Start with what matters most to you
Write one sentence about why you are booking the appointment:
“I would like help with ______ because it is affecting ______.”
You might want help with pain, bleeding, bowel symptoms, fatigue, sleep, work, sex or uncertainty about what to do next. Choose your own priorities. The point is to make your concern easier to discuss, not to prove that you are struggling enough.
A simple symptom checklist
Use the headings that apply to you. Leave the rest blank.
| What to note | A useful prompt |
|---|---|
| Timing | When did it start? How often does it happen? Does it vary around bleeding or a treatment change? |
| Location | Where do you feel it? Does it move or spread? |
| Experience | How would you describe it in your own words? If you use a pain score, add context. |
| Bleeding | Note dates and changes from your usual pattern, including disruption or leakage. |
| Other symptoms | Note relevant bowel, bladder, bloating, fatigue or sleep changes. |
| Daily impact | What became harder, was interrupted or could not happen? |
| What you tried | List medicines as prescribed or taken, other measures, benefits and unwanted effects. |
| Your priorities | What would you most like help with today? |
Oxford University Hospitals’ appointment information similarly asks about pain patterns, medicines, life impact and personal priorities.
Turn the notes into a short summary
Here is a fictional example showing the level of detail you could use:
“My main concern is pelvic pain that has been interrupting work. It started several months ago. The worst days often happen around bleeding, but I also have pain at other times. On a recent bad day I left work early and woke during the night. I have brought a list of what I have tried and would like to discuss assessment, symptom support and follow-up.”
Use your own experience. A representative example can be more useful than trying to read every daily entry aloud.
Questions to take with you
Choose three or four that match your priorities rather than trying to cover everything:
- What possible causes should we consider?
- What assessment or tests might help, and what would the results tell us?
- What are my options for managing symptoms while assessment continues?
- Could a referral or another professional's input be useful?
- If the current approach does not help, what happens next?
- Which changes mean I should seek help sooner?
- Who will contact me about results, and when should I follow up?
If a scan was normal but symptoms continue, ask what the result does and does not exclude. NICE says a normal ultrasound does not by itself exclude endometriosis. The RANZCOG guideline likewise notes that ultrasound has limitations.
If you do not have regular periods
You can still describe dates, symptoms and daily impact. Note relevant medicines or hormonal treatment and whether bleeding has changed. You do not need to force your experience into a standard cycle pattern.
If tracking feels overwhelming, shorten the task. Write your main concern and one recent example. A trusted person may help you organise notes if you want their support.
Do not wait for a perfect record
Book care when you need it. Do not postpone an appointment to finish a certain number of cycles.
Where Endo45 fits
Use Track in Endo45 to record symptoms and cycle information, including the days you feel well. Before your appointment, use your notes to pick out the examples and questions that matter most to you.
Choose a practical habit that fits what you want to focus on next. My Plan helps you organise those habits between appointments, alongside your healthcare team's advice. Endo45 does not diagnose endometriosis or decide your treatment.
Keep reading
This guide supports preparation and education. Your healthcare professional can advise on your individual circumstances.
References
- NICE. Endometriosis: diagnosis and management (NG73) — Endometriosis symptoms and signs. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng73/chapter/Recommendations#endometriosis-symptoms-and-signs
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Endometriosis — appointment information. https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/services/departments/gynaecology/endometriosis/
- NICE. Endometriosis: diagnosis and management (NG73) — Diagnosis and referral. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng73/chapter/Recommendations#diagnosis-and-referral-of-endometriosis
- NHS. Pelvic pain. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/pelvic-pain/
- RANZCOG. Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis (living guideline, online PDF). https://ranzcog.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Endometriosis-Clinical-Practice-Guideline.pdf