Period pains - probably been done to death, sorry.

[LadyShapes]

I have really iregular periods. Nothing for a few months and then they are pretty light, but with the occasional bad one. But that's a recent thing, they used to be fairly heavy and regular-ish.

Anyway, a few times a year I get the worst period pains. It starts off with sudden diarrhoea and then I feel close to passing out (usually while I'm still on the toilet which is a bit scary!), ringing in the ears, sweating (so you can see it running off me), fever, nausea but no vomiting and severe pain that's so bad I can't speak.

I have a system to cope with it - I lie in the empty path in the nip with a wet flannel on the back of my neck to try and cool down and I get DH to get me a slice of lemon to suck on when I feel like I'm going to be sick. And I take 2 Feminax as soon as posisble. It lasts about half an hour to an hour and then it subsides. I might get this once or twice just before my period.

I guess I just wondered if this sounds normal and if anyone else gets this.
I was going to go to the doctor about my periods and excessive body/facial hair and wasn't sure whether to mention it. I don't want to bombard the Dr with loads of spurious symptoms.

Ladyshapes

None of your symptoms are spurious.

Please do go to the GP asap about these problems and do not allow yourself to be fobbed off. If GP at that time is clueless or tells you to come back in six months, insist there and then on a referral to a gynaecologist and do not take no for an answer!.

Am no medic but I did initially think of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) when I read about both your irregular periods and degree of hirsuitism (hair). PCOS is a common cause of such problems. Blood tests and internal ultrasound scans to assess your ovaries should be done as a matter of course (polycystic ovaries appear larger than the normal wlnut size ovary and they have lots of follicles all over them. Some of these cystic follicles contain hormones, others are dormant and one may contain an egg). Although there is no cure for PCOS (the causes of PCOS are not fully understood) it can be treated. It can certainly be a cause of such problems; another possible one is thyroid problems.

You need a diagnosis first and foremost.

I would now try and keep a pain and symptom diary; doing so will give the GP and or gynae more clues as to what is amiss with regards to the period pain. Again this should be mentioned to the GP, again if he is clueless then insist on a referral to a gynae. Endometriosis is a possible cause of period pain and this should be either checked for our ruled out by a gynaecologist.

Let us know how you get on.

Thanks so much Attila. I have just made an appointment. I think I will make notes before I go so I don't get muddled up or forget something. I will report back tomorrow!

Well I went to the doctor and he talked about oestrogen tests and PCOS and then asked me to give a urine sample and he did a test on that there and then. Well, he seemed a bit surprised, but it turns out I'm pregnant.

I think I'm in shock, but I'm not sure. Going back on Friday to double check and do another test and then off for an early scan to find out how far along.

I don't know what to do now. I suppose I have to tell DH. I asked him to pop home at lunchtime. He must be wondering why. I don't know how he'll react.

Doctor says no shellfish or alcohol - next week's holiday to Cornwall should be fun!