weird periods - what shall I ask the GP?

[frazzled09]

For the last couple of years (after first baby) my periods have gone haywire, and increasingly so. I'm getting one every month, but it has an odd pattern: arrives with a bang for a couple of days, then tails off for 3-4 days (but still sufficiently there to be annoying - not spotting), then by Day 7/8 it really gets going, badly enough to make it hard to get into work, and carrying on til Day 12 or Day 14. So I'm on for two weeks out of every four basically. Accompanied with nausea and pain.

The last time I asked the GP, she just put me on the pill. Which did stop the peridos altogether, but made me feel so robotic - miserable and no libido, snappy with everyone (I gave it 6 packs to be sure it wasn't a temporary thing).

I'm back at the GP next week - what should I be asking for? I want to know why I'm bleeding 2 weeks out of 4 in such an odd pattern, and not just cover it up with hormones.

[buildingmycorestrength]

Hey, I don't necessarily know what you need to ask for but it sounds like there may be enough there to warrant further investigation of some kind. I went to the go when I had a tiny amount of blood at ovulation a couple of times, and was immediately sent for an ultrasound to check all well (which it was). Hopefully someone else will have more of a clue than me!

[Squeegle]

I would think that you should be sent to a specialist- ie a gynaecologist. GPs just don't seem to know enough!!

[mercibucket]

Maybe some blood tests to check hormones (bit vague here, peri-menopause?) and also thyroid function?

[mercibucket]

Maybe some blood tests to check hormones (bit vague here, peri-menopause?) and also thyroid function?

[frazzled09]

Thanks for your replies. You are right I should ask for a gynae referral as I want them to check there's nothing sinister in there. I'm wondering about fibroids now as that might explain a couple of other things too.

Hypothyroidism was suspected a few years back but they said my levels were normal - I'll ask them to check again to see if anything has changed.

Hoping it is not peri-menopause as I am not yet 33. Not desperate to have any more children but I'd like the option for a while longer!

[Jemma1111]

I've had exactly the same symptoms for roughly the same amount of time .
Gp sent me first for an ultrasound which was normal , then I had a Hysteroscopy done and a pipelle biopsy . This too came back normal so was advised to get the coil fitted .
Best to get checked again even though it could be nothing to worry about ,

[cafecito]

thyroid function needs to be checked

[frazzled09]

GP is starting off by ordering a colposcopy (dodgy looking cervix despite all smears being clear), and an ultrasound.

After that she will consider thyroid again although she doesnt think is that (family history of hypothyroid though).

She also mentioned i have a slow clotting speed, i didnt know this had been tested before.

Finally she mentioned a possible link to my joint pains as a possible auto immune issue causing everything.

I am relieved to have stumbled across a GP as keen to find the cause as I am rather than just trying to mask it with the pill or coil.

[mercibucket]

I'm glad she's looking into it for you, rather than just dismissing your symptoms as previous GP seems to. Hope it all goes well for you xx