Not Engaged Yet

Gyno Update

Well I went to the gyno today.  She examined me and said my ovaries feel normal, my IUD didn't expel itself, and I didn't have an ectopic pregnancy.

She is concerned I might have a thyroid problem and she was sort of dismissive of the idea that I could have endometriosis.  So, she told me to get my thyroid levels checked with my primary care physician and if they're normal, we'll do an ultrasound, but she doubts they'll find anything.

Other than that, she was UBER biitchy and judgmental.  She seemed far more concerned about the fact that FI and I don't use condoms than she was with the fact that I've been bleeding for 3 months straight!  She was like "blah blah blah, you're putting yourself at risk!"  Dude, I'm engaged and live with my FI.  I'm not an undergrad who's whoring her way through college.  WTF is your problem?

Then she was trying to convince me that my weight gain could be causing this.  (I've gained about 15 pounds since September.)  Ummm...some weight gain causing 90+ day periods?  What???

Anyone have thoughts?

Re: Gyno Update

  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_gyno-update?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:bf5ab525-4336-4cb2-9aef-6a6997ff9e2cPost:7c31bada-f164-4959-bdbf-f2933e3a82d7">Re: Gyno Update</a>:
    [QUOTE]Did she say what you were putting yourself at risk OF by not using condoms with an IUD? You're clearly monogomous with your FI, and I'm assuming you've both been tested for STD's before deciding to enter into a monogomous relationship, and you are using 99.9% effective birth control. So...yeah.
    Posted by LivLeighton[/QUOTE]


    She told me I'm putting myself at risk for STDs.  FI was a virgin when we got together.  He has no STDs.  I've never had an STD and have been tested since we got together.  And I use an IUD as birth control.  So, IDK what her deal was...I might take you up on a gyno recommendation.
  • edited December 2011
    You need to get a new gyno ASAP. You should feel confident and comfortable with any medical professional you see, but if you're a woman, feeling confident and comfortable with your GYN is a MUST.

    Once you do find a new GYN, I would recommend discussing all your concerns and symptoms with him/her and seeing what testing he/she recommends. Endo can be difficult to diagnose preliminarily (oftentimes, for a sure diagnosis, you need to have a laproscopy), but there are ways to at least get a better idea if that's what you're working with. I would definitely go to your primary physician and have him/her run a full blood panel and look at your hormone levels. Thyroid could explain the weight gain, but there are other reasons you could be gaining weight (new medications, higher stress levels, etc.).

    In the meantime, I want to recommend something that my GYN specialist had me do when I first began seeing him. He had me keep a spreadsheet log of my daily symptoms. He had me list every single symptom I had, and each day, go down the list - if I didn't experience it, I left it blank. If I did experience it, I ranked it 1-5, with 5 being severe. He also had me include a column that I could put other info in - times we had sex, major events going on, major stress triggers from that day, etc. He was able to go back and see a consistent pattern over the course of each month, which was key in diagnosing me. I would consider doing the same thing if I were you - it can give your new doc a clear picture of what's going on before you even discuss a testing/treatment plan.

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  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
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    edited December 2011
    She sounds like a peach.  I'm no doctor, but my mom has thyroid problems and before they were treated, they didn't cause bleeding like that.  

    I'm sorry shoes.  If you were down here, I'd send you to my gyno - he's amazing.  I'll admit, I had some pretty awful ones before (all female) and they were judgemental and I felt nowhere near comfortable with them.  When i switched to him, I was super nervous (a man other than BF looking at my girly parts?!  The horror!) and kind of weirded out, but he has been the BEST.  He doesn't judge, listens to my issues and treats not only based on what he sees, but how I feel.  I have to switch again since I'm moving, but you can bet I'll be looking for a guy.  

    *hugs*  That was my two cents on the gyno thing.  Keep us posted, I'll be thinking about you.
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  • SassyFlatsSassyFlats member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_gyno-update?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:bf5ab525-4336-4cb2-9aef-6a6997ff9e2cPost:5612ff3e-0492-4d33-a55d-022e8c86df41">Re: Gyno Update</a>:
    [QUOTE]In the meantime, I want to recommend something that my GYN specialist had me do when I first began seeing him. He had me keep a spreadsheet log of my daily symptoms. He had me list every single symptom I had, and each day, go down the list - if I didn't experience it, I left it blank. If I did experience it, I ranked it 1-5, with 5 being severe. He also had me include a column that I could put other info in - times we had sex, major events going on, major stress triggers from that day, etc. He was able to go back and see a consistent pattern over the course of each month, which was key in diagnosing me. I would consider doing the same thing if I were you - it can give your new doc a clear picture of what's going on before you even discuss a testing/treatment plan.
    Posted by oceana919[/QUOTE]

    I think this is a fantastic idea. You may also want to look into charting your cycle, including temperatures. Apparently thyroid problems can cause/be accompanied by unusually high or low waking temperatures. Taking Charge of Your Fertility is an excellent book with tons of information about fertility and the reproductive system in general. You could also check out <a href="http://www.tcoyf.com" rel='nofollow'>www.tcoyf.com</a>

    I've found charting to be pretty neat and surprisingly accurate. I have to keep track of symptoms of anemia, since I was anemic before I went on BCP and my GYN and I are concerned that it may resurface along with my regular period. I keep track of those symptoms and other notes about stress and details right on my chart. It could help you shed some light on what's going on with your body and help you know what sorts of things you need to talk to a new doctor about.

    And yes, find a new doctor. They really don't need to be lecturing you on your personal choices.
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  • calindicalindi member
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    edited December 2011
    Yes, find a new gyno ASAP.

    Second, the weight gain combined with bleeding issues does sound like it could potentially be a thyroid problem.  Do you have low energy?  Silly me, you're a law student, of course you have low energy.

    Anyway, she wasn't wrong on that point - you SHOULD get your thyroid tested.  But she sounds like a real peach, and you need a new doctor for sure.  I had a dermatologist tell me I was a hypochondriac for even making the appointment and that I didn't need to see a dermatologist until I was 30... after spending a grand total of 20 seconds examining my skin... and after I had told him that I had already had pre-cancerous cells and both my parents had experienced cancer multiple times.  Yeah, that dermatologist got fired quick!

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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_gyno-update?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:bf5ab525-4336-4cb2-9aef-6a6997ff9e2cPost:447ffdbc-4f33-4564-aa37-bf60e4e33b82">Re: Gyno Update</a>:
    [QUOTE]Yes, find a new gyno ASAP. Second, the weight gain combined with bleeding issues does sound like it could potentially be a thyroid problem.  <strong>Do you have low energy?  Silly me, you're a law student, of course you have low energy. </strong>Anyway, she wasn't wrong on that point - you SHOULD get your thyroid tested.  But she sounds like a real peach, and you need a new doctor for sure.  I had a dermatologist tell me I was a hypochondriac for even making the appointment and that I didn't need to see a dermatologist until I was 30... after spending a grand total of 20 seconds examining my skin... and after I had told him that I had already had pre-cancerous cells and both my parents had experienced cancer multiple times.  Yeah, that dermatologist got fired quick!
    Posted by calindi[/QUOTE]

    Oh, I forgot the part where she was like "Any idea why you've gained weight?"  And I was like "Well, since I've been in law school, my diet hasn't been as healthy, and I've had less time to work out."  And then she started lecturing me how being a law student doesn't preclude you from eating right and working out if you prioritize properly...after all, she ate properly and worked out when she was in medical school.  I was SOOO close to being like, "Do you want a fuckingg prize?  I didn't piss away my entire life in school  only to have such low self esteem that I got enormous fake tits."  Urghhh...she made me so mad.
  • edited December 2011
    Your gyno sucks.
  • edited December 2011
    Over the course of law school, I gained about 25 pounds.  The first 15 of that was in the first year.  It happens.  You feel like you have to study constantly, and the only exercise you get is walking around the library.  ;-)

    I would also look into charting, as Sassy recommended.  There is currently a woman on FertilityFriend.com's boards who has been bleeding for a number of months as well.  I forget her SN on there, but I'm sure you could look around and find her.  I thought my weight gain was attributable solely to not having time to work out in law school, but once I started charting I realized my temperatures are very low, indicative of hypothyroid.  I got on certain vitamins to even out my hormone levels, and magically, my temps are almost normal now, or at least it seems to be getting there (I've only been taking the herbs for a month now).  TCOYF is a great book to read for general knowledge, and their site is a wealth of information.  As for actual charting software, I found that FertilityFriend is easier to deal with, but everyone has their own preferences on that.

    Definitely get a new doctor though!  I second everything you've been told by the other posters; just wanted to add in on the charting thing, since I think it's an excellent tool to use.
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  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
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    edited December 2011
    Calindi reminded me of something with the dermatologist thing (why are specialists such asshats?) After a crapton of bad doctors, when I had to get a gastroenterologists, I looked at reviews.  And I probably will do the same when I switch gynos.  Perhaps there is a site where you can forewarn others of her judginess?  That, in the end, will end up hurting her more than you just not going back,  Because people like me actually give a crap what she did to other people before they pick a doctor.  :)
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  • sparkles88sparkles88 member
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    edited December 2011
    I would look into getting a new gyno. Doctors are there to listen and not judge.

     It might be a long shot, but I actually would consider getting your thyroid hormones checked. Prolonged and heavy bleeding can be a symptom of hypothyroidism (under active thyroid), along with weight gain and depression. Of course, you have had a rough semester, so all of your issues may not be related to your thyroid at all, but it wouldn't hurt to check.

     I would also request getting your other hormones checked (i.e. reproductive hormones and stress hormones) just to get a full work up. I think you'll actually need to work with both an endocrinologist and a gynecologist to get to the bottom of it. In the mean time, keeping a log of symptoms, as Oceana suggested, is a good idea.

    Good Luck!
  • Beads921Beads921 member
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    edited December 2011
    First, make an appointment with your family doc to get your thyroid checked. It's not a totally random suggestion, she made it for a reason. 

    Then, find a new gyno (your family doc might even have a couple of suggestions). I'd also suggest googling them to read reviews. My urologist has awful reviews, and they are all spot on (too bad I chose not to believe them until after a very unpleasant battery of tests).
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  • katanne9katanne9 member
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    edited December 2011
    Ughhh, def find a new gyno. Sorry Shoes.

    I have one I like, but she's up on the North Shore. PM me if you want her contact info.
  • edited December 2011
    Seriously, look into charting. It's amazing.

    I'm glad she checked a few things and didn't find anything super abnormal. At least those turned out well. Yes, find a new gyno. She sounds dumb.  How stupid of her to be mad you aren't using condoms... You are responsible, obviously, by have an IUD. Plus, like you said, you've been tested for STDs and your FI was a virgin. Whatever. She seems like a judgemental meanie butt to me.
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  • edited December 2011
    I just wanted to echo the suggestions to get your thyroid checked. I do have hypothyroidism, and I did have some weird period ishes as well as significant weight gain right before I started on medication for it. Unfortunately, I haven't lost the weight yet, but oh well...

    Also, get rid of that gyno. I hate it when gynos are super judgmental. Once upon a time I had a nipple ring and my gyno went on and on about how terrible it was that I had one....until I told her I was putting my clothes on and leaving. Despite being 25 and having decent private health insurance, I still go to planned parenthood because the staff at mine is never judgmental, and I'm not comfortable going somewhere where a doctor is going to judge me for my choices rather than work with me to find a solution that works for me. Good luck.
  • edited December 2011
    I wonder if the bleeding is related to the IUD? The amount of hormone in an IUD is lower than most pills, but it's possible that that particular hormone isn't the right one for you, or that it's too much hormone.... putting your cycle into overdrive. 

    Def get a new gyno, and maybe even send a polite letter to your old gyno letting her know that her antics are what caused you to leave her practice. Feedback is always appreciated, from a nursing standpoint.
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  • leia1979leia1979 member
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    edited December 2011
    I'm a bit late to this, but definitely find a new doctor! I was also wondering if it could be related to your IUD (which one do you have?). When I was on Depo, it caused me to bleed for two months straight, then my doctor gave me BCP as well to make it stop.

    There are so many things that it could be--your doctor shouldn't be dismissive. Also, since you're monogamous (and engaged at that), she shouldn't be judgy about condoms. If you were hooking up with a new guy every week, sure, but you're not. Does she expect married couples to use condoms as well? That's fine if they want to (heck, we do), but inappropriate from a doctor.

    I also had a judgy gyno, and I switched. I am so glad I did. She refused to give me the HPV vaccine because I wasn't a virgin. I felt like she was calling me a slut. What an unpleasant person.
  • jemmini6jemmini6 member
    5 Love Its Name Dropper First Comment First Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    Def get a new gyno.  That is seriously the most uncomfortable and awkward doctor to see, so I definitely wouldn't want anyone to make me feel even worse when I go there by being judgemental about my sex life.

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