Naga Munchetty has provided an update on her "debilitating" womb condition. The 51 year old was diagnosed with adenomyosis in 2023, a condition that causes her pain so severe that she is unable to function at times.

There is no cure or even treatment for the condition. It can be managed with hormones or a hysterectomy, but the latter is only effective if the condition is "only in the uterus". Naga, who says she has endured "debilitating and horrendous pain since" she was 15, was informed the hysterectomy "might help" but the condition had already spread to other parts of the body. Adenomyosis is thought to affect around one in 10 women but often goes undiagnosed.

The BBC Breakfast and Radio 5 Live presenter now wants to see greater education about menstruation and what are the signs of normal and abnormal periods. She says youngsters are taught that periods are "a few teaspoons of blood over three to five days" but not what to do if someone experiences more than that, or if they are in extreme pain.

Speaking to The I, Naga said: "I still experience prolonged bleeding. It helps that I am on HRT, as I am perimenopausal, so my hormone levels are being managed more carefully."

"My doctor recently asked me what it is like, and comparing with what it used to be like, I said: 'It's not that heavy.' Her response was: 'Naga, that is heavy'." Naga revealed she was subsequently sent for blood tests and questioned about her energy levels. She explained that she had always struggled with anaemia throughout her life, something she now understands is linked to the heavy bleeding.

She has previously spoken candidly about how she would find herself "normalising the pain" she would endure, even fainting on occasions. Speaking to The Times, she said: "You become conditioned to accept extreme pain with adenomyosis."

"I have probably got endometriosis as well. If you're curled up on the floor screaming, sweating, flooding, passing out, vomiting, that is debilitating. But you end up normalising that pain. It can come at any time, but you put it in a box and you get on with your job - that's what most women do when they're in pain."

Naga has utilised her public profile to help raise awareness and encourage those in a similar situation to seek medical assistance. She now wants to see greater emphasis placed on the manner in which women are referred and treated.

She added: "So many women are told that 'it's probably nothing' by doctors; they need to be empowered to flag concerns about their health and they should expect to be heard - and treated if necessary."

Since choosing to speak out about her difficulties, Naga has authored a book, 'It's Probably Nothing', which explores the way women's health is managed. She reveals she has received messages from women who have read it and decided to book a GP appointment, something she describes as a "massive achievement".

Adenomyosis develops when the womb's lining penetrates the muscular wall, frequently resulting in heavy periods, intense cramping, bloating and discomfort during routine activities. Although the condition is not life-threatening, it can significantly diminish a sufferer's quality of life.