After years of competing at the highest level, Ane Santesteban was forced to listen to the signs of her body. The Olympic cyclist revealed the health problem that affected her season and how she has learned to manage it. It’s a story that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable, as she opens up about her silent fight with endometriosis.
## Santesteban breaks the taboo and speaks without filters
Santesteban, a key rider for the Laborkutxateam, had a difficult 2024 season after years of competing at the top level with Team Jayco Alula. She had achieved impressive results, including sixth place in the Tour of Spain in 2022, eighth in the Tour in 2023, and tenth in the same year. However, despite her success, she was struggling with a health issue that was affecting her performance without her knowing the cause.
Recently, Santesteban shared on social media the diagnosis she finally received: “On October 31, during an annual gynecological review, they found a cyst in the ovary and endometriosis. It’s clear that anything that ends in OSIS isn’t good, but in my case, it was a relief. I had been experiencing pain and feeling unwell for months, visiting doctors to try and find a diagnosis and solution.”
Santesteban’s decision to speak publicly about her struggle with endometriosis is a brave one, especially given the stigma that still surrounds women’s health issues. She admitted that she initially considered keeping her diagnosis private, feeling ashamed to discuss female health issues like hormones and ovaries. However, she ultimately decided to share her story to “normalize” the topic, raise awareness, and potentially help other women who may be going through similar experiences.
What’s striking about Santesteban’s story is how her symptoms were initially misattributed to mental pressure or a lack of endurance. As she noted, “Most people blamed my low performance on something mental, not being able to handle the ‘pressure’ of running in the home team. Without realizing that I was putting pressure on myself, here or in any other team, because I like to perform.” It wasn’t until she visited a gynecologist that the true cause of her pain and discomfort was discovered.
The diagnosis was a turning point for Santesteban, who was prescribed the pill to manage her symptoms. While it doesn’t solve the problem, her gynecologist emphasized the importance of “quality of life.” For Santesteban, the treatment has made a significant difference, alleviating the debilitating pain she was experiencing and allowing her to regain her confidence on the bike.
As she navigates this new chapter in her career, Santesteban has been educating herself about endometriosis, reading up on the latest studies and research. She’s discovered the importance of food and supplementation in managing her symptoms and is eager to share her findings with others. Through her courageous decision to speak out, Santesteban is helping to break down stigmas surrounding women’s health and inspiring others to prioritize their well-being. As she expressed gratitude to those who have supported her, it’s clear that her journey is not only about her own healing but also about creating a ripple effect of awareness and understanding.