Let’s set the scene: you finally book that doctor’s appointment (big win), you walk in ready to advocate for your uterus, and… you leave with a pat on the head and a “it’s just your period” echoing in your brain. Cue rage.
Sound familiar? You’re not imagining it. Period pain gets dismissed way too often. And the gaslighty suggestion that we’re being “dramatic” is as tired as our hot water bottle. We’re not here for it.
So, how do you walk into your GP’s office and actually get taken seriously? Here’s how to advocate like a boss - no eye-rolls, no fob-offs, just facts (and a little bit of fire).
Be Your Own Investigator
Bring receipts. Track your cycle. Note your symptoms. Write it all down: pain scale (1 to “get me a stretcher”), how long it lasts, when it hits, what else is going on (bloating? fatigue? mood swings? All of the above?). The more specific you are, the harder it is to be brushed off. Bonus: It’s also oddly empowering to have your own data. Main character energy.
Say It Like It Is
Don’t downplay your pain. We’ve been conditioned to grit our teeth and say “it’s fine” through cramps that feel like a jackhammer in your pelvis. But the truth? If it’s messing with your life - missing work, cancelling plans, crying in the bathroom - then it’s not “just your period.” Speak up. Be blunt. Your pain is real, and your doctor needs to hear it.
Ask the Big Questions
You’re not there to nod and smile - you’re there to get answers. Come with questions. Could this be endo? Fibroids? Adenomyosis? What tests can rule stuff out? What are the treatment options? Your GP might be on a tight schedule, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take up space. You’ve got 15 minutes - make them count.
Don’t Swallow the “It’s Normal” Line
The classic brush-off: “That’s just what periods are like.” Nope. Red flag. If your pain feels out of whack, it probably is. Just because something’s common doesn’t make it normal. Flood-level bleeding? Pain that keeps you in bed? That’s not business as usual. Push back. Ask for a deeper look.
Get a Second Opinion (or a Third, or a Fourth)
If your doc shrugs it off, don’t shrug with them. You’re not “difficult” - you’re doing the bare minimum for your body. Healthcare is a service, and you’re allowed to shop around. Someone will listen. And trust us, when you find that person, it’s a game-changer.
Back Yourself
You are not overreacting. You are not imagining it. You are not being “too much.” You live in your body every damn day, and if your gut is telling you something’s up, listen to it. And keep speaking up until someone listens to you.
Ask for the Proper Tests
Pain without answers is the worst. So let’s get answers. If you’re dealing with symptoms that point to something bigger - endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis - ask about scans, ultrasounds, or even referrals. Laparoscopy might come into play. You deserve a proper investigation, not just a script for the pill and a “good luck!”
TL;DR? You’re Not Being a Drama Queen
You deserve care. You deserve to be believed. And you deserve answers. Period pain might be common, but it’s not something you have to silently suffer through. Not anymore. So next time you walk into that GP’s office, bring your notes, questions, and don’t-mess-with-me attitude. You’ve got this. And your health? Non-negotiable.
