A GP from Oldham has highlighted what she describes as 'poor' and 'unequal' health support for trans people when it comes to conditions such as endometriosis.

Trans men, who transition from female to male, are left with the lasting legacy of unequal health treatment they received as women, according to the leading women's health doctor.

Dr Anita Sharma claims trans men are left "even further down the pecking order" as they also face stigma when treated at certain surgeries and hospitals across the country.

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Dr Sharma, the founder of Endometriosis Awareness North charity, is encouraging healthcare professionals to "step-up" their care for trans people.

She said: "All of us in healthcare need to step into the shoes of our patients and show them empathy.

"For some trans people, life has already been mentally and physically traumatic, but they are then left nursing conditions from their previous gender.

"Society already pays pitiful attention to the millions of women with endometriosis.

"For those who have transitioned, there is the prospect of even less support and attention from all genders."

The charity, which works to support people with endometriosis, says it can take on average eight years for sufferers to receive a proper diagnosis.

The GP continued: "Given that one in 10 women have endometriosis, there is a fair chance that we are talking about thousands of people who are trans and have endometriosis.

"And if they feel stigmatised about this, what about cancer and other serious gynaecological conditions?

"Endometriosis Awareness North is committed to raise awareness and provide help and support to women, trans men, and non-binary people registered female at birth experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, their families and carers."

The battle to better treat endometriosis and support those with physical pain and mental health struggles will be taken to the streets of Greater Manchester on Saturday, March 3, at 11am.

Dr Sharma's charity will be pounding the picturesque Queen's Park in Heywood to raise cash to fund research into the condition and support those living with it.

The team will also be there to raise awareness of the painful condition which is so misunderstood that respondents to a survey said they were told they had a throat infection.

Dr Sharma added: "Just as pink has become synonymous with breast cancer, we will be donning bright yellow to catch the eye.

"So, you are sure to spot us.

“Endometriosis is not a women’s problem, it is a human one, that affects the families and friends of those with it and indeed our trans and non-binary communities.

"Together, let us beat it.”

Got a health story? Email me olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk