I don't know why I am so nervous to share this! But, I thought I would document this process as health updates to hopefully help anyone if they are also going through some Perimenopause changes and is interested. I hope it's helpful if you're needing some information on it as it can feel very lonely if not! Lots of love xx
I was on the combined oral contraceptive pill so this masks perimenopause symptoms. I went onto mini pill for a year at 48/49? and then stopped it after about a year and then had one period and then straight into full menopause. First symptom was hair loss and mood issues. Dr wouldn't do hormonal tests but did general blood test, no issues so that was that. I then over the years have had hair recovery, then thinning again etc etc, costocondritis, plantar faciitis, frozen shoulder, brain fog ( all menopause related), recently managed to get full bloods done for hair growth issues ( again), pinpointed andrenal gland issue. I've never taken HRT ( my choice). I have upped my protein, I take a mixed mushroom supplement, potassium and magnesium for brain fog and started taking ashwaganda and rhodolia(?) for adrenal function. Recent BT has shown my adrenal function is now within normal range ( 6 months taking Ashwaganda mix). My hair is slowly recovering again. You really have to look after yourself. I have drunk soya milk for over 20 years and that has natural oestrogens that can help with menopause symptoms and my brain fog is alot better.
@@zenabraithwaite1934 Wow, thank you so much for sharing all of that, Zena! All super interesting. So much to learn! She did mention trying the pill - I haven't wanted to take it as I don't take medication and didn't want the extra hormones when I didn't need it for contraception reasons but I wonder if it is a good idea to try it - she did say that would help if it was endo too x
I’m 51 and finally on the waiting list for a full hysterectomy for endometriosis adenmyosis and fibroids. Had to fight like mad for years, took me to tell the gynaecologist that my head was going to the dark place for them to actually start listening. Why must be be so poorly mentally and physically for years before they listen 😢. Sending you love and hugs ❤xxxx
Sending big hugs. Really feel for you. I had fiberoids and had loads of problems with heavy bleeding. I ended up going private for my hysterectomy as my health and body wasn't in a great place. I finally heard 18 months later on the NHS 😢
Hi Lara, I recently had a laparoscopy (lol) because I had a large cyst in my ovary. Came out of there with an endometriosis diagnosis, as well. Anyway, the surgery was not nearly as scary as I had made it out in my mind beforehand and I recovered very easily. So if that does turn out to be on the cards for you, please try to not let it freak you out too much. Sending good vibes.
The same thing happened to me! It was when I was 31. I'm 55 now. I had what the dr called stage 4 endometriosis. He said it was the worst he had seen (wasn't I lucky lol) so he recommended 6 mos of Lupron injections. It really helped me a lot. Puts you right into menopause though so you have a lot of side effects. I was glad I did it. Now I really am in menopause but so far I've avoided a hysterectomy.
A friend of mine had menopause at 42, so 40 can definitely be perimenopause. 47 here and definitely in perimenopause. Lost confidence in driving on new roads (due to something else too), mood swings, terrible spots on the jaw.
Scans cant always pick up endometriosis. Mine showed it because it was so severe and my organs had all welded together. I ended up under the knife for almost 8 hours separating everything, had to have a full hysterectomy with bowel resection and bladder and kidney surgery. My symptoms were constant pain, pelvic pain, severe heavy periods, severe anemia and unbelievable bloating. It had got to the point where i didnt want to live anymore. One year on from surgery and i have my life back ❤. Dont hold off getting a diagnosis, even if it means having a laparoscopy. The truth is, if you catch it early it can be more easily treated, or at least contained, whereas if it takes hold as mine did, its life changing. I was fobbed off for too long, and it makes me so sad as i lost 10 years to it. Sending a woman to woman huge big hug xxxx
Great topic and yes it is lonely going through this unknown phase which seems never ending! You seem to have a great doctor - one that actually listens. Nobody told me about the horrible menopause symptoms. I'm only discovering them now that I'm actually in the midst of it. It is hellish and still seems to be taboo subject
Yes, I was actually quite nervous to go because I have heard some stories about them not being very helpful in some people's experience but my doctor was a specific women's health one (maybe why it was a longer wait than normal?) but she was really understanding and spent a long while listening to me which I was so thankful for and I felt really validated. I wanted to document this as I hardly hear anyone talk about it and it feels like the unknown to me. I hope it's helpful for anyone who is in it and doesn't know what to expect etc. Sending love xx
Hi Lara, I turned 40 this year, so this is helpful - thanks for sharing your experience. For the pelvic floor, I’ve found jump rope works wonders. I started using it three times a week for 10 minutes, and it makes a huge difference (not at first, so be prepared 😊) and helps with running training
I had a laparoscopy 9yrs ago now to explore for Endometriosis, it was rife on one of my ovaries. The op itself was fine, three small incisions (belly button & then either side), yes I was sore/bruised afterwards but that’s normal. I’m almost 48 & been having perimenopause systems for a little while now. I’ve been to my GP, had bloods, a gynaecologist appointment & an internal scan due to abnormal bleeding (I was put on a pill after my endo op, which stopped my periods), so she wanted to check that out before prescribing HRT.
I came on here for the financial content but as a 44 year old on the combined pill taken continuously for the past 15 years I just want to say what a great option it can be for both perimenopause and endometriosis. I feel so sad seeing women my age suffering needlessly. I have no periods, no hormonal fluctuations, none of that drama, and plan to completely bypass the perimenopause. I would definitely consider a trial of this before a laparoscopy, which is invasive and requires general anaesthetic. If endo is found, the pill is often recommended anyway. Yes you would not get the definitive diagnosis but who cares if the treatment works.
Hi Lara, I'm 42 turning 43 and going through peri at the moment too. Today I got my first script for HRT which I'm hoping will help my symptoms which I've had for many years now. I also recently had an ultrasound again after many years of bloating and heavy painful periods and I have adenomyosis,which is similar in many ways to endometriosis. An ultrasound will show if you have it, though I've also had laparoscopies in the past and they were fine so don't be scared. My advice would be advocate for yourself, too many doctors are dismissive of women's health issues, though it sounds like you have a good gp. Best wishes in your journey!
Endometriosis ruined my life and now I can't have children, had a big operation, 53 now and still not over not having kids, hope you're ok ,2nd time 10 yrs later Was a laparoscopy, Was just a tiny scar in belly button which u can hardly see, good luck with it all ❤
Thanks so much for sharing Lara, it will help your younger viewers too so they know what to look out for (especially if they are younger when they experience it). If you do start HRT I’d be interested to know if any of your gut issues improve as my sugar cravings and acid reflux went straight away. It’s bonkers all women go through menopause yet many still avoid/deny/play down talking about it. Hope you are feeling positive that you’ve taken the first step and feel more yourself soon x
With regard to perimenopause and menopause, tread carefully. I have an underactive thyroid went on hrt started to get depressed, anxiety, put on antidepressants worst decision. Hrt sent me into a mental spiral, lost over 3 stone in 2months and ended up on a Psychiatric Hospital for a month. No medical person did any checks before offering hrt. I'm fine now but I wish I had left well alone and just got on with things in a natural way. One size doesn't fit all. Take care of yourself
Thank you for sharing Lara! I have a lot of symptoms of peri menopause at 39 but everyone I speak to says I am too young🙄. Worth checking out if private med insurance would cover you as your symptoms may be considered a pre-existing condition. x
I'd get a second opinion on the wait times of a referal for a laparoscopy for Endo. I was referred by my GP in Jan this year and had it done 5 weeks later (I also live in Hampshire).
Thank you for the update, it's really nice to see other people trying to navigate those crazy symptoms, helps my mental health so much! As I said in the previous video I've been diagnosed as going through peri menopause. I'm only 38! But my blood test confirmed this with a very high FSH tested twice in 6 months. I'm definitely in it. I'm glad I had children early on as I wouldn't be able to get pregnant with this FSH. I'm going on medication soon I'm just waiting for my next appointment to talk about this. Have they offered you a blood test for hormones? If not it's essential for any symptoms and they should offer it xx
I had a laparoscopy on the NHS a few years ago because of suspected endometriosis (turns out it wasn’t that), but the procedure was absolutely fine. Quick recovery and it was my first GA which was fine too. Honestly, get the procedure because it’s the absolute quickest way of getting a yes or no diagnosis on endo. Good luck! 🤞🏻
My granny went through the menopause at 43 but my mitger was 55. It can hapoen at any age. Im 53 and I think Im mire like my mother. Both suffered greatly from hot flushes ... Something to look forward too 😬
I bought a cream from Australia called Anna’s yam cream. It’s got great reviews for bad periods, peri menopause and menopause. I’ve been taking it for a month so waiting to see if there are any improvements. It’s a natural alternative to hrt and being a bit overweight the chances of cancer increase etc so thought I’d try the natural way first!
I have endo and am currently waiting for a laparoscopy on the nhs to remove my endometriomas and to check if my fallopian tubes are blocked etc. The symptoms are horrendous. I was literally wondering if you've considered endo, and then you mentioned it in this video 😊
Im 39 and going through the intial perimenopause tests atm. I’m waiting for second lot of blood tests back, first lot were abnormal. My FSH was 24.5 and estrodial (estrogen) was 50 somthing. The worst symptoms for me is the anger and anxiety
Thank you for sharing! Did you track your cycle for the date of your first blood test? I saw that day 19/20/21 was a good time to do it, ironically that was the first appointment available haha so I went for that but I know our hormones are all over the place each week to be able to get a stable reading. Interesting to hear about your FSH too x
Thankyou for doing this video! Well for the first test was told to test days 1-5 of my cycle (that’s for estrodial, LH & FSH) but this time it was day 21. This time I’ve had progesterone and testosterone as well as FSH, Estrodial & LH too so will be interesting to see what they come back as. I’ll let you know when I get my results back. I believe the FSH is the main indicator of ovarian reserves. Mine is obviously not great but I knew that years ago when I had to do ivf. There’s also an AMH test too but not sure how important that is in perimenopause testing
I'm 43 and I found out I had two endometrioma cysts on each ovary back in 2020 one 4.5cm and one 5.5cm. My gynaecologist put me on the mini pill to reduce the size and stop then getting any bigger which has worked but I'm still on the mini pill so I have no idea what my cycle is like and I feel I am perimenopausal at times but I dont know as it could be related to the hormonal migraines I get. I really wanted to come off the pill but have been told its not a great idea. The future will be invasive surgery I'm told as my womb is stuck partly to my bowel 😔 until then I get regular scans and CA 125 level checks every 6 months. Luckily they cause no pain just bloating really but the thought of surgery is scary as ive never had an operation before 😢❤
Hello my dear. I have the same issues as you - bad bloating, suspect endo and perimenopause. I asked GP to put me on the list for getting the Mirena coil and see if that helps because that works really well for HRT afterwards, if/when I’m ready. I’m not even going to investigate yet because my symptoms are not severe enough for me to want surgery if it is Endo.
Be interesting to see what the tests outcome is. Your symptoms sounded very simular to mine and it wasn't perimenopause but hormones changing in my 40s. I had fibroids which eventually resulted in crazy spotting and heavy bleeding passing clots. It resulted in a hysterectomy 2 years ago. I had a lagcoscopy which isn’t invasive and i had off the shelve pain killers before it. I didnt get any pain but some people do. Important to check the private health policy as your added yourself to the policy due to this so they might see it as a pre-existing problem. In the first two years of having the policy they check each time you claim to see if you have had before. You shouldn't wait too long for the tests on NHS unless it's urgent. My understanding of osteoporosis is that you couldn't do the check until you are at menopause as my mother in law has it. Good luck with it all and hope you get the results you want to resolve the problems.
I don't know if anyone has seen this but I was just on the holland and barrett website and they have mentrual nurses, menopause nurses and women's health coaches along with nutritionists that all can support you with hormonal health. Looks like the consultations are free too... I keep telling people I'm pre peri menopausal lol, in my late 30s and my pms symptoms have been ramping up in the last year. I have recently found that adding in even more magnesium into my supplements and diet have really helped along with taking cbd for the pms rage 😂.
A laprascopy is the ONLY way they can diagnose Endo they are correct a scan won't do anything it might show a mass but they always need to investigate it further. I thought I had mentioned looking at it early or figured that it had been checked out because the bloat does seem related. Last year my period wouldn't stop after 7 days and they found a uterine polyp so I had to go and have a D&C & Hystoscopy (just a camera and suction ) for a clean out inserted into the vagina but yes I was under a general but it was only day surgery. I've never had any issues before then so it was a lot at once but I'm glad I got it done. Endo runs in our family but so far nothing big for me.
Can I ask if it’s your doctor doing the blood tests as my doctor has told me that they don’t do blood tests for menopause, which I find ridiculous, I’m 54 things started for me in 2020 when I turned 50, feeling alone with how I’m feeling and the doctors just aren’t helping me, he’s male so could it be that? I’ve asked to see a female but told I have to see my registered doc, I’m so frustrated with it all
I have a fabulous GP but was also told the same thing 😢. It’s not acceptable to feel the way you are feeling. Ask if your practice has a GP who specialises in the menopause and or ask to speak to the practise manager to raise your concerns about your GP and not feeling heard. We shouldn’t have to fight but unfortunately sometimes we just have to.
Oh really? That's strange. She suggested it, yes it's the Dr. I can kind of understand in a way purely bc our hormones fluctuate SO much every day/week so it is hard to test for it as each time it would be different. I think the most accurate way would be for maybe 3 blood tests in one month to see it over the different menstrual stages but that would be expensive of course. I would definitely get another appointment and don't let them shrug you off. I haven't seen my registered doc as I asked for the specific female health one, so perhaps you could ask for that as they specialise in it. Please do push for more from them though as you need to get some support and don't let them tell you otherwise! Sending love x
Wow, sorry to hear that. Part of the reason I want to share this series is to make sure women who are struggling are offered the right amount of support or at least share what is available. I feel lucky that I felt very seen and supported by the dr, she was specifically the ladies health dr and she took a lot of time over it but I know lots of people have struggled to be really listened to which is so sad. x
I don't know why I am so nervous to share this! But, I thought I would document this process as health updates to hopefully help anyone if they are also going through some Perimenopause changes and is interested. I hope it's helpful if you're needing some information on it as it can feel very lonely if not! Lots of love xx
I was on the combined oral contraceptive pill so this masks perimenopause symptoms. I went onto mini pill for a year at 48/49? and then stopped it after about a year and then had one period and then straight into full menopause. First symptom was hair loss and mood issues. Dr wouldn't do hormonal tests but did general blood test, no issues so that was that. I then over the years have had hair recovery, then thinning again etc etc, costocondritis, plantar faciitis, frozen shoulder, brain fog ( all menopause related), recently managed to get full bloods done for hair growth issues ( again), pinpointed andrenal gland issue. I've never taken HRT ( my choice). I have upped my protein, I take a mixed mushroom supplement, potassium and magnesium for brain fog and started taking ashwaganda and rhodolia(?) for adrenal function. Recent BT has shown my adrenal function is now within normal range ( 6 months taking Ashwaganda mix). My hair is slowly recovering again. You really have to look after yourself. I have drunk soya milk for over 20 years and that has natural oestrogens that can help with menopause symptoms and my brain fog is alot better.
@@zenabraithwaite1934 Wow, thank you so much for sharing all of that, Zena! All super interesting. So much to learn! She did mention trying the pill - I haven't wanted to take it as I don't take medication and didn't want the extra hormones when I didn't need it for contraception reasons but I wonder if it is a good idea to try it - she did say that would help if it was endo too x
@@LaraJoannaJarvis I think it may be worth a try for a few years. Good luck. X
I’m 51 and finally on the waiting list for a full hysterectomy for endometriosis adenmyosis and fibroids. Had to fight like mad for years, took me to tell the gynaecologist that my head was going to the dark place for them to actually start listening. Why must be be so poorly mentally and physically for years before they listen 😢. Sending you love and hugs ❤xxxx
Sending big hugs. Really feel for you. I had fiberoids and had loads of problems with heavy bleeding. I ended up going private for my hysterectomy as my health and body wasn't in a great place. I finally heard 18 months later on the NHS 😢
Same here, I ended up with bowel, bladder and kidney surgery as well as full hysterectomy due to all those things! 1 year on life is good again xx
Hi Lara, I recently had a laparoscopy (lol) because I had a large cyst in my ovary. Came out of there with an endometriosis diagnosis, as well. Anyway, the surgery was not nearly as scary as I had made it out in my mind beforehand and I recovered very easily. So if that does turn out to be on the cards for you, please try to not let it freak you out too much. Sending good vibes.
The same thing happened to me! It was when I was 31. I'm 55 now. I had what the dr called stage 4 endometriosis. He said it was the worst he had seen (wasn't I lucky lol) so he recommended 6 mos of Lupron injections. It really helped me a lot. Puts you right into menopause though so you have a lot of side effects. I was glad I did it. Now I really am in menopause but so far I've avoided a hysterectomy.
A friend of mine had menopause at 42, so 40 can definitely be perimenopause. 47 here and definitely in perimenopause. Lost confidence in driving on new roads (due to something else too), mood swings, terrible spots on the jaw.
Scans cant always pick up endometriosis. Mine showed it because it was so severe and my organs had all welded together. I ended up under the knife for almost 8 hours separating everything, had to have a full hysterectomy with bowel resection and bladder and kidney surgery. My symptoms were constant pain, pelvic pain, severe heavy periods, severe anemia and unbelievable bloating. It had got to the point where i didnt want to live anymore. One year on from surgery and i have my life back ❤. Dont hold off getting a diagnosis, even if it means having a laparoscopy. The truth is, if you catch it early it can be more easily treated, or at least contained, whereas if it takes hold as mine did, its life changing. I was fobbed off for too long, and it makes me so sad as i lost 10 years to it. Sending a woman to woman huge big hug xxxx
Great topic and yes it is lonely going through this unknown phase which seems never ending! You seem to have a great doctor - one that actually listens. Nobody told me about the horrible menopause symptoms. I'm only discovering them now that I'm actually in the midst of it. It is hellish and still seems to be taboo subject
Yes, I was actually quite nervous to go because I have heard some stories about them not being very helpful in some people's experience but my doctor was a specific women's health one (maybe why it was a longer wait than normal?) but she was really understanding and spent a long while listening to me which I was so thankful for and I felt really validated. I wanted to document this as I hardly hear anyone talk about it and it feels like the unknown to me. I hope it's helpful for anyone who is in it and doesn't know what to expect etc. Sending love xx
Hi Lara, I turned 40 this year, so this is helpful - thanks for sharing your experience. For the pelvic floor, I’ve found jump rope works wonders. I started using it three times a week for 10 minutes, and it makes a huge difference (not at first, so be prepared 😊) and helps with running training
I had a laparoscopy 9yrs ago now to explore for Endometriosis, it was rife on one of my ovaries. The op itself was fine, three small incisions (belly button & then either side), yes I was sore/bruised afterwards but that’s normal.
I’m almost 48 & been having perimenopause systems for a little while now. I’ve been to my GP, had bloods, a gynaecologist appointment & an internal scan due to abnormal bleeding (I was put on a pill after my endo op, which stopped my periods), so she wanted to check that out before prescribing HRT.
I came on here for the financial content but as a 44 year old on the combined pill taken continuously for the past 15 years I just want to say what a great option it can be for both perimenopause and endometriosis. I feel so sad seeing women my age suffering needlessly. I have no periods, no hormonal fluctuations, none of that drama, and plan to completely bypass the perimenopause. I would definitely consider a trial of this before a laparoscopy, which is invasive and requires general anaesthetic. If endo is found, the pill is often recommended anyway. Yes you would not get the definitive diagnosis but who cares if the treatment works.
Hi Lara, I'm 42 turning 43 and going through peri at the moment too. Today I got my first script for HRT which I'm hoping will help my symptoms which I've had for many years now. I also recently had an ultrasound again after many years of bloating and heavy painful periods and I have adenomyosis,which is similar in many ways to endometriosis. An ultrasound will show if you have it, though I've also had laparoscopies in the past and they were fine so don't be scared. My advice would be advocate for yourself, too many doctors are dismissive of women's health issues, though it sounds like you have a good gp. Best wishes in your journey!
Endometriosis ruined my life and now I can't have children, had a big operation, 53 now and still not over not having kids, hope you're ok ,2nd time 10 yrs later Was a laparoscopy, Was just a tiny scar in belly button which u can hardly see, good luck with it all ❤
Thanks so much for sharing Lara, it will help your younger viewers too so they know what to look out for (especially if they are younger when they experience it). If you do start HRT I’d be interested to know if any of your gut issues improve as my sugar cravings and acid reflux went straight away. It’s bonkers all women go through menopause yet many still avoid/deny/play down talking about it. Hope you are feeling positive that you’ve taken the first step and feel more yourself soon x
With regard to perimenopause and menopause, tread carefully. I have an underactive thyroid went on hrt started to get depressed, anxiety, put on antidepressants worst decision. Hrt sent me into a mental spiral, lost over 3 stone in 2months and ended up on a Psychiatric Hospital for a month. No medical person did any checks before offering hrt. I'm fine now but I wish I had left well alone and just got on with things in a natural way. One size doesn't fit all. Take care of yourself
Thank you for sharing Lara! I have a lot of symptoms of peri menopause at 39 but everyone I speak to says I am too young🙄. Worth checking out if private med insurance would cover you as your symptoms may be considered a pre-existing condition. x
I'd get a second opinion on the wait times of a referal for a laparoscopy for Endo. I was referred by my GP in Jan this year and had it done 5 weeks later (I also live in Hampshire).
Thank you for the update, it's really nice to see other people trying to navigate those crazy symptoms, helps my mental health so much! As I said in the previous video I've been diagnosed as going through peri menopause. I'm only 38! But my blood test confirmed this with a very high FSH tested twice in 6 months. I'm definitely in it. I'm glad I had children early on as I wouldn't be able to get pregnant with this FSH. I'm going on medication soon I'm just waiting for my next appointment to talk about this.
Have they offered you a blood test for hormones? If not it's essential for any symptoms and they should offer it xx
Oh please ignore me, I just realised you say they referred you for the blood test! 🙈 Xx
I had a laparoscopy on the NHS a few years ago because of suspected endometriosis (turns out it wasn’t that), but the procedure was absolutely fine. Quick recovery and it was my first GA which was fine too. Honestly, get the procedure because it’s the absolute quickest way of getting a yes or no diagnosis on endo. Good luck! 🤞🏻
My granny went through the menopause at 43 but my mitger was 55. It can hapoen at any age. Im 53 and I think Im mire like my mother. Both suffered greatly from hot flushes ... Something to look forward too 😬
I bought a cream from Australia called Anna’s yam cream. It’s got great reviews for bad periods, peri menopause and menopause. I’ve been taking it for a month so waiting to see if there are any improvements. It’s a natural alternative to hrt and being a bit overweight the chances of cancer increase etc so thought I’d try the natural way first!
I’m currently working with a team to study the effects of menopause etc it should be really interesting!
I have endo and am currently waiting for a laparoscopy on the nhs to remove my endometriomas and to check if my fallopian tubes are blocked etc. The symptoms are horrendous. I was literally wondering if you've considered endo, and then you mentioned it in this video 😊
Im 39 and going through the intial perimenopause tests atm. I’m waiting for second lot of blood tests back, first lot were abnormal. My FSH was 24.5 and estrodial (estrogen) was 50 somthing. The worst symptoms for me is the anger and anxiety
Thank you for sharing! Did you track your cycle for the date of your first blood test? I saw that day 19/20/21 was a good time to do it, ironically that was the first appointment available haha so I went for that but I know our hormones are all over the place each week to be able to get a stable reading. Interesting to hear about your FSH too x
Thankyou for doing this video! Well for the first test was told to test days 1-5 of my cycle (that’s for estrodial, LH & FSH) but this time it was day 21. This time I’ve had progesterone and testosterone as well as FSH, Estrodial & LH too so will be interesting to see what they come back as. I’ll let you know when I get my results back. I believe the FSH is the main indicator of ovarian reserves. Mine is obviously not great but I knew that years ago when I had to do ivf. There’s also an AMH test too but not sure how important that is in perimenopause testing
I'm 43 and I found out I had two endometrioma cysts on each ovary back in 2020 one 4.5cm and one 5.5cm. My gynaecologist put me on the mini pill to reduce the size and stop then getting any bigger which has worked but I'm still on the mini pill so I have no idea what my cycle is like and I feel I am perimenopausal at times but I dont know as it could be related to the hormonal migraines I get. I really wanted to come off the pill but have been told its not a great idea. The future will be invasive surgery I'm told as my womb is stuck partly to my bowel 😔 until then I get regular scans and CA 125 level checks every 6 months. Luckily they cause no pain just bloating really but the thought of surgery is scary as ive never had an operation before 😢❤
Hello my dear. I have the same issues as you - bad bloating, suspect endo and perimenopause. I asked GP to put me on the list for getting the Mirena coil and see if that helps because that works really well for HRT afterwards, if/when I’m ready. I’m not even going to investigate yet because my symptoms are not severe enough for me to want surgery if it is Endo.
Be interesting to see what the tests outcome is. Your symptoms sounded very simular to mine and it wasn't perimenopause but hormones changing in my 40s. I had fibroids which eventually resulted in crazy spotting and heavy bleeding passing clots. It resulted in a hysterectomy 2 years ago. I had a lagcoscopy which isn’t invasive and i had off the shelve pain killers before it. I didnt get any pain but some people do. Important to check the private health policy as your added yourself to the policy due to this so they might see it as a pre-existing problem. In the first two years of having the policy they check each time you claim to see if you have had before. You shouldn't wait too long for the tests on NHS unless it's urgent. My understanding of osteoporosis is that you couldn't do the check until you are at menopause as my mother in law has it. Good luck with it all and hope you get the results you want to resolve the problems.
I don't know if anyone has seen this but I was just on the holland and barrett website and they have mentrual nurses, menopause nurses and women's health coaches along with nutritionists that all can support you with hormonal health. Looks like the consultations are free too... I keep telling people I'm pre peri menopausal lol, in my late 30s and my pms symptoms have been ramping up in the last year. I have recently found that adding in even more magnesium into my supplements and diet have really helped along with taking cbd for the pms rage 😂.
A laprascopy is the ONLY way they can diagnose Endo they are correct a scan won't do anything it might show a mass but they always need to investigate it further. I thought I had mentioned looking at it early or figured that it had been checked out because the bloat does seem related. Last year my period wouldn't stop after 7 days and they found a uterine polyp so I had to go and have a D&C & Hystoscopy (just a camera and suction ) for a clean out inserted into the vagina but yes I was under a general but it was only day surgery. I've never had any issues before then so it was a lot at once but I'm glad I got it done. Endo runs in our family but so far nothing big for me.
I love watching your videos
Hope you are all ok
Thanks lovely xx
Love your vlogs have a look at Dr Barbara O’Neill as I know you are into natural health
Can I ask if it’s your doctor doing the blood tests as my doctor has told me that they don’t do blood tests for menopause, which I find ridiculous, I’m 54 things started for me in 2020 when I turned 50, feeling alone with how I’m feeling and the doctors just aren’t helping me, he’s male so could it be that? I’ve asked to see a female but told I have to see my registered doc, I’m so frustrated with it all
They can do tests for menopause. I was declined them too. But they can.
I have a fabulous GP but was also told the same thing 😢. It’s not acceptable to feel the way you are feeling. Ask if your practice has a GP who specialises in the menopause and or ask to speak to the practise manager to raise your concerns about your GP and not feeling heard. We shouldn’t have to fight but unfortunately sometimes we just have to.
Oh really? That's strange. She suggested it, yes it's the Dr. I can kind of understand in a way purely bc our hormones fluctuate SO much every day/week so it is hard to test for it as each time it would be different. I think the most accurate way would be for maybe 3 blood tests in one month to see it over the different menstrual stages but that would be expensive of course. I would definitely get another appointment and don't let them shrug you off. I haven't seen my registered doc as I asked for the specific female health one, so perhaps you could ask for that as they specialise in it. Please do push for more from them though as you need to get some support and don't let them tell you otherwise! Sending love x
I wonder why they declined you? I would push for them if you would still like answers as that doesn't feel right and you should be supported x
Wow, sorry to hear that. Part of the reason I want to share this series is to make sure women who are struggling are offered the right amount of support or at least share what is available. I feel lucky that I felt very seen and supported by the dr, she was specifically the ladies health dr and she took a lot of time over it but I know lots of people have struggled to be really listened to which is so sad. x
Lap-ar-os-copy
An extra syllable!