What's Up Docs? Doctors' Notes: Endometriosis
Feb 24, 2026
Dr Chi Eziefula, Associate Professor in Global Health and Infection who researches reproductive health and endometriosis, explores why endometriosis has been underfunded and misunderstood. She discusses historical bias in women’s health, male-default research practices, and the real-life safety and diagnostic consequences. She also covers emerging diagnostics, treatment advances, lifestyle approaches, and gaps in menstrual product regulation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Endometriosis Exposes Underfunding In Women's Health
- Endometriosis reveals systemic underfunding in women's health research.
- Chi Eziefula notes unknown causes, poor diagnostics and chronic patient struggle reflecting lack of targeted investment.
Hysteria Shaped Scientific Neglect Of Menstrual Health
- Historical dismissal of menstrual symptoms shaped current research neglect.
- The term hysteria (from Greek for womb) helped frame women's pain as imagined, reducing scientific curiosity and funding.
Male Body Treated As Default In Medical Research
- Male body is treated as the default in research and trials.
- Chi Eziefula explains many drug studies used male animals or excluded hormonal flux, delaying understanding of female-specific responses.