Unsure of symptoms I’ve developed in the past year - GP dismissed symptoms so I’m not sure what this is or what to do.

[caoilimc]

Hi everyone,

Am wondering if someone can help me, sorry in advance for the long post!

So I’m 22 and previously had manageable symptoms during my cycle. However since jan 2020 my symptoms during my cycle have changed drastically. I now experience extreme pain around ovulation, and also in the days before my period, in my abdomen/back/legs. Also pre-period I have extreme bloating and severe mood swings (depression/anxiety/annoyance). All of these continue through my period week, just much more severe. I also have extreme nausea/discomfort - last month I threw up 10 times just on day 1 of my period. This all means i have to block out minimum a week each month for dealing with my symptoms which I don’t feel is manageable long term.

As this was new to me, I started tracking my symptoms, however due to covid I delayed seeing someone about this (yes I know I shouldn’t have waited so long!). On the ‘bright side’ at least I have a long record of symptoms to present to my GP(or so I thought....). However, when I finally got in contact with my GP, my symptoms were dismissed as average/‘normal’. I was told to try symptomatic management (yoga/ginger tea), despite me insisting I had been doing that since this started last year with no avail. What really annoyed me though was when the GP asked me to keep a diary for a few months and then come back. At that point in the call I hadn’t yet told her that I’d already been keeping a diary, but when I did say that, her reaction was literally just ‘oh ok’ - and then she moved on to telling me to drink tea again. Despite just telling me how useful it would be for her to see a diary!!!! At this point I was getting quite upset so I wrapped up the call with the hopes of trying a different doctor next time. I’m quite discouraged though. I was also told that since I’m not currently sexually active they won’t even consider me for the pill or anything. So I’m not sure what to do, or what to say to a new doctor when I see one. I know there can be bad side effects from the pill but surely something is worth a shot given the pain I’m in, especially as the only reason they said no was because I’m not sexually active, as that could change next week (it won’t lol, but you get my point haha).

Pls can someone offer advice on how to speak to a GP about this? I’m not even sure what ‘this’ is that I’m experiencing- I wonder it might be endometriosis but of course with lack of support from my doctor, I have no idea what might be happening. I just know it’s not normal for me and I worry that somethings ‘gone wrong’ somehow, and that’s why I’m suddenly experiencing these severe symptoms. Thank you so much in advance.

[Climberjo]

Hi, I'm extremely new to this community, but wanted to offer some support. I obviously can offer no diagnosis (I wish I could).

I think your tactics were right- a diary of symptoms is always beneficial to refer to. My experience has been feeling 'fobbed off' from when I started my periods at 13 to now, I'm 40 next month. Sadly, symptoms we tell doctors often result in a 'yes love, periods are uncomfortable, just put up with it like everyone else'.

I would suggest speaking to friends and asking if they have found a good gp to talk to, then actually telling the GP you can't cope with symptoms and that you're thinking it might be endometriosis. Unfortunately you have to keep pestering until something happens. You can always ask to see a specialist, like a gynaecologist, if you can't get the answers you need.

I wish you lots of luck!

[MissPickles]

Scans and referrals are expensive so unfortunately there are some doctors who will send patients away the first few times in the hope the symptoms resolve, so it can be just a case of going back next month, and the month after and saying I've done everything you told me and this isnt improving!. Sometimes they will tell you the same thing again and you do have to politely say, thankyou but you said that last time and Im still suffering. They are human and want to be seen as experts and not be told they are wrong!

If you can, then book in with someone different next time. GPs are often looking for key words and phrases to trigger action, so instead of describing periods as very painful, explain they are stopping you from working or doing your daily activities, also make sure to say this is a new thing, as they are more likely to see a change in your cycle as something that needs investigating.

Keep it short and factual, and try writing down your key symptoms in advance and maybe picking out three that are the most significant. If they want more info they will ask.

I've never known a GP to refuse the pill because someone wasnt sexually active, it is commonly used to stabilise period problems so if its something you want to try please do ask them. But bear in mind the pill is only going to mask your symptoms, yes it might make you more comfortable but ideally they should also refer you for a scan to check for cysts or fibroids etc

Its horrible that you have been suffering so long and have to 'start at the beginning'so to speak, but hopefully at the next appointment you will be taken seriously. I did mention to someone else there is a service called Livi.co.uk where you can see a GP by video call 7 days a week for £29, and is definitely worth considering if you are struggling to get anywhere with your registered GP.

Good luck please let us know how you get on

[Clare2398]

Hi, I would definitely say try another doctor! Your symptoms sound pretty similar to how mine were before my referral, pain in the same places, nausea and vomiting etc.. I know it can be discouraging to get so easily dismissed (I had 8 years of it) but you really have to push them sometimes and really drive home how much your symptoms are affecting your life. Someone will listen but you have to keep looking and advocating for yourself, good luck! 🤞🏻