Self diagnosis - period issues since teenager

[clairepaige]

Hello! I've made this account cause I'm really struggling with periods and I have since I was a young teen (my first period at 9). I've always suffered with my periods being heavy and the cramp is unbearable to the point of not being able to move. I've been back and forth to doctors and hospitals for my issues, but as usual I'm often dismissed as being too young (I am 24 now...) to receive any treatment to which I've convinced myself it being endometriosis. As I've gotten older my ailments have become worse; I now suffer from hormone migraines the day before which really knocks me out feeling sick, my periods are often irregular, I find sex painful and uncomfortable, the week of my period (often 9 days long) is heavy and painful and I feel so out of sorts from cramp, back pain, dizziness and fatigue. I've been to so many doctors and had examinations and been put on various pills and I seem to get nowhere and then forgotten about because the pill I use doesn't agree with me and they don't seem to know what to do with me. Honestly, I really struggle every month and working is difficult to not have to take a week of every month. I feel embarrassed and often like it's all in my head, especially when doctors don't know what to do with me. I just want to know that I'm not alone...

[luli26]

Hi! You're absolutely not alone! So many of us start to think maybe it's all in our heads - this is a reflection of the way women are treated when it comes to their health, not of you. I would go back to the doctor, tell them this is having a huge impact on your quality of life and that you would like to explore the possibility of endometriosis - list all the symptoms you have (you can check these against the symptoms on endometriosis UK website) and make sure they know that they are affecting your relationships and work-life. Insist that you deserve a good quality of life. I have spent years being fobbed off and I get so cross and upset to read all the myriad ways women are being let down and allowed to just suffer. You deserve better. If your GP won't listen, ask to see another one. I really hope you can make some progress and that you are strengthened to fight for yourself on this one. Good luck x

[Elephy]

Hi I am self diagnosed as well. I am 27, going through similar experiences. Have had the worst period pain since I was around 13 and on some occasions have vomited and have nearly fainted. At least one day out the month I can't leave my bed with the pain.

I also worry that I can't get pregnant, I'm so concerned about this.

Currently waiting on a gynecologist appointment as I just want a diagnosis so I know.

You are definitely not alone

[Hidden]

Your story sounds identical to mine. Periods started at age 9-10 and were unbearable from the start. The dizziness and 'flu' like hormonal feelings were almost as bad as the cramps. I eventually tried to get a diagnosis, long, long wait and had a laparoscopy. No endometriosis was found and I was dismissed. Tried the acids to stop bleeding, pills, but like you get migraines so can't take the full pill. Things settled a little, I had a child, then they started getting worse. Recently, I've been having irregular periods, horrendous cramps, spotting. I've just had more scans and an endometrial biopsy was done and that came back clear. Their solution was to put the Mirena coil in. I'm going to see how that goes. I wonder could it be Adenomyosis? Sorry not much advice to offer. I hope you get some answers, it's utterly debilitating and even worse when they make you feel like it's in your head. Hopefully they've given you adequate pain management at least x

[sammyslime]

hi ladies. I did a self diagnostic as I've been suffering since I was 11 and I'm 40 this year. it's wasn't until I had a child in 2017 (I'm one of the lucky ones) that it all became very clear somthing is not right. I too was fobbed off.... try this pill try that pill... its ibs. some women are just unlucky. but Dec 2019 I went in and was firm with the doc and said no more. I think it's endometriosis and I need it sorting. I got transfered to a gyni and I'm now waiting on a lacocoscapy to confirm it. yes it's taken 12 months but I'm finally on a path to diagnosis. don't let a doc fob you off. stay strong and it will happen to get the support you need. I wish you all the luck in the world. xxx what your going through is real, its not in your head and it's bloody hard to live with. x