My bleeding belly button was sign of a rare condition

A MUM-OF-TWO was diagnosed with a rare form of endometriosis after she started bleeding from her belly button.

- By NIAMH GREEN, KATE MCMULLIN

Ceri Bruinsma, 43, was referred to the gynaecology department at Liverpool Women’s Hospital after years of fighting for answers to the cause of debilitating symptoms.

After having the contraceptive implant removed in 2020, the mum-of-two started bleeding from her belly button, with the bleeding getting heavier during each menstrual period, until she began to pass blood clots.

She also experienced symptoms such as swelling to her stomach, weight gain, extreme fatigue and pain.

She said: “I've always had erratic and extremely painful periods, not being able to get out of bed. That was just a normal period for me.