When to book an appointment
The NHS recommends seeing a GP if pain prevents usual activities, periods become more painful, heavier or irregular, or you have bleeding between periods. Pain during sex or when using the toilet is also important to mention.
You can book the appointment now and make notes while you wait. You do not need months of tracking first.
Does period pain mean endometriosis?
Not necessarily. Period pain has several possible explanations. The NHS lists possible causes including endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids and infection. A clinician may consider these conditions; symptoms alone cannot tell you which, if any, is present.
Endo45 cannot make that diagnosis. Nor does a pattern in an app replace an examination, clinical assessment or tests when they are needed.
What can I try while arranging advice?
The NHS lists measures that may ease period pain, including protected warmth, gentle movement if comfortable, or a warm bath. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether pain medicines are suitable for you. Follow instructions and do not increase doses because an online source recommends it.
Choose what feels manageable. Stop an activity that worsens pain. If familiar measures are not enough, ask for a review rather than assuming you need to try harder.
What should I record?
A few lines about your main concern are enough to start. Choose the headings that fit:
| Topic | What to write |
|---|---|
| Dates | When pain and bleeding began and ended, where known. |
| Pattern | Where the pain was, what it felt like and whether it changed. |
| Bleeding changes | How this compares with your usual pattern and any disruption. |
| Daily impact | Missed lessons, leaving work, interrupted sleep or other concrete examples. |
| What you tried | Medicines or other measures and what you noticed. |
| Other symptoms | Anything else you want to discuss, including bowel, bladder or fatigue changes. |
For example, “I missed my morning class because cramps made it hard to sit upright” gives useful context alongside a pain rating. You can use your own words without medical terminology.
If heavy bleeding is part of the problem
Tell your clinician if bleeding has changed or affects your life. Discuss bleeding between periods or after sex rather than assuming it is part of a usual cycle. Health New Zealand recommends keeping a symptom diaryto support this conversation.
Record what happens; you do not need to calculate an exact volume of blood. If bleeding is heavy and you feel faint or unwell, seek help promptly rather than waiting to finish the record.
Questions you can ask
- What possible causes should we consider?
- What symptom relief options are suitable for me?
- What should I do if that approach does not help?
- Would tests or a referral be useful?
- Which changes mean I should seek help sooner?
- When should we review this?
If you are helping a young person, ask what they want support with. Offer to help organise notes or attend an appointment if they would find that useful.
Where Endo45 fits
Use Track in Endo45 to record pain, bleeding and cycle information, including the days you feel well. My Plan helps you organise manageable habits between appointments, alongside appropriate medical care. Choose what fits your current priority, rather than trying to change everything at once.
A notebook is a valid starting point too. Endo45 cannot identify the cause of your pain or tell you that medical assessment is unnecessary.
Keep reading
This guide provides general education and preparation support. Your healthcare professional can advise on your individual situation.
References
- NHS. Period pain. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/period-pain/
- NHS. Pelvic pain. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/pelvic-pain/
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/womens-health/living-well/abnormal-vaginal-bleeding