Does this sound like Endometriosis?

[FairyCakes7]

Hi,

I wondered if any of you ladies could help.

I have been suffering with my periods and pain for many years. Doctors did an ultrasound around 15 years ago which came back with one ovary quite a bit larger than the other, nothing much was said about this and as I was only a teenager I did not question this or take it any further. I started my period when I was around 10 years old and have always suffered from painful, heavy periods, they have never been on time, always a bit all over the place.

Around 3 years ago my periods stopped completely. I visited the doctor on a few occasions but they just always put it down to my weight and did not do any tests. Around 2 years ago I started having these very painful flare-ups in my abdomen which have become increasingly worse, now causing severe pain in my ribs, around my back and sometimes in my shoulder (while still in my abdomen) as the doctors keep sending me away, I eventually gave up and have been putting it down to diet (eating the wrong things, maybe IBS) but then 3 months ago, my periods started again and I have noticed that around this time I have these flare-ups, and am now wondering if this could be period related? I have been googling and Endometriosis has come up quite a few times. I plan on going to the doctors again once things have settled down but were just wondering in the meantime what you ladies think? Does it sound like it? has anyone has similar?

Thank you so much if you have read this far

[Moon_maiden]

When you speak to GP ask for a gynaecology referral. If you research local consultants see who’s had experience of endo and ask if you can be referred to them. At least it may save some time if they didn’t think so.

The only true way to tell is a laparoscopy.

I wouldn’t worry about waiting, your GP is still operating and referrals are going through.

Alternatively if you can afford it and want to speed a diagnosis up, have an initial consultation privately.

I’m not sure how old you are, but don’t let your GP put you off from that perspective.

[FairyCakes7 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you for your reply. I will definitely push for a referral when I go back. X