponsored by AbbVie, is for women who want to learn more about endometriosis, those trying to find out what may be causing their symptoms and women already diagnosed with endometriosis.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and women can visit SpeakENDO.com to learn how to “Speak Up for Endo” throughout the month. Individuals can share an inspiring video to help increase disease recognition and awareness, learn about what makes endometriosis painful and help educate others, or post their own endometriosis story on social media with #SpeakENDO. Individuals can also sign up for SpeakENDO emails, tips, and resources. A donation will be made to the Endometriosis Foundation of America for those who sign up.
“I have endometriosis and for the past year, I’ve been speaking out to encourage women to ‘get in the know’ about endometriosis and raise awareness of this chronic and painful disease,” said Hough, who is best known as a two-time professional champion and judge on Dancing with the Stars. “The painful symptoms associated with endometriosis can be hard to explain, but with proper knowledge and empowerment, women can start to ‘speak endo’ to their doctor, family members, boss and friends.”
Endometriosis occurs when tissue that acts a lot like the lining of the uterus starts growing outside of the uterus, where it doesn’t belong. Endometriosis is different for every woman and is associated with pain symptoms that can be debilitating and may interfere with day-to-day activities. SpeakENDO.com is a go-to resource for endometriosis and offers information and resources to help women share their story and get the most from a doctor’s visit.
“AbbVie is proud to continue to work with Julianne Hough to educate and help women fully express symptoms of endometriosis,” said Michael Norton, vice president, head of U.S. medical affairs at AbbVie. “It’s important for women to be specific about their endometriosis symptoms when speaking to a healthcare provider, which can be helpful in creating a treatment plan.”
