Condition Guides

What should your symptom diary include?

Menstrual cycle symptoms

Monitor the length of your cycle, regularity, any vaginal discharge, heaviness of your period and presence of clots.

Why this is important

This can be indicative of ovulatory challenges such as PCOS, infections such as STI's or pelvic disorders like endometriosis

Tests your GP may perform

Blood tests may include:

  • P21. This test measures progesterone levels to assess if ovulation has taken place.
  • FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). This is used to give an indication of ovarian activity.
  • LH (luteinising hormone). LH should reach a peak before ovulation, but elevated LH levels can have an abnormal effect on the ovaries.
  • TFT (thyroid function test). Thyroid hormone levels can impact ovulation.
  • STI screen

In addition to blood tests, you may also have a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound examination to assess your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

General symptoms

Have you noticed extra hair appear on your face or body? Do you suffer from spots or acne? Do you experience hot flushes, headaches, mood swings or vaginal dryness?

Why this is important

The above symptoms can be indicative of PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis and in some rare cases, early menopause.

Tests your GP may perform

Blood tests may include:

  • FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). This is used to give an indication of ovarian activity.
  • LH (luteinising hormone). LH should reach a peak before ovulation, but elevated LH levels can have an abnormal effect on the ovaries.
  • TFT (thyroid function test). Thyroid hormone levels can impact ovulation.
  • Prolactin. Elevated levels of prolactin may suppress ovulation so prolactin may be checked if periods are absent.
  • In addition to blood tests, you may also have a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound examination to assess your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Sometimes you might be referred to a gynaecologist for consideration of a laparoscopy (camera test inside pelvic cavity).
Symptoms related to sex

Make a note of the timing and frequency of sex. Do you experience pain during intercourse? Do you bleed after sex? Do you bleed in between periods?

Why this is important

The above symptoms could be indicative of infections (for example STI's or pelvic infections) or a cervical condition (for example ectropion or a graze on the cervix). Pain during intercourse could be related to physical or psychological causes, including endometriosis and vaginismus.

Tests your GP may perform

STI screening, ultrasound scan, vaginal swabs and possible speculum investigation to visualise the cervix. Sometimes you might be referred to a gynaecologist for consideration of a laparoscopy (camera test inside pelvic cavity).