How to Talk about Endometriosis, EMPOWRment, and Embracing the Everyday with Ciji Castro on WFLA’s “Maggie & The Moms”
This week, as the Domestic Gourmet founder and Endometriosis Foundation of America ambassador, I appeared on WFLA’s “Maggie & The Moms” Daytime TV show. Maggie Rodriguez, Mahogany Kids founder Kiva Williams, Bloom’s Gayle Guyardo, and I gathered for a powerful and heartfelt conversation. I think we successfully blended advocacy, honesty, and a bit of fun!
As a warrior who’s battled endometriosis for over 30 years, I opened up about the importance of educating young people on the signs and symptoms of endometriosis. A condition that affects more than 1 in 10, and possibly up to 18% of those born with a uterus. “The earlier we talk about it, the earlier we can act,” I emphasized, sharing how it took 20 years to be diagnosed, another 10 years to receive proper treatment, and how I have endured multiple surgeries, seven miscarriages, and lengthy hospitalizations throughout my Endo journey.
How to Bring Health Advocacy in Schools: The ENPOWR Project
Representing the ENPOWR Project, I shared the organization’s mission to bring endometriosis education into high schools nationwide, arming students with knowledge and self-advocacy skills. “We want to give young people the language to describe what they’re going through—and the courage to speak up.”
How to Break the Stigma Around Menstrual Health
The episode tackles the stigma that still surrounds menstrual health conversations. I often encourage parents to speak openly with their children. “Women’s health should never be taboo,” I said. “Talk freely and without shame; it’s how we can break generational cycles of silence and misunderstanding.”
A Lighthearted Look at Love and Marriage
Of course, it wasn’t all serious! The panel also shared some lighter moments, including a lively discussion on flirting with your husband (I definitely still do!) and the idea of a “honey don’t list”—to which I responded, “I don’t have one. I accept help wherever I can get it!”
Gratitude to WFLA and a Mission to Keep Talking
Thank you to Maggie Rodriguez and my friends at WFLA! Thank you for giving me the platform to share my story and advocate for those still searching for answers. Endometriosis is ranked among the 20 most painful conditions on record, with an average diagnosis delay of ten years. Every conversation brings us closer to awareness, compassion, and change.
As WFLA shared in their caption:
“No topic should be taboo when it comes to your children. We share a video from the Endometriosis Foundation of America that underscores that message, along with our panelist Ciji Castro’s firsthand experience with the disease, which is not widely understood, talked about or diagnosed until years after onset.”
From raising awareness to keeping it real, Ciji Castro continues to lead with heart—and humor.
💛 Join the Movement
👇 We’d love to hear from you!
Have you or someone you love been impacted by endometriosis?
How are you helping to break the stigma around menstrual health?
Share your story or thoughts in the comment section below.
Let’s break the silence together—one story, one student, one shared moment at a time. 💛
#EndoAwareness #DomesticGourmet #ENPOWRProject #WomensHealth #StartTheConversation #PeriodPositive #EndoFound
Follow along at @domesticgourmet for more about my journey, wellness inspiration, and ways to advocate for endometriosis awareness through education, food, and fearless conversation.
✨ About the Author: Ciji Castro
Ciji Castro is a passionate wellness advocate, mother, endometriosis warrior, and founder of Domestic Gourmet—a lifestyle brand blending healing, heritage, and flavor. After battling Stage IV endometriosis for over 30 years, enduring multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, Ciji has turned her personal journey into a mission to empower others through education, conversation, and clean, culturally-rooted cooking.
As an Ambassador for the Endometriosis Foundation of America and the ENPOWR Project, Ciji champions awareness by speaking candidly about women’s health, breaking menstrual stigmas, and encouraging young people to advocate for their bodies and well-being.
Through Domestic Gourmet, Ciji shares recipes inspired by her Cuban & Puerto Rican roots, including her signature product:
🌿 Domestic Gourmet Organic Annatto Oil (Aceite de Achiote)—a vibrant, all-natural cooking oil made with love, tradition, and ingredients you can trust.
Follow her journey on Instagram at @domesticgourmet and join a growing community that believes food is medicine, culture is power, and no one should suffer in silence.
