My diagnosis took 7 yrs, and lead to secondary infertility.

by Pam
(Louisiana)

I experienced very painful periods since I was 13 (started my cycle at 11yrs old). Doctors over the years tried different oral birth control pills to help regulate and alleviate some of my discomfort & lessen the flow.

Motrin was prescribed regularly including while I was in the Navy. After 2 babies, I experienced daytime hot flashes as early as 30 years old. I had problems with bowel movements (always constipated) but BM's became painful during my cycle. Looking back, I realize I've always had these GI symptoms, including reflux.

I started asking my doctor about my hot flashes when I was 30. He ran some hormone levels tests and also referred me to an OB/GYN. My hormone levels were fine but my pain was very real. After relaying my problematic BM's to my GYN, she suggested a colonoscopy.

My Primary doctor did not agree, so it never happened because I didn't get a referral. I now know I should have pushed the issue. Six & half years later, after my husband & I had tried and given up on having a 3rd child, after my pain had ramped up to completely intolerable and my cycle was once again very, very heavy-coming every 2-5 weeks... I opted for a complete hysterectomy.

My nerves were frazzled from all the physical & mental pain that comes from bad cycles, hopes lost from a miscarriage & a diagnosis of secondary infertility. My complete hysterectomy (TVH-BSO) confirmed that "proliferative endometriosis" & uterine myoma likely caused my secondary infertility.