Perimenopause or endometriosis

[user1491828341]

Hi,

I have had a Mirena coil since having my second child age 35. I am now 44 and I have started to bleed more and have extrcruciating pain on the left side of my pelvis, by my hip. It starts the day before my period and they are sharp pains and then a continuous period type pain in my lower abdomen. The sharp pains last for a few days but the period pain lasts 2 weeks, so after my period has finished.

My doctor thinks I might have undiagnosed endometriosis and they the Mirena coil isn't working anymore. I think I have symptoms of perimenopause and wonder if they are linked?

My doctor said he doesn't want to throw more hormones at the problem because the Mirena coil already gives out hormones. He has referred me to a gynecologist to explore endometriosis.

Has anyone else had similar symptoms? I can't carry on with it as it is affecting my ability to work and drive during the two days I am suffering with the sharp pains. The pain, in general, is making me pretty grumpy!

I think your GP is right to refer you here. Any pain that is cyclical in nature and or gets worse up to and including menses should be checked for endometriosis to see if it’s present. It’s usually diagnosed via laparoscopy which is a keyhole surgery op.

I have previously had pain in my hips and yea this was endometriosis related.

Ok, I just hope it doesn't take too long for the referral! Should I still push for HRT?

If finances permit I would go private for an initial gynaecology consult as waiting lists in many areas are very long. You will need a referral letter from the GP.

I would also in the meantime have a chat about HRT with your GP.