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Original poster

Would you go the GP at the moment re. acne, hair loss and generally feeling exhausted and run down?

32 replies

polexiaaphrodesia · 09/01/2021 19:39

As the subject above, since this time last year I've been in a constant battle with my skin. I've always been prone to spots but in my early twenties they came mostly under control (bar the odd huge cystic one) When pregnant with DS my skin errupted which was awful as there was no way of hiding or treating it. With DD my skin was amazing but after stopping breastfeeding and going back on the pill this time last year my skin has been dreadful. I'm now at the stage of ageing but with spots all around my jawline, hairline and this weekend across my forehead. I feel like they are constantly appearing so I have 1-2 days when my skin is OK then back to new spots popping up.

In addition my hair is still dreadful post partum and loads more fell out this autumn or snapped off mid lengths despite DD being 22 months old. I'm exhausted constantly and look pale and drawn with rings around my eyes like a panda. Sounds super attractive I know! Work has been exhausting this last year combined with having a 5 and 2 year old at home.

With the covid and vaccine roll out situation I don't want to burden the doctors with anything cosmetic but equally I feel pretty shit about myself and wonder if there is something going on under the surface. Would you put up with this for a couple of months and go to the GP when things have calmed down or would you go now?

OP posts:
totiredtocaresixk · 09/01/2021 19:42

Go now ..
Ring they can you advice on the telephone if it is a simple and if they think it needs investigation they wjll give you an appointment. I would go.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 09/01/2021 19:43

I probably wouldn't just now. I would look at my diet, take an iron supplement, try to get enough sleep, and see the GP once the pandemic has calmed a bit if you don't feel better.

Your current lifestyle sounds enough to have anyone on their knees without the need for a medical explanation!

Weirdfan · 09/01/2021 19:47

Just seen skin issues and hair loss mentioned as Vit D deficiency symptoms on another thread, worry trying a supplement and/or asking for a test if you do go to docs?

Original poster
polexiaaphrodesia · 09/01/2021 19:48

Thank you for your speedy replies. I have been reflecting on my diet which although on the surface is pretty good is actually supplemented by a lot of sugary things and caffeine. It's a pretty vicious circle as I feel tired, have a biscuit or some chocolate to perk me up then have another sugar crash etc. Tony and his salted caramel Chocaloney have a lot to answer for!
I think I may try two weeks of cutting the crap out of my diet and see if that helps. It will be a hard habit to break Sad

OP posts:
linerforlife · 09/01/2021 19:49

Really does sound like your iron might be low. I would call the GP. They are still open for patients, and can do a phone consultation Smile hope you feel better soon!

MawkishHawk · 09/01/2021 19:52

At most they might suggest a blood test to check iron, b12 etc... do you have the means to access a private blood test perhaps? Have a look at medichecks or blue horizons?

If not then just refocus on looking after yourself as best you can, take some supplements, drink water, sleep(!) etc and wait it out.

HazeyJaneII · 09/01/2021 19:55

I'd call.
My dh persuaded me to call GP because I was feeling pretty dreadful and saying, '...it must be lockdown....it must be menopause ... it must be home schooling...it must he lack of sleep etc etc'
Gp requested a blood test, and called 2 days later to say she is surprised I'm not crawling everywhere, my iron was so low.

HazeyJaneII · 09/01/2021 19:56

....you can't function with an empty tank. Flowers

RedMarauder · 09/01/2021 19:57

Please don't self supplement and see your GP asap for blood tests as it does sound like low iron. (Though it could be vitamin D, vitamin B12 and/or folate.)

If you require iron supplements the over the counter ones do not contain enough iron to bring your level up, so you have the risk of breathlessness and fainting/collapsing which are medical emergencies.

tofuschnitzel · 09/01/2021 19:57

Your GP is there to help, I wouldn't delay in getting in touch. It sounds like you have been feeling run down for quite a while, and it could be that your skin and hair are symptoms of that. I would get in touch. They will be able to send you for a blood test at the very least, and then if you do have a deficiency, you can be more specific in using supplements to address it if appropriate. Your GP will also be able to prescribe very high doses of vit d, iron, etc, if needed.

TidyOmlette · 09/01/2021 19:58

Nothing wrong with calling your GP. GP surgeries still have a duty of care regardless of what is going on in the world. They aren’t dealing with covid related issues, that’s a separate hub covered by rotational GP’s so your surgery is still there and available for you.

twinklespells · 09/01/2021 20:00

Definitely speak to them. They can probably issue a blood test form without seeing you and you can go get it done.

I have just had bloods done for the kinds of things mentioned on here. Kind of hoping something flags which can then be fixed!

Miseryisabutterfly · 09/01/2021 20:01

You sound much like me op. I went to the doctor at the beginning of 2020 with similar symptoms, and also crippling anxiety (it’d taken me a year of feeling that way to go). He took my bloods and found I was very low in iron. He prescribed 2 galfer tablets a day for 3 months. They made me feel incredibly nauseous but I did see an improvement. After a while of being off the tablets I felt the same way again. I didn’t want to go back as by then the pandemic had started... Couldn’t handle going back to 2 tablets because of the nausea so I just take one in the evenings after dinner these days and it does make a difference.

Kendodd · 09/01/2021 20:06

I probably wouldn't but looks like I'm in the minority.

HazeyJaneII · 09/01/2021 20:06

you have the risk of breathlessness and fainting/collapsing which are medical emergencies.

Yes, I stupidly got to the point that I was getting breathless, needing my inhaler and feeling light headed.

Coldpotatoesainthot · 09/01/2021 20:07

It could be iron, it could be something else, and it could be pcos?? Bad skin, hair loss and generally feeling crap we’re my symptoms for diagnosed (up until then undiagnosed) pcos!! If you are willing to go on pull...request yasmin and see if there is a difference in 3 months...

Coldpotatoesainthot · 09/01/2021 20:07

Willing to go on pill...not on pull lol

Katrinawaves · 09/01/2021 20:08

I’d lead with the feeling exhausted and run down if you do call though. I’d be amazed if you are offered blood tests or treatment for acne and bad hair at the moment so you need to make clear that’s not your primary concern.

HazeyJaneII · 09/01/2021 20:08

@Coldpotatoesainthot

Willing to go on pill...not on pull lol
Going on the pull could be tricky in this climate, but I admire your pluckiness!
Justcashnosweets · 09/01/2021 20:22

I would ask for a blood test to check your thyroid function. I developed an underactive thyroid after having my daughter, which apparently is quite common!

Fluffycloudland77 · 09/01/2021 20:22

I’m a hcp and yes I’d go.

The acne they can start you on topical treatments on. It’s not your fault your ill.

Original poster
polexiaaphrodesia · 09/01/2021 20:41

Thank you everyone, I thought I wouldn't get any responses so appreciate your help. Regarding the pill, I was on Yasmin before I had DS but then they wouldn't prescribe it again as I was over 30 but I think a blood test is in order.

OP posts:
StewardsEnquiry · 10/01/2021 10:29

This has been a problem for you for a year, so I don't think that right now, in a national health crisis is the moment to get a GP appointment for this. Your GP is going to be rushed off their feet dealing with covid, the vaccine, emergencies... I'm clearly in a minority here though.

tofuschnitzel · 10/01/2021 12:01

It has been made very clear to the general public that they can still access medical treatment, even when it isn't covid or an emergency. It really doesn't help anyone to just put up with feeling like shit because you don't want to bother health care professionals. And to the poster who said they'd be surprised you'd get any treatment for acne and hair loss at this time, don't be so ridiculous. Of course GPs are still prescribing and still sending out referrals at this time! If anything, they will be pleased it isnt covid and they can treat a normal health issue.

OP, please listen to the people who have told you to see your GP. If your symptoms are caused by a deficiency, you need a blood test to make sure you get the right treatment, and also as someone else pointed out, leaving it can be very detrimental to your health. Please just get in touch with them. Please ignore the scaremongering.

tofuschnitzel · 10/01/2021 12:03

@Katrinawaves

I’d lead with the feeling exhausted and run down if you do call though. I’d be amazed if you are offered blood tests or treatment for acne and bad hair at the moment so you need to make clear that’s not your primary concern.
This is utter rubbish. Treatments are still taking place, blood tests are still taking place. Stop scaremongering. There is no reason why OP should not contact her GP.
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