Now 35 and currently recovering from surgery at her parents’ home in Warrington, Alexandra is speaking out during Endometriosis Awareness Month to raise awareness of a condition that affects around 1 in 10 women in the UK.
Her symptoms began when she was just 10 years old after starting her periods, which were extremely painful and heavy.
As she moved through her teenage years, the symptoms worsened significantly.
“Towards the end of high school, I started passing out,” she explained.
“At first it was monthly, which turned into a few times a week, and eventually it was happening daily.”
Alexandra was referred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for investigations into a range of possible conditions, but endometriosis was never considered because fainting was not recognised as a typical symptom.
Despite her health struggles, she pursued her dream of performing and trained in professional musical theatre, including studying at a conservatory in New York.
However, her condition continued to worsen.
During theatre school, she experienced severe bleeding episodes, sometimes lasting for months and causing anaemia.
Without a diagnosis, she says she was often dismissed by others around her.
“I was told to my face, or behind my back, that I was ‘making it up’, ‘being dramatic’ or ‘attention-seeking’,” she explained.
“This made me feel isolated and deeply affected my mental health.”
Alexandra ultimately completed her training, but the experience left a lasting impression.
Over time, she developed a strong interest in how lifestyle factors such as exercise and nutrition could influence chronic conditions.
She later retrained as a personal trainer and trauma-informed coach, with the aim of supporting other women living with endometriosis.
While there is currently no cure for the condition, Alexandra says lifestyle changes alongside medical treatment can play an important role in managing symptoms.
It was not until 2022 – 22 years after her symptoms began – that Alexandra was finally diagnosed through surgery.
“I remember feeling relief, like I had passed some sort of test,” she said.
“After years of having to advocate for myself and prove that there was something wong with me.
“But because of that, I felt angry too.”
She is currently recovering from surgery (Image: Supplied)
Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those lining the womb grow elsewhere in the body, causing inflammation, pain, and scar tissue.
In the UK, around 1.5 million people live with the condition, and diagnosis can take over nine years on average.
Symptoms vary widely and can include severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, bowel or bladder pain, and fertility difficulties.
Alexandra describes flare-ups as feeling like intense flu-like body aches combined with extreme fatigue and brain fog.
In severe cases, she says the pain can trigger vomiting or fainting.
The long journey to diagnosis has also had a significant impact on her mental health.
Alexandra says she has experienced dismissive treatment from healthcare professionals and struggled with anxiety and depression as a result.
More recently, she has also faced new health challenges.
A foot condition called accessory navicular syndrome led to surgery earlier this month, leaving her temporarily in a wheelchair and unable to stay active – something she normally relies on to help manage her endometriosis symptoms.
“Currently, I am laid up after having an osteotomy after what’s been the worst flare up I’ve had in years,” she explained.
“My last endometriosis surgery was July 2025, where they managed to remove the endometriosis, but sadly, due to it being left untreated for so long, the pain has developed into my nerves and is chronic.”
Despite these setbacks, Alexandra hopes to build a business offering coaching and retreats for women with the condition.
She also believes more awareness and education are urgently needed.
“The pain is hard enough, but the mental health toll of having to take extra clothes with you in case you flood, of appearing flaky to friends when you can’t commit to plans, or having to change careers because you can’t rely on your body like you once did is crushing,” she said.
Her advice for anyone experiencing similar symptoms is to trust their instincts.
“You know your body best,” she said.
“Keep records of everything to back yourself up, as sadly, you probably will face being dismissed, gaslit, and having your experience played down.
“Don’t let that cause doubt about what you know about your body.”