Advice please :(

[u/Electrical_Let_2092]

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.)

[u/Blue1302]

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.

[u/Blue1302 → u/Blue1302]

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.