Hi there
This is my first post here & am looking for advice.
I am 35 yrs old & have had normal regular periods from the age of 13 and two normal pregnancies in the last 5 years (no problems conceiving etc).
However, in the last year I have been getting all the symtoms of Endo with long, heavy, painful periods & horrendous pain in my lower back that does not go away without prescription painkillers. I sometimes bleed after sex too. I've seen GPs a number of times, but they've just suggested it's hormonal & I should go on the Pill. I've also had ultrasound scans - cysts, fibroids etc have been ruled out. As I'm undecided about any more children I'm reluctant to take the Pill at the moment & believe there's more of an underlying problem like Endo that is being overlooked.
What I wanted to know is - can you get Endo later on in your 30s having had no problems previously, & how do you convince a GP to take you seriously?? I now dread each month as it's getting worse & really affecting everyday life.
Thanks in advance x
Dear MEvans123,
Welcome to the forum.
I'm sorry you are experiencing symptoms of Endometriosis and that this is affecting your lifestyle. Unfortunately Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of a childbearing age, and can develop at any time.
With regards to your GP, It can be difficult to remember everything you want to say, so I feel it's best to go armed with as much information as possible.
Endometriosis UK, the charity, have lots of useful information on their website about visiting your doctor, diagnosis and treatment, which you can download.
This questionnaire may help you get your thoughts in order for when you visit your doctor:
endometriosis-uk.org/sites/...
This pain diary may also be useful:
endometriosis-uk.org/sites/...
We also have a free confidential helpline, run by volunteers, if you feel you need to talk to someone. You can find the opening times here:
endometriosis-uk.org/helpline
I hope this helps and do let us know how you get on.
Take care.
RicEndoUK
Volunteer Moderator