Endometriosis is not simply “bad period pain.” Its signs can be subtle, complex and easy to dismiss—including crushing cramps, pelvic pain, bladder or bowel symptoms, fatigue, painful intercourse and pain that is repeatedly brushed off as normal.
In this episode of The Enlightened Pharmacist, Therese speaks with Saba Sanaei, a pelvic floor physiotherapist at Circle of Life Physio in Brisbane. Saba brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation.
After years of having her symptoms dismissed, Saba eventually found the right healthcare team, appropriate investigations and a clearer understanding of what was happening in her body. Today, she supports other women navigating pelvic pain and women’s health concerns.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of unpacking women’s health issues, asking better questions and finding practitioners who listen. Despite the obstacles Saba faced, her journey offers practical insight and encouragement for anyone seeking answers.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- The common signs and red flags associated with endometriosis, including heavy bleeding, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, constipation, back pain and pelvic pain.
- Why endometriosis symptoms may be mistaken for anxiety, stress or “normal” period pain.
- How a pelvic floor physiotherapist may support symptom management and recovery alongside medical and surgical care.
- What to expect from a women’s health physiotherapy assessment, including discussions about referrals, pelvic examinations, consent and whole-body screening.
- How nutrition, protein, gradual lifestyle changes and, where appropriate, a professionally guided low-FODMAP approach may support symptom management without turning food into a permanent restriction.
- Why movement still matters, and how walking, Pilates, yoga, strength training and graded exercise may be adapted to suit your symptoms and capacity.
- The importance of finding the right GP, integrative practitioner, dietitian and gynaecologist for your individual needs.
- How to trust your symptoms, advocate for yourself and recognise that being dismissed does not mean your experience is not valid.
Takeaways
Saba also shares the mindset shifts that helped her move forward—including learning to listen to her body, seeking a more supportive healthcare team and refusing to accept dismissal as the final answer.
This episode is essential listening if you suspect you may have endometriosis, have been told your scans are “fine” despite ongoing symptoms, or support someone living with chronic pelvic pain.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Saba Sanaei and her journey
01:13 How Saba discovered her own endometriosis
02:24 Recognizing symptoms and red flags of endometriosis
03:25 Explaining what endometriosis is
04:17 Top symptoms to watch for
05:16 Age range and diagnosis challenges
06:04 Advice for suspected endometriosis
07:23 Diet and lifestyle tips for managing endo
08:41 Personal diet and inflammation management
09:36 The impact of sugar and anti-inflammatory diets
11:11 Inner shifts and mindset breakthroughs
11:58 Role of women’s health physiotherapy
13:20 Movement, exercise, and pain management
15:47 First sessions with an endometriosis physio
17:24 Additional pain management strategies
18:00 A day in the life: food and exercise
20:32 Exercise routines and benefits
22:01 The importance of education and support
22:47 Where to find Saba Sanaei for more help
To turn this episode into tangible change, choose one of these actions today:
- Write down your symptoms, including when they occur, how severe they are and how they affect your daily life.
- Track your menstrual cycle, pain, bowel and bladder symptoms, fatigue, bleeding and any patterns you notice.
- Book an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional who has experience in endometriosis and pelvic pain.
- Ask questions about appropriate referrals, investigations and treatment options.
- Consider whether pelvic floor physiotherapy may be a suitable part of your multidisciplinary care.
- Share this episode with someone who may need support or reassurance that their symptoms deserve to be heard.
Remember, you do not have to have all the answers before asking for help. Start by documenting what you are experiencing and finding a practitioner who will listen and work with you.
Resources:
Circle of Life Physio (Saba’s website)
Other episodes you’ll enjoy:
HRT Myths Busted: 3 Natural Strategies to Ditch Hot Flushes & Reclaim Healthspan
Introduction to The Enlightened Pharmacist
Dr Marc Cohen – Smart Health & Wellness
Nicole Bijlsma Environmental Toxins Impacting Health & What You Can Do
Dr Ron Ehlrich: Holistic Dentistry & How It Can Improve Your Breathing
Dr Sandeep Gupta: Reverse Engineers Type 2 Diabetes
Dr James Muecke: What an Eye Surgeon is Doing to Prevent Blindness
Shivaun Conn Transforms My Potato Chips Addiction
Prof Gary Egger: Lifestye Medicine, Find Your Flow & Fulfill Your Life’s Purpose
Catherine Saxelby: Australia’s Award Winning Nutritionist & How You Can Eat Healthy
Dr David Cowhig: Top Strategies for Effective & Holistic Options for Healthy Teeth & Gums
Dr Nelum Dharmapriya: How to Achieve Weight Loss without Feeling Hangry
Prof Grant Schofield: The Impact of Glutamate Excitotoxicity on Mental Health
Dr Kathleen Holton: Feeding Your Brain Key Nutrients for Optimal Health
Saalihah Sedat: Building Community for Business, Mental Health, and Personal Growth
Yvonne Coleman: Unveiling the Secrets of Drug-Nutrient Interactions
Prof Julia Rucklidge: Transforming Mental Health with Nutrients
Dr Michelle Woolhouse: Uncovering the Wonder Within: Conquering Stress, Burnout, and Finding Joy
Navigating Metabolic Wellness with Dr Louis Phillips – Don’t be a TOFI (Thin-Outside-Fat–Inside)
Shannon Swales: From Burnout to Recover: Turning Lemons into Lemonade
Dr Peter Brukner Revolutionizing Health with The Power of ‘Just Eat Real Food’
Unmasking Oxalates: Understanding Toxic Superfoods with Sally Norton
Dr Dinesh Palipana: A Journey to Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
Dr Matthew Phillips: Feeding Your Brain ~ A Nutritional Approach to Neurological Health
Dr Gina Cleo: How to Transform Bad Habits into Good Habits
Dr Carolyn Ee: Simplying Health By Embracing Self-Compassion & Mindfulness
Dr Jessica Turton: Personalized Strategies for Optimal Gut Health
Joe Cohen 1 Decoding Your Destiny & Navigating the World of Precision Health
Joe Cohen 2 Decoding Your Destiny & Navigating the World of Precision Health
Paul Jaminet: How an Astrophysicist Optimizes Nutrition & Pioneers New Cancer Therapies
Carolyn Ledowsky: Unlocking Fertility, How MTHFR & Methylation Can Transform
Dr. Vyvyane Loh Revolutionizing Health By Preventing Chronic Diseases (Part 1)
Dr. Vyvyane Loh Revolutionizing Health By Preventing Chronic Diseases (Part 2)
Kylie Van Luyn: From Survival Mode to Self-Mastery: Rewiring Your Mindset
Fiona Chin: Biohacking Autoimmune Disease & Optimizing Longevity
Ananda Mahony: Beyond Pain medicines: The Nervous System, Nutrition & the Real Roots of Chronic Pain
Fiona Chin: Kygenesis: Transform Your Kidney Health naturally
