I’ve always had irregular, quite heavy periods but since having kids things have been ridiculous. Some periods are easier and/or lighter than others but some are truly horrific. I get so much pain in my rectum/anus with my periods and it is especially bad if I have gas or need to open my bowels. It doesn’t seem to matter what kind of menstrual product I am using, although I have had to stop using my cup as suction definitely makes it worse. I also have quite a lot of abdominal pain during sex.
I saw the GP a couple of weeks ago and mentioned that something felt ‘off’ and spoke about the symptoms above. She examined me and suggested it might be related to constipation (which I do suffer with from time to time) but I really don’t feel it can just be that. My period this month is so heavy and clotty, and the pain is horrific. Literally can’t pass wind without wincing and it hurts to sit down on my bum (definitely don’t have piles as GP checked). Surely that isn’t normal?
I had a scan a couple of years ago and heard nothing back so assumed all normal, although I know endometriosis isn’t always detectable on ultrasound. As far as I am aware, I’m still on a gynae waiting list re: irregular heavy periods but probably need to check as the referral was done a couple of years ago. Perhaps normal scan meant I was discharged and no one thought to mention it. I’ve just booked some general bloods which GP suggested as well. If nothing else, I’m probably quite anaemic.
Is there anything else I can/should be doing that might help? I can’t do hormonal contraception because it completely fucks my moods (I’m auDHD and this seems fairly common). Otherwise I’m a very fit, healthy young(ish) woman with a decent diet, lots of exercise etc. so can’t imagine there is a huge number of lifestyle changes that would drastically improve this but I’m happy to be told otherwise!