Severe period pain shrugged off

For the second time in a year, a doctor’s told me that the intense pain I feel during my period is totally normal – having severe period pain shrugged off is demeaning and frustrating. I mean, during my period’s first day, it gets so bad that even having a simple chat is tough. I get such a strong fever that I end up shivering for hours, and I end up throwing up. I’m in my early 20’s.

It got to the point where I broke down in tears in front of my doctor, explaining how scared I am every month because of the pain and how it makes me a wreck even days before my period comes on. She acted like I was just being a drama queen. She kept saying, “Oh, my own daughter gets all emotional during her period, it’s okay.” Like I said, having severe period pain shrugged off is so utterly frustrating.

The worst part is that I had notes from my previous doctor suggesting I see a gynaecologist as soon as possible. But this doctor made it sound like a gynaecologist wouldn’t even bother with someone like me, and told me my issues are too minor. The lack of listening to women’s pain is incredible.

Part of me wants to scream out in frustration, while the other part just feels lost and puzzled. Am I over reacting?  Maybe everyone’s silently going through the same pain and I’m the only one making a fuss?

For me the solution would jus be to understand what’s really going on with my body.

PP, United Kingdom