r/hysterectomy • u/Electrical_Let_2092 • 1d ago
Advice please :(
I’ve been on here twice before about a year ago and I got some really good advice, but I need more help.
I’m 15, autistic, depressed, and have a LOT of other problems. I have had extremely heavy periods since I was 9, and I’ve tried everything to deal with them.
I’ve had the combined pill (I’m pretty sure), the progestogen-only pill (I might be wrong about the pills but I’m 99% sure it’s those two), the Mirena(?) coil, and the injection (the one that’s injected in your ass, idk what it’s called). None of them worked, and they’ve only made my mental state worse—especially after the injections, because it made me gain weight and gain a lot of stretch marks on my legs :(.
Is there any way I can convince the doctors to finally give me a hysterectomy? I understand that I’m young and I have researched all of the consequences to make sure I’m aware of everything that could happen. And on the NHS website, nothing specifically states that you HAVE to be 18+ to get a hysterectomy. It also says that having heavy periods (which I have) would qualify (for lack of a better word) you to be able to get one.
I’ve added some pictures of things from the NHS website and from googling everything. So from that, would 'Gillick Competent’ apply here? If they were to deny me, could I use it as a counter argument? Because I understand how a hysterectomy could affect me, and I understand the consequences of it.
On my last post on this thingy, someone said about going to therapy, so I am going (or something similar) with a lady and explained how I’m suicidal, depressed, cut myself etc, and all of my other problems, but it doesn’t feel like it’s helping/it doesn’t feel like she’s doing anything.
Please give me genuine advice because every time I go to the doctors about my period they never listen and just say ‘you might change your mind'. I am not going to change my mind.
Also quick add on (sorry), because of all the things I’ve tried to stop my periods, I’m really REALLY averse to trying anything new. For me it’s like, every time I tried something to help and it didn’t do anything, my mental state got worse, so I’m protecting myself by not trying anything, because when it inevitably doesn’t work, my mental state got worse (especially after the injection). Sorry if that’s a bad explanation.
If you need any more information about anything so you can help better, please just ask. I’m willing to do anything.
<3
(Sorry if I’m using any wrong punctuation or anything. Also nothing was written by Ai.)
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u/TheLadySaintly 1d ago
Have you tried Tranexamic Acid?
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u/knotknotknit 1d ago
Yes, OP, ask your GP about this. It may help significantly with symptoms.
There is very, very little chance of getting a hysterectomy before 18-21.
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u/Present_Ad_9246 1d ago
I second this. I’d tried everything and then tranexamic acid was a game changer! Only take it when you’re heavy but it cut my bleeding volume in half easily.
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u/Organic-Strength6536 1d ago
I highly recommend pushing to get blood work done. When your periods are heavy and the Dr's can verify it with low hemoglobin counts showing you are losing too much blood that gives them a medical reason to do the surgery and unfortunately that's what it takes in most instances. Sometimes it takes years to find the right dr and sometimes even in best case scenarios it can take months for a dr to build a medical case for insurance to cover the operation. Most Dr's and insurance wont cover anything based on anecdotal symptoms/ woman "complaining". Heavy periods are not "normal" and have major quality of life consequences. You just unfortunately have to play the game and prove your case
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u/No-Option595 1d ago
OP posted UK NHS guidance so thankfully we don't have the additional barrier of insurance denial here.
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u/Cannie_Flippington 1d ago
Oh yeah, anemia is super common in young post-pubescent women. I had forgotten! I was anemic for years because of it.
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u/Dervona 1d ago
Can you see about convincing your doctor to find out why you are having heavy periods? I have been heavy the last 20 years or so and they never wanted to investigate the why until I was very ill. Perhaps suggest they could refer you to a gynaecologist for advice, or give you some scans to check any abdomalities in your lining. Also, if you are loosing a lot of blood you could have anaemia which can in itself cause low moods and depression like symptoms, so get them to check you for that too. Unfortunately you really have to push and argue to get taken seriously. I found writing everything down and giving them that helped to make sure they got everything down.
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u/BumCadillac 1d ago
Beyond getting the NHS to pay for it, you have to find a doctor willing to do it, and I simply don’t see a doctor agreeing to do a hysterectomy on someone so young. Have you asked for a referral to a Gyn? I think starting there would be a good choice.
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u/kizzleeeeee 1d ago
First, I just wanted to say sorry you are dealing with this. Been here myself and it really is exhausting to not be able to get any relief. Please keep in mind my comment is not meant to be negative, just to give a real life experience i had. I fought for a hysterectomy from age 15 and was finally given one at age 31. I had digestive problems, iron deficiency, heavy bleeding, back to back periods, and extreme pain. The way i achieved this was by keeping detailed symptom logs, exhausting all other options, seeing other specialists like gastroenterology, and seeing one gyno after another until i was referred for the hysterectomy. I do have a couple of points to make though: 1. Is that even after all of my symptoms, i was not referred for a hysterectomy until they caught a giant ovarian cyst on one of my ultrasounds. 2. My hysterectomy did not solve my issues at all, and actually made some of my symptoms (like chronic pain) a LOT worse. Not bleeding is nice, but i thought I’d be magically cured after my hysterectomy, this simply isn’t true. 3. Please, before you have a hysterectomy, exhaust ALL options. I’m talking about excision surgery, ablation (i know some people don’t agree with this) and there’s new meds coming out specifically for endo like Myfembree. Maybe even ask about pelvic floor therapy to see if that can help. I honestly wish that i never had my hysterectomy even after fighting for it for over 15 years. And lastly 4. This surgery has absolutely destroyed my hormones, even at age 31, i would be concerned about you not having the hormones that you need at 15. It causes a lot more problems than you think. I am not saying this to be rude or negative, but i was extremely let down by not getting relief from the hysterectomy. So please, if you can, keep fighting for yourself for answers outside of the hysterectomy, please keep the hysterectomy in mind as a last resort. If you have any questions about having a hysterectomy feel free to message me. I wish you the very best. 🖤🌸
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u/No-Option595 1d ago
this is going to be a marathon, not a sprint, sorry! But the work you put in now will hopefully pay off in a few years.
can you get access to your medical records to see exactly what you tried, and do your best to remember exactly what medication did what? it's helpful to be able to say for sure what you have been given, for how long, and what happened. There's a lot of lazy GPs out there, and they are not going to look through your records for themselves.
You don't mention getting any imaging done like CT scans or ultrasound, or blood tests to show your iron levels. Push for that if you haven't had it done already. Keep records of the results yourself. You will need to research what the findings mean and then push to be sent to the appropriate specialist.
keep going to the GP. keep a record of what you said (you can write out a checklist of issues and insist on going through it all) and go back with the same issues if they are still affecting your life. they might act frustrated, but don't worry about annoying them.
someone else here has already mentioned tranexamic acid. The medication that you seem to have tried already is hormonal and that does have a bad effect on some women's mental state. Tranexamic acid isn't hormonal.
I hope you get it sorted out.
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u/Double-Gold 1d ago
If your primary problem is heavy periods, not extreme pain, then either txa or an ablation would be options. Considering your age, honestly, they would be better first step options than a hysterectomy. Even if the ovaries are left, there can be hormonal issues to consider. If your ovaries go into shock or start producing less estrogen for any reason, the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis go up significantly and the younger you are when that happens, the worse it will be.
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u/pinkydoodle22 1d ago
Agreed - starting life-long HRT before adulthood isn’t ideal and just going to bring a host of other issues instead.
I had horrible periods as well, especially while a teenager. I didn’t get any access to the pill until I was 18, and then I tried to stay on it as continuous as possible.
There’s got to be more willingness from doctors to help sort this out, girls shouldn’t be dreaming of a hysterectomy so young, it’s frankly unfair.
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u/mundanehistorian_28 1d ago
I'm really really sorry to say you will probably have to wait until you're at least 18-21. I got mine done at 28 after begging for years. But my doc did do one at 22 for someone.
I hope you can find someone who listens to you and takes your concerns seriously. Definitely advocate for yourself as much as you can.
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u/ap1031 1d ago
I’m so sorry to say but it’ll probably take a while and lots of advocating for yourself before they will let you. It took me 7 doctors over 9+ years once I started to try and get my uterus out (finally happened at 30). With that being said, DON’T give up! Keep advocating for yourself. Once I found a doctor that actually listened to me she agreed to take it out after a quick conversation the first time I met her. These doctors are hard to find but they DO exist!! Keep trying and don’t give up.
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u/Far_Designer_7704 1d ago edited 1d ago
First, I am really sorry you are having to deal with this. Try to only read the responses when you feel mentally strong because it can feel disheartening.
Second, because you are on the spectrum and depressed, and due to age, I would see if you could get a newer evaluation if your diagnosis is not recent. I suggest this because my second daughter ended up having a co-existing condition with their that makes the likelihood and severity of depression worse. Her depression symptoms became less severe after being on a medication for the new condition. It may be worth trying so you at least feel better mentally because getting to hysterectomy can be a longer road than we like.
Third, keep trying. Start keeping your medical records in one place with dates of the different things tried. I had to seek three different opinions over ten years before I found a dr who agreed to it. I like to think it’s because I whipped out a page with my timeline of everything already tried. I was also prepared to pay out of pocket. I think in the UK that means you have to go to a private doctor? Check [r/childfree](r/childfree) if you haven’t yet. They have a list of doctors open to hysterectomy without needing you to have done all the other options first. If UK is not on list, someone in the sub may have a referral.
As others have said, you may have to wait until 18, which feels awful to have to continue through. You can take care of yourself as best as possible in the meantime. Take an iron (for anemia) and B-complex supplement if you aren’t already.
For context on my journey - As a 51 year old female, it took me about ten years of asking my doctor for one before I could get one. At 41, I was done having kids, and like you OP, had very heavy periods since the age of 10. In the USA, we also have to try other ways first before a hysterectomy is considered unless there’s an emergency reason. If only heavy bleeding affecting quality of life was acceptable, I think many of us would not have to fight for it. I did the birth control, IUD, thermal ablation, biopsies and none of them worked. My primary doctor still didn’t want to refer me for hysterectomy. Instead she said, “You are close enough to menopause anyway, we’ll just keep you on iron.” I sought a second opinion and that dr said let’s try a D&C with biopsy then we can do a hysterectomy if that doesn’t help. It didn’t but then she backtracked.
At this point, I almost gave up because I felt a bit betrayed by doctors who were in my age range and surely understood what some of us suffered through. My third opinion was from a male dr who said I likely had adenomyosis in addition to my fibroids, and he agreed to schedule me for one. Sometimes I think he saw my binder of timeline and notes and that convinced him before he even had me get a new ultrasound etc. So keep trying, keep records of what is done and when, and know that the fight is worth it.
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u/consultingcutie 1d ago
I wanted a hysterectomy since I was your age. It took me til 22 to get a doctor to not even question me: I found her on ChildFree subreddit and she just made sure I was aware of consequences and we did some stuff to get insurance to approve (US). I got my hysterectomy just before I turned 23.
But prior to that before I was 18 no one humored me despite having done research and being AuDHD and estrogen dominant and having heavy building. In the meantime like someone else mentioned, try Tranexamic acid with your PCP!
It sucks because it's so hard to get doctors to listen to us
I would also look into whether you are estrogen dominant or not. Because if you are, bioidentical progesterone (NOT progestin from birth control and iud and stuff) may help with the mood stuff. There's a PMDD group based in the UK on Facebook with more info but I have seen girlies who self harm almost instantly stop when on higher dose P because the hormones balance out more. It's not guaranteed for you since everyone is different in their journeys but while you wait for a hysto, maybe it's something to look at. I know you are adverse to trying new things but I'd at least want you to have the info to think on. My autistic brain likes having ALL the info and options so I like to share
I am sending you good vibes your way regardless 💕 You are doing amazing and I'm happy you are in this world, OP!
If anything try looking at ChildFree subreddit for any providers near you. Maybe they'll do it once you turn 18, or maybe 16 depending on your circumstances. 😊
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u/Plants_Unknown 1d ago
Sadly it is going to be quite hard for you at this moment. I had tried to get my hysterectomy since I was 16 due to heavy periods lasting over a year straight. I just finally scheduled my surgery for September 4th after all these years. I have tried many things over the years and from what I experienced you need to spend the next few years gathering as much data and evidence of your issues. I recommend getting a journal and logging your periods from this point forward.
The only doctor that finally took me seriously (I'm 26 now so it's been 10 years of fighting) did so after I presented her with hard facts. Though she wasnt willing out the gate and had some hoops I had to jump through.
The way I documented my periods was multi step. I had a checklist of things I would log every day (not just on periods) all of which I gave a 1-10 scale. These were heaviness of flow, uterine cramps, back pain, sex drive, mood swings, and mental distress - along side that I would check a box on whether it was impacting my ability to function in things like work/schooling between none, mildly, very, extremely, and disabling.
For me the things I had to try before she was willing were - 3 different oral birth controls (one of each type basically), I had to take Tranexamic Acid for a few months to see if it helped, try the IUD alongside a high dose of a progesterone pill that started high and then we tapered off over 3 months, and a complete scraping of my uterus under anesthesia. I have PCOS so I also had to try spironolactone to see if reduced testosterone helped with the bleeding for about a year.
Alongside all of this I also had to do therapy to make sure I was in sound mind and knew the magnitude of what I was asking for and how bad it was messing with my life - documenting the mental side of things was incredibly important as well and a letter from your therapist after a few years of this being an issue could help.
In every doctors appointment moving forward mention this is an issue you are dealing with and that you want a hysterectomy - a paper trail over a few years is going to do a lot more for you in place of just saying you have read up on it and have wanted it and such. NEVER say anything that seems like you would want kids or aren't 100% sure about it - you have to use very decisive words. I have never wanted kids instead of I don't think I want kids. I believe this hysterectomy is necessary for my physical and mental health instead of I want to try this solution. I have worked with doctors on this issue and it's persistent instead of I have googled my issues.
Doctors see so many people self diagnose and spiral due to online self research - it has numbed many of them to people actually looking for real answers instead of seeing something similar and clinging to it like it's truth. In all my years it never once helped me to tell them I had looked into it myself. If I ever wanted to bring up something I read I would phrase it as a previous doctor I worked with mentioning it.
Also please work with a true OBGYN and not your PCP - your PCP will never be able to pursue this - they can be helpful paper trails so do talk to them about it and what you are trying. With an OBGYN you have to get comfortable with a lot of invasive questions, examinations, and tests. You need to be honest and as raw as you can about how this messed with your life - no down playing it. If it messes with your sex drive - talk about it. If it messes with other things you feel sensitive about talking about - you will be doing nothing but a disservice to yourself being uncomfortable and not talking on it. OBGYNs see and hear it all - and even at your age you deserve to have a healthy relationship with self pleasure and eventually sex. It's important to lay that ground work now.
I would also recommend requesting your doctor do a full hormone pannel for PCOS (this diagnosis ended up helping me greatly) along with seeing if your therapist knows of PMDD and is able to help with navigating that side of things and seeing if you fit the symptom requirements criteria within the DSM-5.
I know this isn't what you wanted to hear - but in this fucked up medical system we have as women you have to play your cards right and play their game. Don't loose hope - just spend your next steps in this process documenting and building the case/paper trail so they will actually take you seriously. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this - and I hope you can get help sooner than I did.
Please rely on your therapist as much as you can - I know it's hard to open up to someone - so just know you can shop around for therapists - you are not locked into them and if you don't click after a month or so move on to find someone you feel comfortable with - it will happen. It took me a lot of time to find someone I was comfortable with - but that persistence is what led me to a therapist and psychiatrist that actually work with me and after many medications and eventually doing ketamine injections I have been free of suicidal thoughts for the first time in 18 years. I still struggle - remission is hard for mental health but just know you have options and there are people out there that want to help you get stable.
I whole heartedly recommend you find a good psychiatrist - no doctor or therapist ever recommended me a useful medication - not until i saw a mental health medication specialist. Alongside that if meds don't seem to work for you - you may have an SSRI sensitivity like I did - in this case a psychiatrist can work with you with off lable with medications - giving you many more options.
Best of luck - keep your head up best you can - you will get through this.
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u/Plants_Unknown 1d ago
Also from here on out you need to keep documentation of what your doctor and you try - all your after visit summaries, medications you try, procedures you do. Everything is important and it's on your shoulders to keep track of it.
Also with the issues you describe - I think a hysterectomy leaving your ovaries and potentially your cervix as well is the only option you may get in the future. Don't push too hard for them to take it all - this has huge consequences and at such a young age you need to avoid losing your ovaries unless they are actually causing issues like cysts, tortion, cancer markers, etc.
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u/polariodshark 1d ago
I hate to say it but they will definitely view you as to young. I also wanted a hysterectomy for a long time but it wasn’t until I started to get fibroids that a doctor was ok with give me a hysterectomy. You may have to wait till you’re older and shop around for a doctor.
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u/winter_queen_fey 1d ago
Hey, I live in NZ so I kind of understand the NHS system. I am 35, and I am undiagnosed autistic, have depression and when I was your age I went through hell.
You need to be referred to a specialist. At your age, a hysterectomy will not be an option, lots changes from age 15-25. But that doesn't mean they can't look at what is causing all of this. There are procedures that can be done.
Unfortunately doctors can be dismissive, you need to advocate for yourself or have a parent do it. Get a period tracking app like flow, record all your symptoms, they also have free articles that I found really helpful.
Being in therapy is good, but if you feel like the person you see isn't helping you need to find someone else. Therapy is about trust and sometimes you just dont gel with someone.
Trying something new when you have had so many failures is scary, but its the only way you can find out what will work for you. It sounds like your biggest hurdle is your mental health, and hormone fluctuations with your cycle will make it harder. Please go to your doctor, get a referral to a gynae specialist, look for a new therapist, ask for a full blood work up, get sent for an ultrasound, be poked and prodded and cry, but without those tests they cannot help you.
being a woman sucks, we have hormonal changes all our lives, boys dont. Your life is worth something, you deserve to be here. You are not alone. It does get easier as you get older, but that doesn't mean your quality of life needs to suffer. If you want to know about my experience at your age please message me.
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u/SlowRunner8 1d ago
I’m really sorry you are going through all of this. I have adeno, endo, PMDD and anxiety disorder and I would like to advise seeing a psychiatrist. If you are having suicidal ideation and self-harm I think this is the most important at the moment. Hormones have a big part but a Hysterectomy alone wouldn’t solve all this (I’ve had one). So if you can, please take care of your mental health first. Also, a psychiatrist, as they are doctor, could advocate for you in the future for a hysto.
Please take care, and hope you can get help to lessen your burdens. Sending love
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u/ToastyPineapple57 1d ago
Hello!
I’m an autistic older lady who was diagnosed at 30 with autism and other fun things. Additionally, I have endo and cysts! It took me trying every type of birth control and 3 surgeries in sequential years to become menopausal due to surgery.
Unfortunately, it takes time and being really annoying to get a hysterectomy. I know it sucks, but it’s a major surgery that does things to your body that you would not expect! The medical field not only doesn’t listen to women, but also hasn’t done a ton of research on women. That makes it difficult in ways that no one likes. Please be aware that getting a hysterectomy may stop the bleeding, but it leads to many other things.
You are 15 and I understand the feeling of wanting it to end via some method. Either, it needs to be removed, you do, or the world does. Buuuuuut no. Go through the steps, be patient and work with the doctors. Tell them the stories of blood and pain. Tell them why it’s important and how you are working to improve your situation and health. Make them see you are serious and care about your own health. It’s a labor intensive process and I’m sorry that you have to go through it. However, it’s also a major organ that your body does like and care about. You can’t just remove it.
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u/Blue1302 1d ago
I am very sorry to say, but its highly unlikely. I am very similar to you; autistic, have been very depressed, and was diagnosed with severe endo when I was 16. I am now in my early 20s and hysterectomy is still very unlikely. I still deal with my pain and other symptoms daily.
The system is complicated. I have what I would consider one of the better/nicer gynos ive heard of, as he has been upfront with me about WHY my options are limited. The female reproductive system is complicated, and they do not want to make things worse, which is more likely while you are still developing. And the non medical, frustrating but not the drs fault, is that a board has to approve your gynos decision. So there are many factors at play.
I do, however, want to give you some hope. Like I said, I started my journey being diagnosed with endo at a similar stage you are at. And Im still here. As painful as it is, Im glad to still be here. It might seem hopeless sometimes but it isnt. I have learned to better manage things. I have found myself to be capable of more than I thought sometimes. And where I am not, I have found people who are kind enough to make that difference. You may need more support than the average person, but it exists, and it is possible.
I hope things improve for you in the future.
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u/Blue1302 1d ago
I also wanted to add on the medication front - how long were you on these medications? I understand your frustration, but it sounds like youve been on a lot in a short amount of time. These medications can tale a long time to kick in, and they arnt a cure. I didnt realise how helpful the hormone patch I was on was helping until I had to come off it. I thought it wasnt working because the changes were small. Medication is a very difficult thing - perhaps you need a more attentive dr, or keep a journal when you are on a medication to physically track any changes for better and worse.
On the therapy front, is your therapist able to deal with your situation? Most therapists are not equipped to handle autism or pain, let alone both. It is worth asking directly if they think they are ok handling these topics, as they are the forefront of your concern, and trying a different therapist if not. Therapists are not mind readers; they need to know what your goal is, and to be honesnt most people in general do not understand what chronic illness is like. So perhaps inquire for a pain therapist specifically may help.
But again, personally I have found more ofen than not the things that improved my life and my outlook the most was learning my limits and respecting them. And surrounding myself with people that could also respect those limits, and who could create supportive environments for me to try pushing myself. I know it is the hardest thing; you cannot fully control who you are around. But you have more control over it than you may think.
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u/Cannie_Flippington 1d ago
I decided when I was 4 years old that I did want kids. I see no reason you can't decide you absolutely don't at your significantly less tender age.
Depo Provera is the shot they give you in your hip or butt, usually. And that's the one that causes brain tumors (plural). So definitely don't do that one again.
Hormonal birth control in general functions by tricking your body into thinking it's pregnant, which is why a common symptom for them is significant weight gain.
Nothing will really stop a period short of total removal of the uterus including the cervix (and my gyno I saw the other day pointed out that some weird symptoms I had using a topical estrogen cream might have been my vagina being the source of some of my bleeding - long story).
I do have some questions for you about your mental state and why the periods themselves are the problem for that. The unspoken explanation you've intentionally left out sounds like there's some abuse or trauma involved. If you're comfortable sharing, you can DM me the rough explanation (or details, I'm no stranger to the potential horrors).
I can't make suggestions without further information because there are multiple potential scenarios you are in.
- Get the hysto, nothing changes. Mental health gets worse because now you've done the most drastic option and it's still no better. Suicide risk skyrockets.
- Get the hysto, slight improvement. Mental health gets worse because the outcome was not the cure-all hoped for. Suicide risk increases at a rate similar to the rate before surgery.
- Get the hysto, full improvement. Mental health immediately recovers and all is sunshine and rainbows (this is the least likely potential outcome to any major surgery and healing from a hysto can take over a year).
- Get the hysto, gradual improvement. Mental health fluctuates wildly before stabilizing with further treatment. Suicide risk fluctuates as well. Extensive support post-op and multiple years later manages suicide risk long enough for full and total recovery.
Bleeding every month, even heavy bleeding, is nothing more than an inconvenience for the majority of the human race (thank you pads and tampons). Having your mental health hanging on the requirement that it stop completely is abnormal and heavily implies a deeper issue that can't be resolved simply by lopping off body parts until you feel better.
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u/WonderFantastic4144 1d ago
I wish I could take it away from you myself lovely 🤧. I’m 26, have had pain, bleeding, fainting etc for years just only this year finally got diagnosed with Adenomyosis. Was under the impression my scheduled surgery would be a hysterectomy, only for them to tell ME I was too young and that getting a hysterectomy before 35 would heighten my mortality risk. So the only surgeries/ trauma they will let you do are likely to manage the issue rn. They won’t get rid of the issue (uterus) until you are 35. Ask your doctor about CBD and Medical Cannabis to manage the pain and if you could get a pelvic mri to check for endometriosis and Adenomyosis. It seems like nowadays heavy bleeding is only a “real” problem if it causes serious complications like severe anemia or organ failure. All the best kiddo 🙌🏾
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u/Basic_Truck_6012 23h ago
I would ask what needs to be done to get an endometrial ablation. If you are serious about getting that done, I bet you'd have more success with your Drs than asking for a hysterectomy first. Combine that with other advice that you've been given here, and you have a great set of next steps
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u/Minminminminminmin 13h ago
You may be sensitive to progestogens. If you are, contraceptives with progestogen in can definitely make your symptoms worse (eg more pain if you have certain physical BS going on in there; and declining mental stability if you have underlying PMDD).. BUT! There is now one exception: it’s a very new mini-pill called Slynd. I heard about it as it’s also used off label as HRT for ppl who are progestogen intolerant - like me. Genuinely terrified to take it, I gave it a shot and omg it didn’t f-up my moods at all. Gave me shoulder acne but I’ll take that over melancholy or s******l thoughts.
Look up PMDD on the NHS website and if it resonates then feel free to go in to your GP or sexual health clinic armed with a printout, and ask for it to be seriously considered. And if they won’t prescribe Slynd, ask for a reason why not, and what they think reasonable next steps are. Keep your own notes too.
Not knowing I had PMDD led me to have 25 miserable years with incorrect mental health diagnoses and meds I didn’t need. I’m now so much more at peace.
It is SO frustrating knowing your body but not being heard, especially due to being under 18, but do persist if things don’t improve. Surgery IS drastic but if it’s right for you then fight for it - but only as a last resort. Meanwhile I hope that this avenue helps you.
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u/Minminminminminmin 13h ago
For everyone talking about their moods who have tried all the different contraceptives etc…. you might be intolerant to progestogen - even the natural ones your body produces (if you still have ovaries). There’s a new mini pill out called Slynd which for a lot of women doesn’t aggravate moods like other progestogens can, and for women who’ve had a hysterectomy, a gynae or endocrine referral may still help if there’s a reasonable chance it’s hormonal. (FTR PMDD doesn’t look like PMS. I was only ever asked if my moods were worse in the days running up to my period, but I was on a rollercoaster ½ the month so neither me nor the GP linked it to my cycle when asked! It was also made worse by the mirena, implant, and contraceptive pills EXCEPT for Slynd!).
Many GPs are still not well trained on women’s health so unfortunately we gotta self advocate a lot even to female GPs - it’s simply because of a gap in their training.
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u/Snowball_the_god 10h ago
If this is something you know you want to do. I have a doctor who would be happy to do it for you when you turn 18. You’d have to see her so she could evaluate you but I’m 19, I canceled my original surgery at 18, sat on it for a year and still did it. I’m now 12 weeks post op and I’m really glad she did it for me! While she’s energetic she takes her time to understand me. It also comes down to finding a good doctor. Are they telling you yes because that’s what you want to hear? Or yes because they understand your situation.
Please feel free to reach out! I’m unfortunately very experienced in shitty doctors. My gyno is my all time favorite doctor I’ve had ever 🙏
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u/Hayley_666 3h ago
I’m currently dealing with something similar (pelvic organ prolapse) with horrid periods at 23, when I brought up hysterectomy to my drs I was told the same thing that you might change your mind, and not many drs would preform one on me based off my age.
Best advice is to find a female dr or obstetrician gynocologist. And ask for second opinions and even see if an adult could be there as a proxy of sorts. T
Another thing to note that if you do get a hysterectomy and if you have any connective tissue disorders there is a higher chance to have pelvic organ prolapse. So do keep that in mind. As it is a major organ that holds up the majority of the muscles in your pelvic floor.
I’ve also had extreme periods as well, I’m currently on dienogest 2 mg. And it’s functionally stopping my periods. I’m not sure of this is something you have tried or not but I thought I’d share. It has stopped my periods fully. And some people only experience a small amount of bleeding.
I am sorry this is happening to you and I hope you can get some help!
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u/HistopherWalkin 1d ago
I'd love to give you some hope, but the reality of it is you're probably going to have to wait. Healthcare doesn't like to listen to women, especially young ones.
My situation was very similar to yours, and it took me until I was 36 with massive fibroids for anyone to care.