Is it important to get a diagnosis of endo?

Hi all, I have had suspicions for some time that I have endometriosis, and am just wondering how important it is to get a confirmation / diagnosis?

My symptoms are: Heavy bleeding (I am 39, and my periods started at 15, and were so heavy I had to change sanitary towels every hour and stay off school. This did reduce after a few years, but apart from when on contraception, they are still much heavier than 'normal'), irregular periods, and the most recent symptom, which just started about 15 months ago, intense lower pelvic pain in the week running up to my period, just after a bowel movement.

I also suffer from other health conditions which may or may not be linked (IBS, and chronic pain / chronic mypfascial pain, general fatigue).

I have done a little research in to the treatments available, and I am not keen on any of the drug therapies. I mentioned my concerns to my GP a few times, and she just said to keep an on the symptoms, and can refer me to a gyno if things persist / worsen. With all my other ongoing health issues, I have just left it at that, but I do worry, that there are implications of leaving it untreated, and possibly there is a link between endo and chronic pain conditions...?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[JeanOsborne]

Hi endo is a chronic illness in itself. If left undiagnosed and untreated it will just continue to progress. The Ibs chronic pain and fatigue are all symptoms of endo as well as things like nausea flu like symptoms bloating, the list really does go on but every women is different. The only real way to diagnose/confirm endo is by having a laparoscopy. Which I know is not ideal but it's actually not as bad as you might think. Ultimately the decision is yours and you have to do what is right for you. I fought for nearly 30 years trying to to find out what was wrong with me. When I had my lap last year it was almost a relief to know I wasn't mad or making it all up. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[carolineeballard]

Having the hormone treatments are meant to slow down the growth of endometriosis. And I suffer with fatigue with my endo. I think it is quite a common symptom and your fatigue may also be caused by the endo?

I knew I had endometriosis because my mum, auntie and cousin have it. And I put off going to a doctor for about 8 years because I felt like "what's the point, they can't cure it"

I think most ladies fight for a diagnosis so they know their not going crazy and that there is a reason for their pain and other symptoms.

Think it really all depends on where you are in your life and what touch want. I went for surgery because of was scared endo could be destroying my ovaries and I do want to have children in the future.

And since my surgery the pain I used to have every single day has more or less gone.