It sounds like it might be time for a new gynecologist.
If you are not exaggerating, and are keeping copious notes regarding:
- first day of menstrual period
- last day of menstrual period
- symptoms before, during and after period
- how often you are changing tampons and/or pads
...and your gynecologist says you are exaggerating, you are not receiving good care. I am sorry...you are not overreacting, and I'm sorry that you are not being listened to.
By definition, an abnormal period is one in which:
- you bleed more than 7-10 days consecutively
- excessive bleeding occurs. This is defined by soaking through more than a pad and/or tampon every hour.
- severe cramping or pain.
- vomiting
- Menstrual cycles that are longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days are abnormal.
Have you asked your doctor questions? Have you had any testing done, and if so, what were the results?
Here are some pamphlets from your doctor's own professional association, ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology):
- Painful periods
- Abnormal bleeding.
You should be taken seriously with any symptoms that you bring to your doctor's attention. Depending on how comfortable you feel, you can ask your doctor why they are not concerned about what you are experiencing, and ask if another doctor in their practice would be concerned, or specializes in teen health. You can show them the pamphlets, and point to what is relevant to you.
It is important to be consistent with your doctor, in regards to the symptoms you are experiencing. Please keep a "journal" of your symptoms, and bring it to you during your next visit (or, when you visit a new doctor). The second online brochure above has a Menstrual Flow Chart that you can track your bleeding, and you can also add other symptoms you are experiencing.
Do you need help finding another doctor? Do you have any idea why your current doctor is not receptive?
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It sounds like it might be time for a new gynecologist.
If you are not exaggerating, and are keeping copious notes regarding:
- first day of menstrual period
- last day of menstrual period
- symptoms before, during and after period
- how often you are changing tampons and/or pads
...and your gynecologist says you are exaggerating, you are not receiving good care. I am sorry...you are not overreacting, and I'm sorry that you are not being listened to.
By definition, an abnormal period is one in which:
- you bleed more than 7-10 days consecutively
- excessive bleeding occurs. This is defined by soaking through more than a pad and/or tampon every hour.
- severe cramping or pain.
- vomiting
- Menstrual cycles that are longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days are abnormal.
Have you asked your doctor questions? Have you had any testing done, and if so, what were the results?
Here are some pamphlets from your doctor's own professional association, ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology):
- Painful periods
- Abnormal bleeding.
You should be taken seriously with any symptoms that you bring to your doctor's attention. Depending on how comfortable you feel, you can ask your doctor why they are not concerned about what you are experiencing, and ask if another doctor in their practice would be concerned, or specializes in teen health. You can show them the pamphlets, and point to what is relevant to you.
It is important to be consistent with your doctor, in regards to the symptoms you are experiencing. Please keep a "journal" of your symptoms, and bring it to you during your next visit (or, when you visit a new doctor). The second online brochure above has a Menstrual Flow Chart that you can track your bleeding, and you can also add other symptoms you are experiencing.
Do you need help finding another doctor? Do you have any idea why your current doctor is not receptive?
November 28, 2010 - 8:01pmThis Comment
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