What are my rights when it comes to getting diagnosed?

[JessFB]

For years I have had irregular periods. Sometimes they're really late, sometimes they're early, sometimes I miss them, and sometimes I think I've missed them only for them to show up really late. They're also very heavy and painful on the first day, and I have other symptims like acne and excessive body hair, and sometimes I have pain in my lower body which I think might be cysts.

The thing is, about 2 years ago I called my GP about this to see if I could get diagnosed, and they told me they wouldn't test me for it if I wasn't trying to concieve a child. Yet there are other people in the UK not interested in concieving who have been diagnosed. I really want to get diagnosed and treated for what I'm very sure is PCOS because I don't want to suffer with these symptoms, and I definitely don't want to end up developing diabetes or cancer from it if it's left untreated.

So what are my rights to getting diagnosed here in the UK? And is it worth seeing if I can change my GP if they still refuse to help me just because I don't want to get pregnant?

[Elmo13]

Hi Jess,

Sorry you’re going through this. Your GP does not sound supportive at all.

PCOS is a chronic condition and has possible long term consequences (leaving aside the potential impact when trying to get pregnant). I don’t understand why your GP is not willing to help you manage this. There are clear guidelines and recommendations on NICE. You should really be investigated and diagnosed, and then any symptoms managed.

I would speak to your practice again, or could you see a different doctor at the practice? Don’t be afraid to insist that your legitimate concerns are taken seriously and not simply dismissed.

Best of luck. X

[JessFB in reply to Elmo13]

I spoke to a GP today and told them about my worried, and they agreed to give me some tests. I'm a bit nervous about getting a blood test because I'm worried they'll discover something very serious like cancer (I worry a lot about skin cancer because I keep getting freckles and moles even on parts of me that haven't been out in the sun). I just hope I'm just worrying too much.