Students (from left) Shruti Musani, Akshadha Ghantasala, Ishana Khurana, Kashvi Gupta and Aanya Mehta are working on a project about the effects of endometriosis.

One in 10 women suffer from endometriosis, and it typically takes 7-10 years to diagnose.

Those statistics were enough to prompt a group of Hopkinton High School students to launch a community awareness campaign about the topic. The project is featured as part of the Health Occupations Students of America Future Health Professionals (HOSA) program.

Sophomore Kashvi Gupta, along with Shruti Musani, Askshadha Ghantasala, Ishana Khurana and Aanya Mehta created “SPEAK for Endo” (Spread Public Awareness & Kindness) to talk to the community about this chronic condition.

“Not a lot is known about the severity of the condition,” Gupta said. “I do know people with it, and we wanted to focus on something that does not get talked about enough.”

Endometriosis involves tissue like the uterus lining growing outside of it. Symptoms include pelvis pain, heavy bleeding and fatigue, which can get worse during menstrual periods.

The condition can also affect other organs and result in infertility. Gupta explained that any woman or girl with periods can experience endometriosis. For some, it can significantly interfere with daily life.

Since the fall, the HHS students have been spreading awareness through fundraising and communication with community members and their peers.

For example, a Wellness Night at the library attracted 50 attendees. Gupta said the well-received event started with a game focusing on misconceptions about endometriosis. The students also gave a presentation and answered questions.

“Most of the [attendees] did not know much about endometriosis and were glad to learn about it,” Gupta said.

The students also held a heat pack workshop at the public library. Group members helped people make heat packs out of fabric and rice, as heat is one of the most common and effective ways to manage endometriosis pain.

“We wanted them to have a way to manage their pain at home with something reusable and accessible,” Gupta said.

The HOSA members also spoke on the topic to peers in the high school’s RAD self-defense program, were featured on the school’s TV show, held a bake sale and are running a social media campaign (Instagram @s.p.e.a.k_for_endo or bit.ly/speakforendo).

Rosie’s Place, a women’s shelter in Boston, benefited from the group’s period product drive, held at the high school and public library.

“The products are important because many people can’t afford them. Having access to period products is essential for managing endometriosis symptoms and maintaining health during menstruation,” she noted.

Gupta said medical professionals often deem the symptoms as “normal,” and patients mistakenly think they must live with endometriosis without any relief.

“I want [women] to know, ‘You know your body best,’ and you must advocate for yourself,” Gupta said. “Although there is no cure for it, there are ways to care for it better.”

A member of HOSA since seventh grade, the sophomore is interested in a health career, as she enjoys helping people and being involved in the community with the organization.

When the project is completed, Gupta said the group is eager to continue its efforts.

“It’s a cause we really care about,” she said.