Black History of Health: Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry started acting with her older sister, Tamera from an early age. When they were 12, it only took a month for them to get their first acting roles. However, most people know them for playing the Landry twins on the television show, ‘Sister, Sister’, where they played twins who had been separated at birth. Over time, they went on to star in other roles where they played twins. As they got older, though, Tia pursued more acting roles on her own. These include the television show, ‘The Game’ and movies like ‘The Hot Chick’.

Another thing Tia didn’t get to share with her sister is her endometriosis diagnosis. While she suffered from the symptoms for years in her 20s, it took years for her to get an official diagnosis.

In her interview with ‘Prevention’, she shared her frustration with not being believed about her issues even though the gynecologist who finally diagnosed her said she was “a textbook case.”

Fortunately, she started treatment and has gone on to have two children she never thought she would.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that is usually inside the uterus grows in other areas of the reproductive system. This errant tissue is a problem because it responds to the hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle in the same way that normal endometrial tissue does.

As you menstruate, the abnormal tissue will expand and bleed, causing pain and irritation wherever it’s located.

While endometriosis typically affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, and outer surface of the uterus, there are cases where you can have issues in the bladder, cervix, vulva, and intestines.

If you have endometriosis, a few of the symptoms you can experience are fatigue, bloating, constipation, painful periods, and pain during sex.