Help

[GardenRose29]

Hi, so I’m just looking for a little bit of advice. Basically I’ve had a lot of problems over the last few years with my periods and I don’t seen to be getting anywhere with the doctors. Things I’ve read online all seem to kind of point towards endometriosis. Everything had sort of settled down for a little while and weren’t so bad but now they’re starting up again and I was wondering what others that have endometriosis think. Basically before I get my period I get really bad heartburn for about a week, I get extremely tired, legs cramp up loads and then I get a super heavy period with lots of cramps. This time my period has lasted 11 days and still going. I have the doctors again in the morning and going to mention again but yeah just really looking for some advice :(. Thanks in advance x

[Aisha12]

I didn’t even know what endometriosis was until I was 26 and it was suggested 6 months before my surgery that I might have it. That too because of a cyst that was blood filled which was indicative of endometriosis. They asked if I had painful periods to which I replied yes. I’ve always had bad period pain, starting 3/4 days before my period. Like you mentioned, sore legs, I’d have headaches, feel sickly, backpains, cramps. It was awful, but when I was in my teens I was fobbed off from my doctor saying most women get bad period pains, just get on with it. It’s a shame that my Endo had to reach a severe stage for it to get recognised. You should defo push for investigations in this x

[JulesUK]

It could be endo or could be something like fibroids. You really need to insist on a referral and get a specialist opinion. Best wishes. x

[_EndoWarrior_]

Sounds like you definitely need to be referred to a gynaecologist. Do your research on your local hospital gynaecologists ie. word of mouth recommendations, online reviews or even through this site.

Not all gynaecologists are experienced enough to recognise Endometriosis if it is that. Your GP should start off with a Pap smear. Have you already had one? Was the result normal?

Once you get a referral from your GP (you can choose your gynaecologist through the NHS’s ‘The Right to Choose’ process) the diagnostic process starts off, for me anyway, with a gynaecologist doing a manual examination to feel the internal organs. Then I had a Transvaginal Ultrasound which picked up a huge uterine fibroid, Endometriomas etc and possible signs of Endometriosis. After that had a laparoscopy to definitively confirm Endometriosis diagnosis and then you may want a Pelvic MRI to check spread of Endometriosis or other issue if any.

You want some reassurance and a diagnosis which is normal as it’s the not knowing which can be worrying. The sooner you find out the sooner you can get the treatment you need.

One thing I would like to say is, if your gynaecologist does confirm Endometriosis and mentions ‘ablation’ this is a ‘Red Flag’ as this does not stop it. Neither does The Pill .... simply masks the pain of Endometriosis and minimises menstrual bleeding in some cases. Some say it slows the growth of Endometriosis but does not stop it.

Goodluck!!!

[Lcbxo]

This could be written by me. I sympathise, it’s horrible. I’m in the process of seeing doctors again for these problems that I’ve had for years, so we’re in the same boat. I’ve blamed myself for my symptoms for years and it really takes a toll on you. Your GP should send you for a scan to start with, which can show endo but usually it doesn’t, so keep going with the investigations x