To think it's useless going to the GP about women's problems

[Mamabear04]

I've been having terrible PMS since having my second child and it's getting progressively worse to the point of when I have a heavy bleed all I want to do is climb back into bed and dissappear (I don't because I'm too busy so can't). I don't have any other MH problems, it's only when I have my period. I went to the GP today which was a huge step for me because I HATE going for women's problems. I'd read up on it and expected she would change me to the pill from the copper coil to sort out my hormones (I had the copper coil after my first child and the heavy periods settled after about 6 months and I felt really good with it). Instead she basically said she can give me antidepressants and if I wanted to change contraception I would have to make another 2 appointments with the advance nurse practitioner. The GP didn't even discuss the pill options which seemed so odd to me. I also had some blood tests done a few weeks ago but didn't hear anything back, she said my iron was low (under 50 whatever that means) but didn't want to prescribe me iron tablets? Oh and she let slip that the receptionist said my appointment was to do with the menopause even though I said over the phone while making the appointment that it was about menstrual problems(I am only in my mid 30s). AIBU to think going to the GP is actually pointless? I've had so many instances like this and I just feel so disheartened.

l’m sick (no pun intended) to death of them all. They don’t seem to want to help anyone with anything any more. Several of them have had tantrums over something I casually said 😇 I’ve given up on them.

NHS classes. They actually told a story that one of their midwife colleagues got pregnant while BF and they all couldn't believe she accidentally did it 😂

My periods returned without warning before my babies were 2 months old, despite exclusively breastfeeding. Relying on it is FAR too risky.

I forgot that there are so many people on mumsnet who don’t read posts properly and/or just want to argue for the sake of it. For anyone who is actually interested in facts rather than anecdotal evidence, I will leave this link here regarding using breast feeding as a contraceptive:

https://gps.northcentrallondon.icb.nhs.uk/cdn/serve/service-downloads/1452133350-714bc1c08ba57268ab4d943054761038.pdf

Not for me it wasn't. Three children solely breastfed for 2+ years each. My periods directly followed my post partum bleeding every single time. Never a missed period.

Yes, I know, but* *my point was that you can't rely on breastfeeding as a reliable form of contraception. If you're happy to take the risk, great, but it shouldn't be a reason for a woman to be denied other forms of contraception if that's what they want.

You need to say what you want. Antidepressants are a recognised treatment for PMS so the treatment isn't necessarily wrong. You however had a different idea of how you wanted to be managed which is fine but it's important to let the clinician know what you are thinking. Clearly the clinician also has to give you space to voice what you are thinking so maybe this particular doctor didn't do that.

Recently had an NHS GP appt for peri-meno symptoms. Older male GP.

I know him to be brilliant - and he was this time. Told him I was starting to struggle with symptoms and wanted my options. Listens, ask questions, sympathetic. Gave a view of how HRT has changed over the years and current guidelines, asked what I knew and how it was good to educate myself as its not a one size fits all approach. Signposted to help. Prescribed, asked to come back in a month to let him know how I’m getting on and monitor.

Just saying there are good ones out there. Sorry to those struggling.

Could try a mirena coil which reduces periods. Ask for gp with obstetric qualifications /interest in women's health. The pill might also reduce heaviness. Copper coil not known to help you.

I'm just back from seeing the ANP and honestly, she was great. Really listened to me and booked me in for the relevant testing.

I'm so sorry that so many people struggle to get the help they need.

I used to have a go and when you mentioned anything’down there’ she prescribed canestan. Never looked!! Got a new one after that was like an encyclopaedia and changed my world for the short time I was with her(we moved). Go get another gp!!!

My sister went to GP complaining of terrible stomach pains, doc told to go away as just IBS but is now in a hospice with weeks to live at 43 year old and 3 children. You need to fight to get treatment nowadays, it’s a joke

I just want to pick up on the low iron issue you mentioned - please don’t let your GP just ignore that (I know, easier said than done). Especially as you’ve mentioned fatigue elsewhere.
mine was ‘low but within range’ for years and I felt awful . prescribed iron tablets but found them really hard on the stomach, had side effects (constipation). I eventually went private earlier this year and got an iron infusion. I can now run up the stairs without feeling like I’m dying - it’s night and day.

It is shit. Even if you do manage to convince them to refer you to see a gynaecologist you’ll be waiting months and months, maybe a year (unless you have suspected cancer).

I had similar symptoms to you and researched myself cos I knew they’d be shit.

i decided to book in for a mirena coil. No consultation or anything. Just told them it was for contraception, and i have been a lot better on it. Moods definitely not as bad! And added bonus of much lighter period.

if this hadn’t worked though I’d have struggled!

A GP and NHS gynaecologist told me the reason I wasn't conceiving was because I needed to relax more... Luckily we have savings and could pay to see a HCP who knew more about women's health and we eventually conceived through IVF.

I've got pregnant twice while exclusively bf, both times within 6 months. Not true for some women and who wants to take a chance, if pregnancies so close together not desired (were in our case)

Potentially a side effect of heavy periods from copper coil

Does breast pain count for this thread?

After failing to book a mammogram some time ago I've been aware I should make an appointment.
A couple of twinges of breast pain last night prompted me to call this morning to book in.
After mentioning the twinges, I'd been seen by a GP by midday and booked in for the mammogram which takes place soon.
The kindness and knowledge of the GP and the efficiency the practice staff was so impressive.
I am sorry you haven't all experienced such good treatment. It is still out there, I suppose I am lucky, I really hope you get better treatment soon.

All GP practices should have a women's health (menopause) specialist. Ask your practice manager who that is.

You’re not unreasonable but I don’t think it’s just about female-specific problems. A lot of them are useless for pretty much anything now :(

Can you tell me more about going private? How much does it cost? What company?

As others have said it's pot luck unfortunately.

I've been back and forth to the doctors for 2 years with heavy periods and it was dismissed until I saw a new doctor 2 months ago who sent me for a scan and turns out I have a couple of large fibroids. I've now been referred to a gynae for an action plan. All I can say is keep persisting.

I've found the ANP at our practice is MUCH more informed and up to date on latest info on anything to do with women's health than any of the GPs. I now ask to see her instead and she has been excellent.

Possibly because she is a woman in her 50's herself but she definitely "gets" it. The young locum doctors who are rotated so fast like spinning tops round the various practices don't give a hoot. They couldn't be less interested in finding a solution and just want to write a script and shoo you out the door as fast as possible.

I've found the ANP at our practice is MUCH more informed and up to date on latest info on anything to do with women's health than any of the GPs. I now ask to see her instead and she has been excellent.

I 100% agree with this. When I rang to ask to speak to a female doctor about perimenopause they actually recommended seeing the ANP instead and she was fantastic. Really listened to me, noted all my symptoms and referred me for the relevant testing.

Funny you say this, it's a locum that I saw...