Lack of menstrual periods - doctor refusing to check for diagnosis

[Longbarn5]

A relative of mine has very few periods each year, around 3 max. She is 29, started menstruation normally during teens and then got to this situation early 20s, so thus has been the situation for several years. The doctor thinks it might bt Polycystic overy syndrome but will only test if she is attempting to become pregnant, which she isn't. Surely the doc has a duty to check/arrange tests/referral for this and she shouldn't have to wait until she wants to be pregnant.

PCOS is usually diagnosed by a combination of symptoms rather than a definitive test. Yes the dr should at the very least do a blood test to check for hormone levels.

She can also do some basic diagnostics herself to give her more ammunition to take to the GP.

Does she have any of the below:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/symptoms/
• irregular periodss or no periods at alll
• difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or no ovulation)
• excessive hair growth (hirsutism))_ – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks
• weight gain
• thinning hair and hair losss_ from the head
• oily skin or acnee_
You should talk to your GP if you have any of these symptoms and think you may have PCOS.

Is she overweight? If so that will be the first thing she'll be told to address by the GO, and it can actually be really significant when it comes to periods. I have PCOS, had very irregular periods, was morbidly obese, and losing 10% of my bodyweight gave me back my periods.

My DD has PCOS diagnosed by an ultrasound scan. She has none of the symptoms above, other than lack of periods.

I would be changing GP's. Having a GP suspect something for genuine reasons but unwilling to test would have me running out the door. What else would they be willing to overlook?

Unfortunately the NHS does not care about PCOS unless you are trying to get pregnant. Which is ridiculous when it isn’t just a fertility issue. It can affect mental health, weight, energy levels, hair issue, skin issues etc

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/treatment/

The recommended treatment pathway for someone with PCOS who isn’t trying to conceive is the contraceptive pill or IUD and weight loss. As far as I can see, there is no other treatment.

Thanks everyone. I might ask her if she has considered the pill. We are very close so I know she won't mind me asking. Equally, I think she will try and find a different doctor!

I was diagnosed with PCOS when not TTC (probably because I was quite insistent) but yes, I've found anything related to periods generally is often dismissed rather than investigated as I'd had irregular periods for years prior. Can she go back? If she is only having 3 periods a year - I was advised by the gynaecologist that diagnosed me that less than 4 periods a year can increase the risk of a few conditions and he recommended that I be prescribed tablets to induce a withdrawal bleed if I went more than 3-4 months without.

This is crazy! IMO she should tell the GP that she's now attempting to become pregnant, and at the same time look into changing GPs.

will only test if she is attempting to become pregnant, which she isn't

Well, she's changed her mind about that and now very much wants to conceive, hasn't she?

I’m currently pushing for investigations as I’m suffering heavy periods and spotting from ovulation til my next period. I think low progesterone / high oestrogen and have really (and I mean really) had to push my GP to do these tests. It’s not about TTC but quality of my life. It’s miserable bleeding 3 out of 4 weeks a month and my hormone highs and lows are hard to deal with (just ask my DH). Your friend should tell them she is TTC to get the investigations.