Julianne Hough Empowers Women to "Get in the Know" About Endometriosis

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., March 23, 2017

"After I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2008, I talked about my symptoms with family and close friends and it led some of them to talk to a doctor about their own symptoms," said Hough, who is best known as a two-time professional champion and judge on Dancing with the Stars.  "I am the ME in EndoMEtriosis and I'm here to show women what the face of this chronic and painful disease looks like. Endometriosis is a part of me, and it could be affecting you and many other women in your life."

Endometriosis is associated with pain symptoms which can be debilitating and may interfere with day-to-day activities. Without proper communication about endometriosis, it may take longer for women to receive a diagnosis. The "Get in the Know" website aims to increase awareness about endometriosis, elevate understanding and facilitate conversations between women and healthcare professionals. Women with endometriosis can suffer for up to six to 10 years before diagnosis^2,3. The website features a wide range of information and tools such as an endometriosis checklist, which provides a simple overview of symptoms so women can identify those that apply to them, and a symptoms tracker, meant to help women understand the impact endometriosis symptoms have on their daily lives.

"AbbVie is proud to work with Julianne Hough and to make this education campaign possible," said Michael Norton, vice president, head of U.S. medical affairs at AbbVie. "Although endometriosis cannot be cured, the pain associated with endometriosis can be managed upon proper diagnosis.  With the 'Get in the Know about ME in EndoMEtriosis' campaign, our hope is to educate about endometriosis and empower women to engage in dialogue with physicians, family and friends to help bring awareness to symptoms and change the way the disease is understood."

For more information, visit MEinEndo.com and join the conversation online by sharing #MEinEndo.

About Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to that normally found in the uterus begins to grow outside of the uterus, leading to long-term pelvic pain (during or between periods), pain with intercourse and other painful symptoms⁴.  These growths are called lesions and can occur on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or other areas near the uterus, such as the bowel or bladder^5,6. There is no cure for endometriosis, and the associated pain is currently managed with oral contraceptives, progestins, danazol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and GnRH agonists, many of which are not specifically indicated for the treatment of endometriosis. In more extensive cases, surgical interventions (e.g., laparotomy or laparoscopy) are often pursued, and may not be curative for all individuals⁷.