Working as an Ecologist with Chronic Health Conditions
When people imagine a career in ecology or conservation, they often picture long days in the field, muddy boots, and early morning surveys in all weather. And yes, that’s often part of it, but so is adaptability, collaboration, and resilience.
I have recently been diagnosed with endometriosis, adenomyosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These are chronic reproductive health conditions that affect 1 in 10 women in the UK, and yet they’re still completely misunderstood, especially when it comes to the workplace.
Despite all this, I’m continuing to build a rewarding, meaningful career as an ecological consultant, and while I am still learning how to manage these conditions, I want to share my story to reassure others that you absolutely can thrive in a green career…even with chronic health challenges!
What Are These Conditions, and How Do They Affect Me?
Endometriosis & Adenomyosis
A condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows in other areas of the body where it shouldn’t (endometriosis), and sometimes within the womb/uterus muscles (adenomyosis), causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes organ complications. Symptoms can include:
- Debilitating abdominal pain and swelling
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
- Brain fog
- Fertility issues
- Persistent bleeding
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries work. It can cause:
- Irregular periods
- Hormonal imbalances & mood swings
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
How It Affects Work – Let’s Be Honest
There are definitely days where these conditions make things harder. Whether it’s managing fatigue and brain fog during office days, or dealing with pain while out on site, it’s something I have to consider in my day-to-day life.
Site work can be physically demanding, and unpredictable symptoms sometimes mean I need to adapt my workload or communicate openly with colleagues about what I’m dealing with.
Office work isn’t always easier; chronic fatigue and pain don’t just disappear when you’re sitting at a desk. But flexible working, a compassionate team, and pacing myself have all helped me to continue doing what I love; I work as are part of a team and the benefits of that are that we can support each other when we need to.
Why Ecology Still Works For Me!
Despite the challenges, working as an ecologist can still be an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable career.
Here’s why:
- Hybrid and flexible working is common in consultancy, meaning I can balance rest and work more effectively
- The work is quite diverse, which keeps me motivated even on tough days
- The sector increasingly values wellbeing and inclusion, making it easier to speak openly about your health needs; and
- You’re not expected to be on site every day; many roles have a mix of fieldwork, reporting, and analysis!
More than anything, I’ve realised that being open, building support networks, and listening to my body are key. You don’t have to just ‘power through’ everything, and you certainly don’t need to give up your passion!
A Message to Others Living with Chronic Conditions
If you’ve recently been diagnosed, or you’re struggling with chronic symptoms and worrying about how that fits into a green career, please know this:
- You can still have an amazing career in ecology or conservation. You are not defined, or limited, by your health condition.
- Yes, it may take extra planning, and yes, you may need to advocate for yourself more than others, but it’s worth it. Green careers are ones which welcome passion, purpose, and people who care deeply about the world around them. There’s space in it for you, exactly as you are.
For more information on endometriosis and other chronic women’s health conditions, visit this link:
What is endometriosis? | Endometriosis UK
Uploaded: 18/03/26