(Health) AIBU to be concerned about PCOS or early menopause?

[EmilyRosiEl]

I haven't been to a GP for a few years due to another problem and would like to avoid going unless I absolutely have to.

I'm starting to panic though; particularly about the possibility of Premature ovarian failure/early menopause.

I'm 30 and until a year or two ago had a regular 28 day cycle. About two/three years ago I developed mild adult onset acne and have had increasing amounts of dark hair growth on my chin, upper parts of my legs and even a small amount on the lower quarter of my stomach.

My cycle has been irregular for about a year with my periods mostly being four-12 days late. This time though at 21 days into my cycle I have had brown spotting for four days with no period starting. I have not had sex for over a year so there's no chance I'm pregnant.

What is this? I have read that brown spotting during PMS can happen during Peri-menopause? I think if my symptoms indicate PCOS but I haven't had kids yet so I'm worried about the chance of it being premature menopause.

• that was 'I think I could cope if...'

From your first few comments I'm inferring you've got good reasons for avoiding doctors - but you do need to see one about this.

Would it help to request a female GP? Would it help to take a friend/relative with you (you can, you know)?

Might it help to type/write out the issues and give it to the GP when you get there - I've done this with a complex set of symptoms in the past, because seeing a doctor intimidates many people and you often forget things you wanted to say.

It's much more likely to be PCOS given your age but why not see your GP? If you don't want to I have seen menopause testing kits in Lloyd's chemist but I have no idea how accurate they would be.

My sister has PCOS and your symptoms are exactly the same as hers.

Thanks Vickyeadie, Buntyll and recklessruby.

I'm just trying to work out whether to wait for a couple of cycles and go to see the GP or go sooner really.

I really hope it's PCOS rather than Premature Ovarian Failure.