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Women's health

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Do I have endometriosis?

6 replies

Bubblegum13 · 06/09/2023 12:07

I have been having random cramps throughout my cycle for the past 3 months.
They can be where my ovaries would be to where my uterus is.
I've also been having spotting 3-4 days before my period starts which is new to me.

I've had blood tests and urine tests and awaiting an ultrasound scan.

Just wondering those who have endometriosis, how did it get diagnosed?
Do these symptoms seem similar to what you have?

OP posts:
vincettenoir · 06/09/2023 14:40

I have endo and yes these symptoms are v familiar to me. Especially the cramping ovaries. Felt like they were being squeezed in a vice at times!! They saw I had cysts on my ovaries at a transvaginal ultrasound, it looked like endo at an MRI and finally confirmed during a laparoscopy. Not knowing what the symptoms were were a tough time for me. But my symptoms are much better managed now. I am on the Mirena which works well for me. Good luck I hope you find some relief from the pain.

reallyunderstandsometimes · 06/09/2023 14:49

It should be ruled out which in itself is tricky but the sooner you get in the pathway for a diagnosis the better.

Any pain should be investigated everyone with endometriosis has different levels of pain and symptoms can be painful passing and cramping bowels, painful sex, mid cycle pain, crippling cramps, referee pain in legs and back etc symptoms, so it can be tricky.

Rule out ovarian cysts, ovulation pains and other causes of mid cycle pains first which can show on scans.

It also doesn't always clearly show up on scans so the only way to tell is via a laparoscopy.

Even MRI, trans vaginal scans didn't show mine.

Just be ready to advocate for yourself and ask for the NICE guidelines to be followed including the gold standard of potential surgery being excision and not ablation (burning) if it does turn out to be endo don't allow the ablation to happen as it will end in multiple surgeries.

reallyunderstandsometimes · 06/09/2023 14:49

Sorry also sending hugs as it's a nasty painful condition I hope you can be treated quickly and with care and consideration.

shearwater · 06/09/2023 15:16

My symptoms were stomach pain (so bad I had to lie down) and constipation on day 3 of my period, and then sometimes in whatever part of my cycle I could feel a soreness in my left ovary when I went running. Before that for a while I'd had IBS on and off.

Then when I was staying with my parents for a week or so and thought I had a stomach ulcer- really sore, sharp pain, and my stomach was bloated.

Went to GP as soon as I got home. He took it very seriously in case it was endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer, CA 125 was elevated. Had scans and then keyhole surgery, endometrial cyst on on left ovary, endometriosis adhesions all over bowel, bladder. Removed the cyst and some endometrial tissue. Put back on mini pill, copper coil removed - that was 8 years ago and I've had no problems since. More recently for the last year I have been taking oestrogen as well (quite a few menopause/peri symptoms) and was worried about the endometriosis flaring up again but it has been absolutely fine and I feel so much better for the oestrogen.

I also took up yoga, changed my diet a bit- less processed food certainly, less carbs, less meat, more veg, more walking, have been back in the gym regularly doing weights and cardio since starting back on the oestrogen- pelvic floor even seems better doing high impact exercise these days, bit of running again- I have more energy, so I feel really well at 48, certainly better than I did at 38 when I was having several unpleasant symptoms.

So if it is endometriosis it can be managed but you may need surgery and will certainly need the right pill/hormones. Diet and exercise can help but you need the hormones. I am also lucky - some people spend years being misdiagnosed or trying all kinds of treatment.

Bubblegum13 · 06/09/2023 19:38

Thanks for all the replies Flowers

I just worry what effect it may have on my fertility also.

Going on hormonal contraceptives isn't really an option for me right now.

I do think GPS aren't very clued up when it comes to women's health as didn't get my progesterone levels checked when I had my blood test so going to go back and see if that can also be done as if that is low it can cause spotting before your period.

OP posts:
worldwidetravel2017 · 06/09/2023 19:46

I think i might have endo
I have a gynae appt this month
And have raised ca125

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