Meet Cécile: A Real Story of Living with Adenomyosis

May 12, 2026|Dorothée Dinne

When Cécile agreed to share her story with us, she had one clear goal: to help other women feel less alone in their health journey. Her experience with adenomyosis, from the sudden onset of debilitating symptoms to finding a treatment path that worked for her, offers both hope and practical insights for anyone navigating similar challenges.

In this full video interview, Cécile opens up about a journey that many women will recognize: the confusion of unexplained symptoms, the relief of finally getting answers, and the empowering process of making informed treatment decisions.

When everything changed overnight

Cécile's story begins in 2021, when her previously manageable periods suddenly became something entirely different after the COVID shot. What started as normal menstrual cycles quickly escalated into severe pain and heavy bleeding that disrupted every aspect of her daily life. The timing coincided with other health changes she'd experienced, creating a complex puzzle that would take time to solve.

The impact was immediate and profound. Simple activities became challenging, work schedules had to accommodate unpredictable symptoms, and the constant pain created a mental load that affected her overall well-being. Most concerning was when the heavy bleeding led to anemia severe enough to require hospitalization. A wake-up call that something needed to change.

In this interview, Cécile describes those early months with remarkable honesty, sharing both the physical challenges and the emotional toll of not understanding what was happening to her body. Her experience highlights how quickly gynecological conditions can escalate and why taking symptoms seriously is so important.

What makes her story unique

What sets Cécile's journey apart isn't just her specific medical experience, but her approach to navigating the healthcare system. When she finally received her adenomyosis diagnosis, she didn't simply accept the first treatment option presented. Instead, she took time to understand her choices, asked detailed questions, and ultimately made a decision that felt right for her specific situation and life goals.

Her choice to use a hormonal IUD came after careful consideration and honest conversations with healthcare providers who respected her autonomy. This experience taught her the vital importance of finding medical professionals who practice patient-centered care. The need of providers who listen, explain options clearly, and support informed decision-making rather than simply prescribing standard protocols.

Perhaps most importantly, Cécile discovered valuable resources during her journey, including community health centers (maisons médicales) that offered a different approach to care. Her insights about building a healthcare team that truly understands and supports your choices provide practical guidance that extends far beyond her specific condition.

Watch the full story

Cécile's complete story, with all the details, emotions, and practical wisdom she shares, is waiting for you in our full video interview. You'll hear her describe not just what happened, but how she felt, what she learned, and what advice she'd give to her younger self or other women facing similar challenges.

Her journey from confusion and pain to informed empowerment isn't just inspiring… It's educational. Watch the full interview to discover the resources that made a difference, the questions that led to better care, and the mindset shifts that transformed her relationship with her health.

Our full conversation

Dorothée Dinne

Founder @ Fâmme

Founder of Fâmme and your friendly tech nerd turned women's health advocate. I've spent 15+ years as a product designer and art director, but my biggest breakthrough came from my own 30-year journey with medical dismissal and pain. Now I'm building Fâmme, a curated ecosystem connecting women to trustworthy health professionals and real support. Mother and Belgium-based believer that technology should serve empathy, not replace it.

Feel free to connect with me

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Professionals who could help you

These Fâmme professionals support the topics covered in this article.

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Anouck Fiolle

Facilitatrice de cercle de parole

A domicile (Brabant Wallon)

Fertility & Postpartum

About

Doula (soon to be certified) and facilitator of talking circles, I support women through major life stages and transitions with gentleness, active listening, and compassion. Through emotional support, evidence-based information sharing, and safe spaces for dialogue, I work to help you feel heard, supported, and reconnected to your inner power, from preconception to menopause. As a true ally on your journey, I'm also committed to informing you and referring you to appropriate professionals whenever the need arises. Drawing on my own life journey, I have particular attention for fertility treatment paths, endometriosis, and the postpartum period. I also accompany expectant mothers in honoring their motherhood through an intimate and personalized celebration: the MamaBlessing. My approach is deeply inspired by sisterhood, respect for your rhythm, and the importance of honoring your story.

Speaks

French

Type

Wellbeing

Areas of practice

Endometriosis & adenomyosis Fertility issues Menopause Perimenopause

Supports

Emotional support

Book an appointment

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Ashley Pescod

Osteopath MSc D.O

1050 Ixelles, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert

Endometriosis & adenomyosis

About

Ashley is an osteopath specializing in urogynecology and chronic pain, with particular expertise in managing endometriosis and adenomyosis. She supports women at different stages of their lives, including during pregnancy and postpartum, and also treats infants and children. Her practice is rooted in an approach based on listening, compassion, and respect for consent, placing each patient's lived experience and body at the heart of care.

Speaks

French · English

Type

Healthcare

Areas of practice

Endometriosis & adenomyosis Chronic Pelvic Pain Postpartum Health Perinatal Health Pelvic floor dysfunction Pelvic Floor Tension Vulvodynia & Vaginismus Fertility Issues & ART

Supports

Painful intercourse Pelvic pain Abdominal cramps Joint Pain Bloating Difficulty conceiving Pelvic Floor Tension Urinary Leaks Painful Periods Lower Back Pain Pelvic Heaviness

View profile

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Aude Berger

Menstrual wellness coach

1470 Genappe

Women well-being

About

Aude Berger is a menstrual wellness coach and cycle expert specialising in hormonal health and cyclical wellbeing. With a warm, non-judgmental approach, she supports women through conditions like PMS, painful periods, PCOS, and endometriosis, and through life transitions including postpartum, stopping contraception, and perimenopause. She offers individual care programs in person or online, as well as talking circles focused on perimenopause and the mother-daughter relationship.

Speaks

French

Type

Wellbeing

Areas of practice

PCOS Endometriosis & adenomyosis PMDD PMS Emotional support Menopause Perimenopause

Supports

Pelvic pain Abdominal cramps Heavy Periods Anxiety Fatigue Bloating Mood Swings Sleep Issues Irregular cycles

Book an appointment

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Camille Lycke

Pelvic floor physiotherapist

1050 Ixelles, 1000 Brussels

Chronic pelvic pain

About

Camille works with each patient in a caring, individually tailored way, adapting to their pace, history, and specific needs. Her practice combines manual therapy, individualised therapeutic exercises, and targeted pelvic floor work, both external and internal where appropriate and consented to. She uses electrical stimulation for pain relief or muscle work, and places strong emphasis on therapeutic education, helping patients understand their pain and manage it independently. She also supports patients in returning to physical activity and, when needed, in resuming comfortable sexual intercourse.

Speaks

French · English

Type

Healthcare

Areas of practice

Endometriosis & adenomyosis Menopause Vulvodynia & Vaginismus Chronic Pelvic Pain Perinatal Health Pelvic floor dysfunction Pelvic Floor Tension Recurrent UTIs

Supports

Pelvic pain Painful Periods Bloating Abdominal cramps Vaginal discomfort Painful intercourse Pelvic Floor Tension Urinary Leaks Muscle Weakness & Loss Pelvic Heaviness

View profile

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Capucine Obadia

Clinical psychologist

1050 Ixelles, 1180 Uccle

Psychological support

About

Capucine is a clinical psychologist graduated from UCLouvain. She supports adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a caring and inclusive environment. She also understands the emotional weight that comes with women's health journeys, offering compassionate psychological support that recognizes how physical symptoms can impact mental wellbeing.

Speaks

French · English

Type

Healthcare

Areas of practice

Endometriosis & adenomyosis PCOS PMDD Menopause Perimenopause UTIs Sexual difficulties Fertility issues

Supports

Vaginal discomfort Low Libido Anxiety Mood Swings Sleep Issues Fatigue

Book an appointment

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Cassandre Calvet

Osteopath MSc D.O

1180 Uccle

Endometriosis & adenomyosis

About

Cassandre is an urogynecological and perinatal osteopath supporting women through a holistic, compassionate approach to body balance and intimate well being.

Speaks

French · English

Type

Healthcare

Areas of practice

PCOS Endometriosis & adenomyosis Menopause Perimenopause UTIs

Supports

Abdominal cramps Vaginal discomfort Joint Pain Heavy Periods Sleep Issues Bloating

Book an appointment

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Laura Lecomte

Sophrologist

5101 Namur

Endometriosis & adenomyosis

About

Laura is a sophrologist and coach who particularly supports women, specializing in endometriosis, stress, and burnout.

Speaks

French

Type

Wellbeing

Areas of practice

PCOS Endometriosis & adenomyosis PMDD

Supports

Abdominal cramps Pelvic pain Anxiety Sleep Issues Fatigue Mood Swings

Book an appointment

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Laura van der Hoeden

Clinical psychologist, Sexologist, PTR Hypnosis

1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre

Endometriosis & adenomyosis

About

After years of experience at CHU Brugmann Hospital in the Pelvic-Perineal and Endometriosis Clinic, Laura specialized in chronic pelvic pain. Through her various specializations, she offers personalized support to help you through your journey. She provides individual consultations on the following topics: Endometriosis, Psychosomatic disorders, Chronic pain, Pregnancy, Trauma, Vaginismus, Dyspareunia

Speaks

French

Type

Healthcare

Areas of practice

Sexual difficulties Endometriosis & adenomyosis PMDD PCOS Perimenopause Menopause PTSD & Trauma Depression

Supports

Anxiety Fatigue Sleep Issues Low Libido Vulvodynia & Vaginismus UTIs Vaginal discomfort

Book an appointment

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Louise Bastin Duchamps Poncé

Symptothermal instructor, Midwife, Fertility practitioner

1000 Brussels

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrom)

About

A midwife and certified symptothermal method instructor, Louise puts her expertise at the service of women and menstruating people. Her approach is deeply feminist: she teaches patients to read and interpret their own cycle as a tool for reclaiming their health, not just managing their fertility. She offers cycle chart analysis, symptom review, and personalised follow-up, with medical testing where needed. She believes the menstrual cycle is the fifth vital sign. It is where she begins

Speaks

French · Dutch · English

Type

Healthcare

Areas of practice

Endometriosis & adenomyosis PCOS Perimenopause PMDD PMS Fertility issues Trying to conceive (TTC) Vaginal Infections Nutritional & Metabolic Health Preventive & General Care

Supports

Painful Periods Heavy Periods Irregular cycles Bloating Skin concerns Brain Fog Mood Swings Spotting Absent Periods

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Maïté Hamouchi

Functional Naturopath

1180 Uccle, 1380 Lasne

Women well-being

About

As a Functional Naturopath specializing in women's health, I combine scientific rigor with attentive listening to restore your body's overall balance. My mission is to provide you with concrete, personalized tools to reclaim control over your vitality and hormonal health.

Speaks

French

Type

Wellbeing

Areas of practice

Endometriosis & adenomyosis PCOS PMDD UTIs Fertility issues Menopause Perimenopause

Supports

Abdominal cramps Hot Flashes Low Libido Pelvic pain Heavy Periods Skin concerns Anxiety Hair thinness & loss Mood Swings Sleep Issues Fatigue Bloating Irregular cycles

Book an appointment

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Margaux Crickx

Nutritherapist

1060 Saint-Gilles, 1180 Uccle

Body inflammation

About

Margaux is a nutritional therapist, herbalist, and aromatologist. She supports women in achieving overall balance by connecting physiology, emotions, and lifestyle. Convinced that nutrition is a cornerstone of self-care, she helps transform food into a simple and practical tool for harmony and well-being.

Speaks

French

Type

Wellbeing

Areas of practice

Endometriosis & adenomyosis PCOS Perimenopause Menopause UTIs Fertility issues

Supports

Abdominal cramps Hot Flashes Vaginal discomfort Joint Pain Heavy Periods Skin concerns Anxiety Hair thinness & loss Mood Swings Sleep Issues Fatigue Bloating

Book an appointment

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Marie Vandueren

Clinical psychologist

1180 Uccle

Endometriosis & adenomyosis

About

Marie is a clinical psychologist specialized in supporting women. With her dual expertise as psychologist and symptothermal method instructor certified in Sensiplan© (recognized by WHO), she offers an integrative approach combining mental health and the menstrual cycle. Marie is dedicated to providing a caring, non-judgmental space where every woman is free to open up and explore emotional and affective blocks to (re)discover a sense of freedom. She offers individual psychological support and symptothermal method training workshops (individual or for couples).

Speaks

French

Type

Healthcare

Areas of practice

Endometriosis & adenomyosis PCOS Depression PTSD & Trauma Sexual difficulties Perimenopause Menopause Fertility issues

Supports

Anxiety Mood Swings Low Libido Fatigue Abdominal cramps Hot Flashes Sleep Issues Bloating Vaginal discomfort Heavy Periods Pelvic pain

Book an appointment

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Mélanie Dizet

Hormonal & cycle coach

1400 Nivelle

Endometriosis & adenomyosis

About

Diagnosed with endometriosis, Mélanie spent a long time dealing with pain and a lack of understanding of my own body before embarking on a journey of deep reconnection. The real turning point for me was understanding the link between my emotions, my personal history, and my gynecological health. Today, she supports women in exploring this body-emotion approach to better understand their experiences. To move toward greater relief and autonomy.

Speaks

French

Type

Wellbeing

Areas of practice

Endometriosis & adenomyosis Perimenopause PCOS PMS Pelvic Organ Prolapse Vulvodynia & Vaginismus Pelvic floor dysfunction Urinary Incontinence & Leaks

Supports

Pelvic pain Heavy Periods Painful Periods Irregular cycles Vaginal discomfort Absent Periods Urinary Leaks

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Valentine Verheye

Functional Naturopath

1380 Lasne

Women well-being

About

Valentine is a naturopath specializing in female hormonal health. Her approach is complementary to conventional medicine, and she works in collaboration with various healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, gynecologists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, psychologists, and others. Her approach is functional and self-regulatory.

Speaks

French

Type

Wellbeing

Areas of practice

Endometriosis & adenomyosis PCOS PMDD Menopause Perimenopause Fertility issues

Supports

Hot Flashes Pelvic pain Abdominal cramps Heavy Periods Skin concerns Mood Swings Sleep Issues Fatigue Bloating Irregular cycles

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus itself. Unlike endometriosis, where tissue grows outside the uterus, adenomyosis affects the uterine wall directly, often causing heavy, painful periods.

Common symptoms include extremely heavy and painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, prolonged bleeding, bloating, and pressure in the pelvis. Some people may also experience pain during intercourse and severe cramping that doesn't respond to typical pain relief.

Adenomyosis is typically diagnosed through pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound, or MRI. Unlike endometriosis, it usually doesn't require laparoscopy for diagnosis, as the changes are visible within the uterine wall on imaging.

The exact cause is still unknown. Research suggests it may be related to hormonal changes, previous uterine surgeries, inflammation, or genetic factors. Some cases appear after events that affect hormonal balance.

Adenomyosis can impact fertility by affecting the uterine environment and making implantation more difficult. However, pregnancy is still possible for many people with the condition.

Adenomyosis most commonly affects women in their 30s and 40s, but it can develop earlier. Symptoms often worsen over time if left untreated.

Treatment options include pain management medication, hormonal therapy (like birth control pills or hormonal IUDs), and in severe cases, surgical options. The choice depends on symptoms, severity, age, and fertility goals.

Unlike endometriosis, where hysterectomy may not provide complete symptom relief since tissue can exist outside the uterus, adenomyosis is confined to the uterine wall. This means that hysterectomy can be a definitive treatment for adenomyosis, potentially eliminating symptoms entirely. However, hysterectomy is typically reserved for severe cases where other treatments have failed and when fertility is no longer desired, as it permanently ends the possibility of pregnancy.

Symptoms typically improve after menopause because the condition is hormone-dependent. As estrogen levels decrease, the adenomyosis tissue usually becomes less active.

In endometriosis, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. In adenomyosis, this tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus itself. Both can cause similar symptoms but require different diagnostic approaches.

Finding the right doctor or specialist to help with your endometriosis can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.

We get it. To make the search a bit easier, we’ve put together a list of clinics that specialize in endometriosis. However, keep in mind that this label is self-proclaimed, as there is not yet an official registration.

Brussels:

BCEE - Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc
Clinique de l'endométriose H.U.B. - Erasme
Chirec Delta
CHU Brugmann
Fertility Clinic Brussels - Saint-Jean
CHU Saint-Pierre
Hôpitaux Iris Sud

Wallonia:
CHwapi Tournai
Mon(s) Endométriose - CHU Helora Mons
LUCERM - Liège Citadelle
CLE - Liège CHC

Flanders:
UZ Leuven
UZ Gent

For all your questions, related to medical and non-medical, Fâmme is your trusted network.

EndoSens, Toi Mon Endo, Behind Endo Stories, Fâmme - never forget: you’re not alone in this.

A maison médicale is a neighbourhood health centre that brings together several healthcare professionals — GPs, nurses, physiotherapists and more — under one roof. It operates either on a flat-rate model, where you pay a fixed monthly contribution and consultations are then free, or on a fee-per-visit basis like a standard practice. The flat-rate system is especially helpful if you have frequent medical needs or a tighter budget. You register with the centre in your neighbourhood, which makes it easier to build a consistent, long-term relationship with your care team. To find the one closest to you: www.maisonmedicale.org

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for specific health concerns, especially if symptoms are severe, sudden, or accompanied by fever/heavy bleeding.

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