Endo Untangled

Dr Alecia Macrow GP with Cherie Noble EP

Unravels the complexities of endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain one conversation at a time. Join Dr Alecia Macrow, GP and founder of Thrive Family Practice, and Exercise Physiologist Cherie Noble, as they explore the tangled threads of pelvic pain with compassion, curiosity, and clinical insight. From hormones to hypermobility, trauma to treatment gaps, Endo Untangled dives into the real-life experiences and science behind one of the most misunderstood conditions in women’s health. We talk to experts, share stories, and challenge outdated thinking.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep 25: Why Is My Body Falling Apart But My Tests Are Normal? If you can't connect the issues, think connective tissues with Dr Fraser Burling Rheumatologist and Ehlers Danlos expert

    This is a special combined episode of Endo Untangled and the Australian POTS Foundation. We're joined by Dr Marie-Claire Seeley, CEO of the Australian POTS Foundation, and Dr Fraser Burling, New Zealand rheumatologist and internationally recognised expert in hypermobility and connective tissue disorders. Together we explore why connective tissue might be the missing link for some people living with invisible illness. We discuss hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, mast cell activation, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, POTS and why normal blood tests don't always mean nothing is wrong. Because sometimes, if you can't connect the issues, it's worth thinking about the connective tissues.

    55 min

  2. Jun 21

    Ep 24: The Diagnosis Behind the Diagnoses? MCAS, POTS, EDS & Endometriosis with Dr Alexis Cutchens

    Why do so many people with endometriosis also have food sensitivities, bloating, bladder symptoms, migraines, fatigue, POTS or hypermobility? Is it coincidence, or are we missing part of the picture? Recorded live at the 2026 Australian POTS Foundation Conference, we sat down with internationally recognised cardiologist Dr Alexis Cutchens to talk about mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), a topic many of us were never taught about, but one that keeps showing up in complex patients. We explore what mast cells actually do, why MCAS can look like much more than "just allergies", and why clinicians working in pelvic pain often find themselves learning about POTS, connective tissue disorders and immune dysfunction. Along the way, we discuss everything from heavy periods, bladder symptoms, medication sensitivities, hormones and pregnancy through to perimenopause, antihistamines, and the very real experience of patients who seem to collect diagnosis after diagnosis without anyone joining the dots. This is a conversation about curiosity and complexity. We don't have all the answers, but if you've ever wondered whether these conditions might be more connected than we realise, come along for this incredible ride!

    1h 7m

  3. Jun 21

    Ep 23: Why Do Humans Have Such Difficult Periods? with Evolutionary Biologist Dr Deena Emera.

    Why do we have periods at all, when most mammals don’t? In this episode we catch up with Dr. Deena Emera, evolutionary biologist and author of A Brief History of the Female Body, and look at menstruation through an evolutionary lens that shifts the usual framing. We unpack what’s actually happening between the brain, ovaries and uterus, and why menstruation may be less about a monthly inconvenience and more about an active, coordinated process. One of the more interesting ideas is the uterus behaving less like a passive lining and more like a kind of checkpoint, responding to what’s happening upstream. We also get into how far modern cycles have drifted from what the body likely evolved for. More cycles across a lifetime, higher hormone peaks, and a different symptom burden. That context matters when you’re thinking about pain, PMS, and conditions like endometriosis. If you work in this space, or you’re trying to make sense of your own cycle, have a listen to this great hour of evolutionary insight. Find Dr Emera's great book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Brief-History-Female-Body-Evolutionary/dp/1728275156 More on Prof Beverly Strassman: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/bis/

    46 min

  4. Jun 21

    Ep 22: When the Bladder Is Sensitive, But the Tests Are Normal, with Urogynaecologist Dr Tanaka Dune

    Why do so many people with pelvic pain feel like they have constant UTIs… even when the tests keep coming back negative? In this episode, we sit down with urogynecologist and pelvic floor expert A/Prof Tanaka Dune to unpack the incredibly complex world of bladder pain, urgency, frequency, pelvic floor dysfunction and the nervous system. We talk about: • why bladder pain is so often misunderstood • the overlap between pelvic floor tension, endometriosis, bowel symptoms and bladder symptoms • what urogynecologists actually do • why some people may have “UTI symptoms” without a standard urine test showing infection • the emerging science around the bladder microbiome • interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome • how stress, trauma, posture, gait, back pain and the pelvic floor all connect • common bladder irritants including caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks • why pelvic floor exams can be such a lightbulb moment for patients • and the surprisingly powerful role of mirrors in helping women reconnect with and understand their anatomy Tanaka brings a deeply compassionate and systems-based approach to pelvic pain care, and this conversation completely shifts the way you think about the bladder. This episode is for anyone living with bladder symptoms, recurrent “UTIs”, pelvic pain, painful sex, urgency/frequency, or clinicians wanting a better framework for understanding these presentations. You can find A/Prof Tanaka Dune online as “Dr Pelvic Floor”. Endo Untangled is hosted by Dr. Alecia Macrow and Cherie Noble. New episodes released fortnightly.

    1h 8m

  5. Jun 21

    Ep 21: The Biggest Questions in Endometriosis, Viewed Through a Microscope with Dr Rebecca Morrow

    Have you ever wondered how a pathologist actually decides whether tissue is endometriosis? Endometriosis is often described as “endometrial-like tissue” growing outside the uterus. But what does that really mean? What does endometriosis actually look like under the microscope? Where does it come from? And what can pathology tell us about this complex disease? Joining us is anatomical pathologist Dr Rebecca Morrow, who spends her days examining endometriosis, cancer and other complex gynaecological conditions under the microscope. Together, we tackle some of the biggest questions in endometriosis: • What are pathologists actually looking for when diagnosing endometriosis? • What does endometriosis look like under the microscope? • Where does it come from? • Why do pathology reports sometimes seem confusing? • Can endometriosis be missed? • How is endometriosis different from cancer, despite some surprising similarities? • What should patients know about their biopsy results? A fascinating conversation that takes us inside the pathology lab and offers a microscopic view of one of medicine’s most misunderstood conditions

    34 min

  6. Jun 21

    Ep 10: How this expert detects endo on ultrasound. Making the invisible visible with Ali Deslandes.

    If you’ve been told your ultrasound was normal but your pain isn’t, this episode is for you. Join us on Endo Untangled as Dr Alecia Macrow and Cherie Noble sit down with Alison Deslandes – clinical academic sonographer, endometriosis researcher and founder of Astute Ultrasound Education – to explore how advanced imaging is reshaping the diagnostic landscape for people living with endometriosis and pelvic pain. In this episode you’ll hear: ​Why a “normal” scan doesn’t always mean everything’s fine – and what to ask if the standard ultrasound isn’t giving you answers​How specialised transvaginal ultrasound protocols and the “sliding sign” technique help detect deep-disease and posterior pouch involvement that many imaging pathways miss. ​Who the hell is Douglas and why is he in my pelvis? and other anatomy including where to find the uterosacal ligaments and where exactly is the peritoneum in the pelvis.​The real-world impact of Australia’s new Medicare rebate for endometriosis imaging, and why access still hinges on finding ultrasound services with the right training and expertise. ​The emerging role of artificial intelligence in sonographer training – and what that could mean for future scans, reporting and surgical planning. Alison DeslandesWhether you’re a healthcare practitioner committed to improving care, a patient seeking better diagnostic clarity, or a partner navigating the care journey together – this episode offers practical insight, nuance and hope. Tune in, open your mind and equip yourself with the language and questions to get the ultrasound conversations you deserve.

    56 min

  7. Apr 13

    Ep 20: Pelvic Pain in a nutshell: not what you might think. Cherie interviews Dr Alecia, about how menstrual cycling, pelvic floor, bowels and nervous system collide.

    Pelvic pain isn’t driven by one thing. It’s multiple systems hitting each other and keeping pain in motion. In this episode, we zoom out and examine some of the main drivers of persistent pain and how they interact, in particular, our key swinging balls: menstrual cycling, bowels, pelvic floor and the nervous system. If you’ve tried everything and you’re still stuck, this is the episode to listen to.

    46 min

  8. Mar 26

    Ep 19: When the System Burns You Out: Pelvic Pain, Trauma & Safety with Laura Grace Psychologist.

    So much of pelvic pain care focuses on finding and fixing a single cause. But what happens when the system itself becomes part of the problem? In this episode, we’re joined by psychologist Laura Grace to explore:how the nervous system learns painwhy dismissal, delay, and fragmentation matterthe impact of trauma and “micro-traumas” in healthcarehow neurodivergence changes the way pain shows upand what it actually means to feel safe in your body again This is about making sense of pain, not dismissing it. About Laura Grace Laura Grace is a Brisbane-based registered psychologist with a focus on pelvic pain, chronic illness, and women’s health. She has training in both health and clinical psychology and works with patients navigating complex, long-standing conditions. Her approach is trauma-informed and centred on the nervous system, helping patients understand pain, build safety in the body, and make sense of their experiences. She supports people with persistent pelvic pain, medical trauma, neurodivergence, and the broader impacts of chronic illness. Laura Grace Psychology: https://www.lauragracepsychology.com.au Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia: https://www.pelvicpain.org.au NOI Group (pain science resources): https://www.noigroup.com

    51 min
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Trailer

About

Unravels the complexities of endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain one conversation at a time. Join Dr Alecia Macrow, GP and founder of Thrive Family Practice, and Exercise Physiologist Cherie Noble, as they explore the tangled threads of pelvic pain with compassion, curiosity, and clinical insight. From hormones to hypermobility, trauma to treatment gaps, Endo Untangled dives into the real-life experiences and science behind one of the most misunderstood conditions in women’s health. We talk to experts, share stories, and challenge outdated thinking.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Alecia Macrow GP with Cherie Noble EP
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr Alecia Macrow GP with Cherie Noble EP
  • Show Website
    Endo Untangled

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