Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go to A&E? Please help

198 replies

Adviceneededpls1 · 25/11/2025 12:02

I absolutely know I need to get real medical advice and that’s not what I’m looking for here I guess I’m seeking reassurance here.

My DD is 15 and currently on her way home from school with her Nan, I’m on the train home from work and going crazy with worry.

She has had severe heavy periods for a couple of years and has tried mefenamic acid, the mini pill and now the full pill continuous without breaks. She started the full pill in October as she was enduring a 4 week long period. She stopped bleeding for about 5 days and has since been bleeding heavily again non stop for approximately 18 days. She is dizzy, pale, lethargic, complaining of bone and stomach pain. She’s also got clots of blood.

She’s autistic and struggles to communicate pain so when she does I know it’s severe, she’s having paracetamol and ibruprofen every day for pain relief on her tummy. Her recent blood test revealed serum ferritin level of 16 which she has been prescribed a low dose iron supplement for. However the GPs just don’t listen to my concerns, I’m beyond frustrated with their care, refusing to refer her to gynae and not joining up symptoms for example one doctor printed out leaflets on stretching and said that’s why she was feeling weak and had painful bones!

Anyway, I’ve tried to get another GP appt and there aren’t any. What do I do now? My DD is crying in agony, she looks so withdrawn and weak, she has stopped her weekend hobby which was her only real form of socialisation and it’s now impacting her GCSEs. Would A&E just send us away? For context I had a full hysterectomy at a very young age due to severe endometriosis but even that isn’t taken into consideration.

Please help, I think my gut is telling me to take her but any advice to get me through this train journey home would be great!

OP posts:
VegemiteOnToast · 26/11/2025 06:07

Granted I am Australian, but no gynaecology referrals for teens sounds ludicrous. Surely teens experience gynaecological issues, not to mention teen pregnancy. If you can't go the gynae route then perhaps a good pediatrician could order tests and make further referrals.

BusyMum47 · 26/11/2025 06:58

Adviceneededpls1 · 26/11/2025 00:31

I honestly can’t explain how much today on here has helped. The advice has been incredible and the support genuinely has kept me going. Thank you.

Update:
We managed to get an appointment at the out of hours doctor. Honestly, it was the usual story, no eye contact, rushed, scrolling through the computer while we were pouring our hearts out. He prescribed tranexamic acid (maximum 5 days) and told us to give her the iron tablets daily instead of every other day, which goes against what she was previously told.

When I asked about a gynaecology referral, he claimed it’s “literally impossible” to refer anyone under 18. Apparently there are no paediatric gynaecologists that he knows of. I challenged him, because everything I’ve researched says that paediatric and adolescent gynaecology does exist, and the NHS does have referral criteria she meets. His response? “Would you go private?”

I said I’d consider a private initial consultation with the NHS consultant who also works privately. Eventually, he said he could refer her to general paediatrics, and then they could request the GP refer to gynae. I agreed because my dd was clearly uncomfortable and I didn’t want to prolong her distress. But the entire thing felt like yet another hurdle in an already exhausting fight.

So yes, I’ll be booking a private consultation in the hope it opens the door to the NHS waiting list. Because at this point, it feels like if I don’t push, no one else will.

I am absolutely devastated that care for girls and women is still this poor. I am sick to death of seeing GPs and medics on shiny TV sofas, earnestly telling women to “go to your GP”, to “advocate for yourself”, to “get checked”. All while, in reality, so many of us are met with rushed appointments, blank stares, and a complete lack of curiosity or care. These soundbites feel hollow when your dd is sitting in front of a doctor, pale and in pain, and they can’t be bothered to even look at her properly or ask a question.

I’m tired. I’m angry. And I’m scared that this is the standard we’re supposed to accept. I’m ready to escalate this, our MP, our trust, whoever needs to hear it, because this isn’t a one off. Her whole life we’ve been battling for the bare minimum, the school’s SEN failings, the complete lack of autism appropriate support and now the healthcare system too.

I don’t want to make everything about gender, but I can’t shake the feeling that if a teenage boy repeatedly presented with severe, ongoing symptoms like this, the response would look very different. It’s 2025 and girls and women are still receiving substandard care for pain, bleeding, and complex symptoms that should be taken seriously.

Thank you if you’ve read this far, I really needed to vent. And to all of you who’ve offered advice and kindness today, please know how much it means.

Good for you & very well said! Sending virtual support. 💗xx

SlurpyMcslurpson · 26/11/2025 07:10

As I understand it you have to have tried all the other options before you go to gynae. Procedures can affect your future fertility so they are loathe to touch a woman surgically

COC
POP
implant
IUD
tranexamic acid
mefenamic acid

once you have tried those and they have genuinely failed (not through refusal) a gynae may see you for a next step.

I had 2 mirenas expel themselves and even that wasn’t really enough to get further

ablations on the womb lining can affect your fertility forever so this is usually a last resort for an older woman.

XiCi · 26/11/2025 07:32

Your GP is absolutely wrong. My dd was referred to teenage gynaecology at Alder Hey and saw a Consultant there. Did they not give her anything to stop the bleeding? Your GP should also have retested her iron levels. They sound useless. If your dd doesn't improve or deteriorates in any way, take her to A&E. It's is more than warranted. Losing that much blood for that length of time can be very dangerous. She may need an iron transfusion. Please dont hesitate in taking your child to A&E when they are so unwell. I hope she starts improving very soon.

PullingOutHair123 · 26/11/2025 07:40

CareerChange24 · 25/11/2025 23:36

You two cannot be serious. Blankets and pillows. Bizarre but fair enough if that’s needed. But a pack of cards??? If I saw someone playing cards I’d think they were a time waster and needed to go home!! If you are well enough for games it’s not the place for you!

Show quote history

It does depend why you are there.

Last time with my child was because of a suspected broken bone. Mentally he was fine. Just a very very sore limb.

playing cards distracted him from the pain.

WhitePudding · 26/11/2025 07:50

I’m so sorry, some (not all!) gps can be so dismissive. I’ve been on a so called 16 week wait to see an NHS gastro - NHS says it’s 16 weeks despite the fact I’ve been on this last since April. The local knowledge is that the reality is 2 years. I have suspected Bile Acid Malabsorption which can’t be formally diagnosed without a specialist scan and tablets. You can’t have the tablets unless you’ve seen Gastro. To cut a long story short I’ve paid to go private and for a private script for the tablets, which ended up being cheaper at the private hospital pharmacy than what the NHS pharmacy quoted for the private script.
Going privately I have found doesn’t necessarily open any NHS doors unfortunately. I even had to pay £8k for gallbladder removal in 2024 as it started to become dangerous.

Best of luck to your daughter (mine is in Australia and has been recently diagnosed with Adenoysis a form of endometriosis at 27 after years of pain and heavy periods - getting nowhere with the NHS).

kab89 · 26/11/2025 07:54

I hope your daughter is feeling a little better now. I'm a medical secretary at a GP surgery and there is an option to refer girls to paediatric gynaecology. The option is literally in the drop down list for children's and adolescents services. I would push your GP to refer her. You may have to travel out of your local area but the services are out there. You could also ask your GP to do an Advice and Guidance referral to paediatric gynaecology. This is where the GP asks the consultant for advice without you having to go to the hospital. This is usually much quicker than waiting for an appointment and the consultant can give advice while waiting for a full appointment.

Shelby2010 · 26/11/2025 08:00

I’m sorry if this sounds simplistic but Googling NHS Paediatric Gynaecology seems to bring up specialist clinics in most major city hospitals. There must be one near you and it seems bizarre that none of the GPs know they exist!

Moonlightfrog · 26/11/2025 08:00

WhitePudding · 26/11/2025 07:50

I’m so sorry, some (not all!) gps can be so dismissive. I’ve been on a so called 16 week wait to see an NHS gastro - NHS says it’s 16 weeks despite the fact I’ve been on this last since April. The local knowledge is that the reality is 2 years. I have suspected Bile Acid Malabsorption which can’t be formally diagnosed without a specialist scan and tablets. You can’t have the tablets unless you’ve seen Gastro. To cut a long story short I’ve paid to go private and for a private script for the tablets, which ended up being cheaper at the private hospital pharmacy than what the NHS pharmacy quoted for the private script.
Going privately I have found doesn’t necessarily open any NHS doors unfortunately. I even had to pay £8k for gallbladder removal in 2024 as it started to become dangerous.

Best of luck to your daughter (mine is in Australia and has been recently diagnosed with Adenoysis a form of endometriosis at 27 after years of pain and heavy periods - getting nowhere with the NHS).

My dd is waiting for the same. I was told it would be rushed through but we have heard nothing. She needs an endoscopy before they can prescribe anything. She’s lost a stone and a half since September. I hope you hear something soon,

Iwouldlikeanewjob · 26/11/2025 08:01

Your poor DD, and you OP for all this worry. Well done for advocating for better treatment.
I wonder if we can email in a question to that TV doctor asking what she would advise for a teenager suffering these symptoms having trouble getting anyone to listen to her?

While I completely agree that the attitude towards women’s health in the NHS is abysmal I can unfortunately advise that in our experience it’s no better for teenage boys. My son has a painful and embarrassing condition that no one is very interested in. He shares ‘care’ between GP, consultant and paeds nurse. GP writes scripts without any review or monitoring, consultant signed me off for a no show when I cleared my diary of meetings to wait for his call which never came, and the nurses are lovely ringing every six months within 24 hours of the agreed time to say hello, no change? Shame, I’ll call you in six months. No one is the slightest bit interested in trying to actually help.

BatshitOutofHell · 26/11/2025 08:02

Sounds like fibroids

Slinketypokey · 26/11/2025 08:03

Get a new GP or if you can possibly scrape together cash / put it on a credit card go to a private gynae. They know their onions and actually listen. I pay for all gynae stuff out of pocket and its spenny but worth every penny

Slinketypokey · 26/11/2025 08:03

Also as fellow autism mum, we do have to advocate for our kids. Keep going.

Original poster
Adviceneededpls1 · 26/11/2025 08:08

Iwouldlikeanewjob · 26/11/2025 08:01

Your poor DD, and you OP for all this worry. Well done for advocating for better treatment.
I wonder if we can email in a question to that TV doctor asking what she would advise for a teenager suffering these symptoms having trouble getting anyone to listen to her?

While I completely agree that the attitude towards women’s health in the NHS is abysmal I can unfortunately advise that in our experience it’s no better for teenage boys. My son has a painful and embarrassing condition that no one is very interested in. He shares ‘care’ between GP, consultant and paeds nurse. GP writes scripts without any review or monitoring, consultant signed me off for a no show when I cleared my diary of meetings to wait for his call which never came, and the nurses are lovely ringing every six months within 24 hours of the agreed time to say hello, no change? Shame, I’ll call you in six months. No one is the slightest bit interested in trying to actually help.

Oh I am sorry about your DS, I hope I didn’t cause offence with my late night tired rant and do acknowledge that GP care for young people in general regardless of sex is just not good enough. It’s so draining when you can’t fully trust and rely on the care and investigation you need for a child, whilst it’s our responsibility as parents to look after their health, we clearly need the NHS to adopt an element of that care and concern when needed. I hope you start to get better treatment.

OP posts:
Slinketypokey · 26/11/2025 08:15

Adviceneededpls1 · 26/11/2025 00:31

I honestly can’t explain how much today on here has helped. The advice has been incredible and the support genuinely has kept me going. Thank you.

Update:
We managed to get an appointment at the out of hours doctor. Honestly, it was the usual story, no eye contact, rushed, scrolling through the computer while we were pouring our hearts out. He prescribed tranexamic acid (maximum 5 days) and told us to give her the iron tablets daily instead of every other day, which goes against what she was previously told.

When I asked about a gynaecology referral, he claimed it’s “literally impossible” to refer anyone under 18. Apparently there are no paediatric gynaecologists that he knows of. I challenged him, because everything I’ve researched says that paediatric and adolescent gynaecology does exist, and the NHS does have referral criteria she meets. His response? “Would you go private?”

I said I’d consider a private initial consultation with the NHS consultant who also works privately. Eventually, he said he could refer her to general paediatrics, and then they could request the GP refer to gynae. I agreed because my dd was clearly uncomfortable and I didn’t want to prolong her distress. But the entire thing felt like yet another hurdle in an already exhausting fight.

So yes, I’ll be booking a private consultation in the hope it opens the door to the NHS waiting list. Because at this point, it feels like if I don’t push, no one else will.

I am absolutely devastated that care for girls and women is still this poor. I am sick to death of seeing GPs and medics on shiny TV sofas, earnestly telling women to “go to your GP”, to “advocate for yourself”, to “get checked”. All while, in reality, so many of us are met with rushed appointments, blank stares, and a complete lack of curiosity or care. These soundbites feel hollow when your dd is sitting in front of a doctor, pale and in pain, and they can’t be bothered to even look at her properly or ask a question.

I’m tired. I’m angry. And I’m scared that this is the standard we’re supposed to accept. I’m ready to escalate this, our MP, our trust, whoever needs to hear it, because this isn’t a one off. Her whole life we’ve been battling for the bare minimum, the school’s SEN failings, the complete lack of autism appropriate support and now the healthcare system too.

I don’t want to make everything about gender, but I can’t shake the feeling that if a teenage boy repeatedly presented with severe, ongoing symptoms like this, the response would look very different. It’s 2025 and girls and women are still receiving substandard care for pain, bleeding, and complex symptoms that should be taken seriously.

Thank you if you’ve read this far, I really needed to vent. And to all of you who’ve offered advice and kindness today, please know how much it means.

Wow. Thank you for writing this down. It’s so true.

My own experience of NHS gynae not being functional was I had 2 very severe heammorhages when I had my kids. Second one I was in intensive care for a week after. I became pregnant a third time and baby died (uterus too wrecked to sustain life sadly) but because of said wrecked uterus body wouldn’t expel remains of pregnancy so I needed surgery.

NHS utterly insistent that the model for this was a d&c in a walk in clinic under sedation and I couldn’t through any level of escalation (gp, a&e, pals) persuade them that as a heammhorage risk i needed surgery under general anaesthetic with blood transfusions on standby. Attitude was I was too posh to push or similar. Blanket computer says no.

After literally weeks of back and forth with visible pregnancy and dead baby I ended up paying privately. Private doc horrified and said any consultant would agree I needed surgery but also accepted with the nhs systems there was no way to get me referred to one. Lo and behold I did heammorhage again and had to also pay for a stay in intensive care private hospital.

But if i’d done the nhs way I’d have been dead.

Iwouldlikeanewjob · 26/11/2025 08:19

Adviceneededpls1 · 26/11/2025 08:08

Oh I am sorry about your DS, I hope I didn’t cause offence with my late night tired rant and do acknowledge that GP care for young people in general regardless of sex is just not good enough. It’s so draining when you can’t fully trust and rely on the care and investigation you need for a child, whilst it’s our responsibility as parents to look after their health, we clearly need the NHS to adopt an element of that care and concern when needed. I hope you start to get better treatment.

Show quote history

No offence taken at all. Everyone deserves better treatment than is currently available. It is indeed very draining, and I hope you get somewhere with the private consultation (not that it should be necessary)

LiaLemons · 26/11/2025 08:34

CareerChange24 · 25/11/2025 23:36

You two cannot be serious. Blankets and pillows. Bizarre but fair enough if that’s needed. But a pack of cards??? If I saw someone playing cards I’d think they were a time waster and needed to go home!! If you are well enough for games it’s not the place for you!

Show quote history

Indeed, a game of cards and lots of snacks Confused.

I'm sorry your dd is suffering op and good that you saw an out of hours GP but the amount of posters advocating get to A&E for a gynae issue demonstrates why they are so overrun wirh 12hr waits and more.

GPs need pushing if we aren't getting referred. A&E is not a gp overflow area.

LiaLemons · 26/11/2025 08:37

'When I asked about a gynaecology referral, he claimed it’s “literally impossible” to refer anyone under 18. Apparently there are no paediatric gynaecologists'

Well yes but for example there aren't usually specific paediatric urologist or similar either but any dc with chronic urologist issues gets seen by paediatrics.

The gp should be referring to paeds for them to sort out investigations etc.

Iwasneverafan · 26/11/2025 08:44

I’ve read your thread in horror - what you and your DD have been putting up with is just awful. No wonder you’re so angry and exhausted.

I noted you said you had/ have endometriosis. If there’s any possibility that your DD also has it I believe NHS are notoriously bad at recognising it.
I was listening to Abby Clancy speak about Endo on her podcast with her husband Pete and they had her remarkable consultant on the pod talking about it. He sounds like an amazing man and he was offering free consultation to women like you at their wits end.
It may be worth finding out who he is and booking in a chat with him?
I really do wish you both well and hope your tenacity pays off 💪🏻

Namechange8141 · 26/11/2025 08:45

Adviceneededpls1 · 26/11/2025 00:31

I honestly can’t explain how much today on here has helped. The advice has been incredible and the support genuinely has kept me going. Thank you.

Update:
We managed to get an appointment at the out of hours doctor. Honestly, it was the usual story, no eye contact, rushed, scrolling through the computer while we were pouring our hearts out. He prescribed tranexamic acid (maximum 5 days) and told us to give her the iron tablets daily instead of every other day, which goes against what she was previously told.

When I asked about a gynaecology referral, he claimed it’s “literally impossible” to refer anyone under 18. Apparently there are no paediatric gynaecologists that he knows of. I challenged him, because everything I’ve researched says that paediatric and adolescent gynaecology does exist, and the NHS does have referral criteria she meets. His response? “Would you go private?”

I said I’d consider a private initial consultation with the NHS consultant who also works privately. Eventually, he said he could refer her to general paediatrics, and then they could request the GP refer to gynae. I agreed because my dd was clearly uncomfortable and I didn’t want to prolong her distress. But the entire thing felt like yet another hurdle in an already exhausting fight.

So yes, I’ll be booking a private consultation in the hope it opens the door to the NHS waiting list. Because at this point, it feels like if I don’t push, no one else will.

I am absolutely devastated that care for girls and women is still this poor. I am sick to death of seeing GPs and medics on shiny TV sofas, earnestly telling women to “go to your GP”, to “advocate for yourself”, to “get checked”. All while, in reality, so many of us are met with rushed appointments, blank stares, and a complete lack of curiosity or care. These soundbites feel hollow when your dd is sitting in front of a doctor, pale and in pain, and they can’t be bothered to even look at her properly or ask a question.

I’m tired. I’m angry. And I’m scared that this is the standard we’re supposed to accept. I’m ready to escalate this, our MP, our trust, whoever needs to hear it, because this isn’t a one off. Her whole life we’ve been battling for the bare minimum, the school’s SEN failings, the complete lack of autism appropriate support and now the healthcare system too.

I don’t want to make everything about gender, but I can’t shake the feeling that if a teenage boy repeatedly presented with severe, ongoing symptoms like this, the response would look very different. It’s 2025 and girls and women are still receiving substandard care for pain, bleeding, and complex symptoms that should be taken seriously.

Thank you if you’ve read this far, I really needed to vent. And to all of you who’ve offered advice and kindness today, please know how much it means.

And actually, it is often the same with the difference between how autistic boys and girls are treated. Generally (I know not always!), boys tend to externalise their struggles, thus becoming a problem for the school and are thus offered lots of support.

My own DD struggles just as much (if not probably more in some situations!), but because she internalises everything and masks (and sometimes cannot attend at all), school don't see her struggles because they all come out at home and so isn't offered equal support.

It's the case at the moment where her emotional literacy group (consisting of predominantly girls) has been pulled because the TA running it needs to spend their afternoons dealing with one boy who is acting out. Never mind the girls who are also struggling 😠

MumofCrohnie · 26/11/2025 08:46

"When I asked about a gynaecology referral, he claimed it’s “literally impossible” to refer anyone under 18. Apparently there are no paediatric gynaecologists"

Thats odd. My DD was referred by her IBD team to gynaecology last year, aged 14. She was offered an appointment (though we didn't end up having to go as the issue resolved).

nooschmoo · 26/11/2025 08:49

Adviceneededpls1 · 26/11/2025 08:08

Oh I am sorry about your DS, I hope I didn’t cause offence with my late night tired rant and do acknowledge that GP care for young people in general regardless of sex is just not good enough. It’s so draining when you can’t fully trust and rely on the care and investigation you need for a child, whilst it’s our responsibility as parents to look after their health, we clearly need the NHS to adopt an element of that care and concern when needed. I hope you start to get better treatment.

Show quote history

It’s so draining to feel like every time you’re trying to advocate for your child it’s fighting a battle. And I’m another one saying it’s as bad for teenage boys. My DS has an ongoing, chronic condition that has ups and downs… he was recently discharged from paeds as it was felt he ‘was managing well’ but he’s now dipped and no longer managing at all. The push to even get him a gp appointment to review him was an uphill struggle. And I only finally got him an appointment (in 3 weeks) because I complained hugely and bluntly to the practice manager. It’s horrendous.
i hope everything turns out well for your DD.

Iwasneverafan · 26/11/2025 08:49

Iwasneverafan · 26/11/2025 08:44

I’ve read your thread in horror - what you and your DD have been putting up with is just awful. No wonder you’re so angry and exhausted.

I noted you said you had/ have endometriosis. If there’s any possibility that your DD also has it I believe NHS are notoriously bad at recognising it.
I was listening to Abby Clancy speak about Endo on her podcast with her husband Pete and they had her remarkable consultant on the pod talking about it. He sounds like an amazing man and he was offering free consultation to women like you at their wits end.
It may be worth finding out who he is and booking in a chat with him?
I really do wish you both well and hope your tenacity pays off 💪🏻

here he is ….

www.mrbraithwaitegynaecologist.com/

Summerhillsquare · 26/11/2025 08:49

ArielHawksquill · 25/11/2025 12:19

I was listening to woman’s hour on radio 4 yesterday about Iron Deficiency
something you said has reminded me - ferritin levels should be around 100

might be very helpful for you to listen to it because they talk about the most effective way of taking an iron supplement and also the concept of iron infusions. It was quite an eye opener.

sorry to go off topic but did they cite a source? Mine is consistenty under 100 and I feel worn out. But the NHS records clearly say I am normal.

C8H10N4O2 · 26/11/2025 08:52

Adviceneededpls1 · 26/11/2025 00:31

I honestly can’t explain how much today on here has helped. The advice has been incredible and the support genuinely has kept me going. Thank you.

Update:
We managed to get an appointment at the out of hours doctor. Honestly, it was the usual story, no eye contact, rushed, scrolling through the computer while we were pouring our hearts out. He prescribed tranexamic acid (maximum 5 days) and told us to give her the iron tablets daily instead of every other day, which goes against what she was previously told.

When I asked about a gynaecology referral, he claimed it’s “literally impossible” to refer anyone under 18. Apparently there are no paediatric gynaecologists that he knows of. I challenged him, because everything I’ve researched says that paediatric and adolescent gynaecology does exist, and the NHS does have referral criteria she meets. His response? “Would you go private?”

I said I’d consider a private initial consultation with the NHS consultant who also works privately. Eventually, he said he could refer her to general paediatrics, and then they could request the GP refer to gynae. I agreed because my dd was clearly uncomfortable and I didn’t want to prolong her distress. But the entire thing felt like yet another hurdle in an already exhausting fight.

So yes, I’ll be booking a private consultation in the hope it opens the door to the NHS waiting list. Because at this point, it feels like if I don’t push, no one else will.

I am absolutely devastated that care for girls and women is still this poor. I am sick to death of seeing GPs and medics on shiny TV sofas, earnestly telling women to “go to your GP”, to “advocate for yourself”, to “get checked”. All while, in reality, so many of us are met with rushed appointments, blank stares, and a complete lack of curiosity or care. These soundbites feel hollow when your dd is sitting in front of a doctor, pale and in pain, and they can’t be bothered to even look at her properly or ask a question.

I’m tired. I’m angry. And I’m scared that this is the standard we’re supposed to accept. I’m ready to escalate this, our MP, our trust, whoever needs to hear it, because this isn’t a one off. Her whole life we’ve been battling for the bare minimum, the school’s SEN failings, the complete lack of autism appropriate support and now the healthcare system too.

I don’t want to make everything about gender, but I can’t shake the feeling that if a teenage boy repeatedly presented with severe, ongoing symptoms like this, the response would look very different. It’s 2025 and girls and women are still receiving substandard care for pain, bleeding, and complex symptoms that should be taken seriously.

Thank you if you’ve read this far, I really needed to vent. And to all of you who’ve offered advice and kindness today, please know how much it means.

Stay mad for your DD and yes use the sharp elbows because that is the only way women get anything on the NHS. Women’s healthcare isn’t just a cinderella service its functionally non existent for too many women.

All that said, unless something has completely changed in recent years a 16 year old absolutely can be referred to as gynae, it may be rationing choice by the trust or practice - women always lose out on such choices.

It might be easier to find a gynae with a special interest in dysfunction in young girls/women than a paediatrician with a special interest in gynae. I found one years ago for one of my DDs so they do exist. (Like you, I ended up going private). Also endometriosis does run in families, it was one of the first questions we were asked. If your “women’s health” advocate doesn’t know that she needs to spend less time in the TV studio.

Your GP experience sounds shocking and having experienced at least one TV doctor I came away assuming he was sent to the TV studio to keep him away from patients. Can you change GP practice? I think our entire model of primary care needs rethinking. It was set up 70 years ago for the needs of society at that time and simply doesn’t function as needed to support current requirements. It isn’t just about money, its about the structure and processes.