Period Problems and Endometriosis in Point Cook
Periods that are painful enough to keep you home, or heavy enough to plan your day around, are worth a proper assessment. A GP in Point Cook can assess you for endometriosis, take your symptoms seriously, look for the cause and start treatment, whether the answer turns out to be endometriosis or something else.
Heavy periods
About one in four women has heavy periods. Healthdirect describes bleeding as heavy if it lasts more than eight days, needs a pad or tampon change every one to two hours, includes clots larger than a 50 cent coin, or gets in the way of daily life. Causes include hormone changes, PCOS, thyroid conditions, fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis and bleeding disorders. Ongoing heavy bleeding can lead to iron deficiency and anaemia, which shows up as tiredness, dizziness or breathlessness. If iron tablets are not enough, your GP may discuss an iron infusion.
Painful or irregular periods
Severe period pain is not normal, and neither is pain that stops you working, studying or exercising. Irregular or absent periods can have many causes, from stress and weight change to PCOS, thyroid conditions or pregnancy, and they are worth checking too. Keeping a simple diary of bleeding days, pain scores and anything that eases or worsens the pain gives your GP a far clearer picture than memory alone, and helps track whether a treatment is working.
What endometriosis is
Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body. The federal Department of Health says it affects at least one in seven girls, women and people assigned female at birth, and that people wait an average of six to eight years for a diagnosis. According to Jean Hailes, common symptoms include:
- severe period pain
- deep pain during or after sex
- pelvic pain felt most days for more than six months
- heavy periods
- difficulty getting pregnant
Seeing a GP about endometriosis in Point Cook
Your GP will ask where and when the pain happens, how long it lasts, what helps, and about bowel and bladder symptoms, sex, fertility and family history. With your consent they may examine you, and they may arrange blood tests and a pelvic ultrasound. Jean Hailes notes that an internal ultrasound is the recommended first imaging test, and a specialist may later suggest laparoscopy, a keyhole operation that can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment and referral
There is no single best treatment. Options include pain relief, the Pill or other hormone medicines such as a hormonal IUD, pelvic floor physiotherapy and psychological support. Endometriosis often does better with early referral to a gynaecologist, especially if pain persists or you are planning a pregnancy. The government also funds Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics in every Primary Health Network region, and your GP can discuss whether one suits you. Read more on our gynaecology page.
Common questions
When should I go to hospital?
Sudden very heavy bleeding, severe pain, or bleeding with dizziness or fainting needs urgent care. Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Can endometriosis affect fertility?
It can. Healthdirect says about a third of people with endometriosis have difficulty conceiving. If you are planning a pregnancy, tell your GP so referral can be timed well.
Is it worth seeing a GP if painkillers work?
Yes, if pain or bleeding is getting worse or affecting your life. Jean Hailes notes that early diagnosis and treatment help people manage the condition.
How much does an appointment cost?
The clinic uses mixed billing, and longer consultations carry a higher fee; see the fees page. You can book online or call reception.