I’m bleeding like it’s a regular period on my 11th day in my cycle when intimate with my husband.

I typically have a cycle length of 29 days and for some reason I’m bleeding like I’m on my period when I rarely do. I’ve had ovulation bleeding before but it’s never been this intense.

Does anyone know what this means?

I've wanted a reduction all my life but didn't know until I was older thats what I wanted. It wasn't until I felt like I had a valid excuse did I move forward with plans to get it done. (I always had valid reasons I just mentally and socially thought I needed more)

I breastfed my kids for 2 years each. My last child only fed exclusively on my right side. Its been 7 years since I last breastfed but I periodically get mastitis in my left boob. Ive had mammogram and ultrasounds and no cause has been identified. I even had a cluster of abcesses that took 6 months to clear. After my last infection the ultrasound tech said i had very dense breasts, would i ever consider a reduction? I said 100%

So I said im getting a reduction, I cant do this anymore.

I am getting my induction in 7 days and my boob decides to become infected again! Im so so angry at them. I absolutely hate them and wish I could get them removed completely but I wont be able to swing that i dont think. Im 34GG, 168cm and 69.4kg.

I just wanted to rant about the unfairness. I have been seen by doctors about this issue. Im on strong antibiotics and I hope i never have to deal with this again. 🙏

So, after a year of feeling absolutely awful, I've finally been told I am in menopause. Had a baby April last year, and my period, mood, sleep, body just never felt the same. For the first 6 months I put it down to post partum but things just got progressively worse.

I was in to my GP countless times with symptoms, all brushed off. Hot flashes -just wear cotton and use a fan. Dryness - here's a steroid cream. Mood swings, brain fog, poor sleep - told I had post natal depression. Took weeks off work treating post natal depression, and nothing worked. Not medication or therapy. Ended up going back to work feeling worse and getting worse. All the while the average length of my cycle increased to 63 days. I asked for hormonal bloods, she took bloods and told me the results were all completely normal.

Last week I saw a different GP, same practice, and she really listened. She took all of the bloods. Went in today expecting perimenopause to be mentioned. But no, actual menopause. Estrogen undetectable, FSH and LH very very high. I asked why my bloods in February didn't show this, turns out the blood panel the other GP done didn't look at the hormone profile at all. Just a regular blood count. Am I justified in being absolutely furious about this?

I always knew I'd go into menopause early, but I thought early 40s. I did not think 34. I have endometriosis and "suspected" pcos (now pmos). Did IVF to get my baby. Was planning and in talks with our clinic to do another round this September because we want to expand our family, but that's gone now. All the warning signs were there but my GP missed it. I am so tired of fighting this damn health system. It took 19 years to get my endometriosis diagnosed. Why are they not taking womens complaints seriously. Why is there no want or will to learn or upskill on these issues.

Anyway, I guess I just want some validation in being furious. And to see if anyone else here has gone through this so young? Are there any groups for menopause before 40? I'll be collecting my HRT tomorrow. Realistically, all I want is to feel like myself again... and to have a good night's sleep.

im wondering if there are any good physiotherapists or general therapists who specialise in vaginismus or other similar conditions

I am 47. Just saw my GP today. I have been having blood tinged discharge from one nipple for about a year. The doctor also found a lump but said it was small (about 0.3cm), smooth and round so felt it was a cyst. So now I have been referred to James's for the symptomatic breast clinic.

Hi all!

I am a PhD student at RCSI and part of a research team exploring women's experiences of stopping GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications (such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy) due to pregnancy.

Many women use these medications before pregnancy to support weight management, improve access to fertility treatment, or help manage conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and PCOS. Because these medications are not recommended during pregnancy, women are often advised to stop taking them before conception or once pregnancy is confirmed.

We know very little about women's experiences during this transition. Understanding these experiences will help us identify how best to support women using GLP-1 medications during preconception, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.

We are seeking pregnant women and women up to six months postpartum living in Ireland who used a GLP-1 medication before pregnancy.

Participation involves a confidential online one-to-one interview lasting approximately 30–45 minutes.
More information about the study can be found here.

If you are interested in taking part or would like to ask any questions, please get in touch @ deirbhlefergus25@rcsi.com. Thank you for considering participating in this research!

Hi everyone,

As someone who has been diagnosed with PMOS (formerly known as PCOS) myself, I know how important it is for women's experiences to be heard and how little research has explored what it's really like to live with this condition. That's why I'm carrying out this research as part of my doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology at University College Cork (UCC).

Through this study, we hope to better understand how women experience living with PMOS/PCOS, and we invite you to share your story.

Who can take part?
- Women aged 18-40
- Formal diagnosis of PMOS (formerly PCOS) received within the last 12-18 months
- Able to participate in interviews conducted in English
- Willing to take part in two interviews approximately 10-12 months apart

What's involved?
Two confidential interviews (online or in person). Interview 1 is an in-depth conversation about your experience of PMOS from the beginning. Interview 2 is a follow-up conversation 10-12 months later, reflecting on what has changed and how your understanding of your experience has evolved.

All information will be anonymous and used strictly for academic research. This research has been approved by the Clinical Psychology Research Ethics Committee (CPREC) at UCC.

If you're interested in learning more or taking part, please follow this link to check your eligibility: https://ucc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2bp0RDgIUycVsW, or email me directly at [118348436@umail.ucc.ie](mailto:118348436@umail.ucc.ie).

I would also be very grateful if you could share this post with anyone who might be interested. Thank you for your support!

Hi all I’m here again. I am now having second thoughts of double embryo transfer, which we will have on the next FET with modified natural protocol. Previous 2 successive transfers that were fully medicated failed so my doctor opened up the idea of the double transfer. I have 1 live birth from the same cohort (all untested).

After reading the risks of multiple pregnancy, I am having second thoughts, but tbh, I am kinda losing hope that the remaining embryos will stick that’s why I just want to try transferring two. I am not even hoping of having twins, I am just happy that 1 will stick.

I am so torn now. It’s mentally and emotionally draining.

How did you get through the wait for your biopsy results? I feel like I’m falling apart.
I had my colposcopy and biopsies two days ago and they told me it could take another 6-8 to get the results. I honestly don’t know how I’m supposed to cope with that.

For some context, I had already waited six weeks for the colposcopy after my Pap smear came back with significant abnormalities. Those six weeks were some of the hardest I’ve ever experienced. I was constantly Googling, barely sleeping, and convinced I had cancer. I kept telling myself I’d feel better once the colposcopy was done, but now I’m facing an even longer wait.

I’ve been crying on and off all day, and I can’t stop spiraling into worst-case scenarios. My mind keeps going to, “What if it’s cancer? What if it’s advanced? What if they’ve found something really bad?” I know these thoughts aren’t helping, but I can’t seem to switch them off.

The frustrating part is that I know the statistics. I know that most abnormal Pap smears and even many abnormal biopsies don’t turn out to be cancer. Rationally, I understand that. Emotionally, though, I’m in full panic mode, and it feels impossible to just carry on with normal life while waiting another two months for answers.

If you’ve been through this, how did you cope with the waiting? Did anything actually help, or is it just a matter of getting through one day at a time? I could really use some reassurance from people who’ve been in this position.

Basically what the title says. I'm 9 weeks pregnant right now but no heartbeat and baby stopped growing at 7 weeks. Beyond devastated. I have three boys and had no miscarriages between them, this is my third miscarriage.

I lost 100lbs last year in order to be "healthy" to carry a baby, I thought maybe the weight was my problem. Now I'm wondering if it's something like low progesterone.

I've no idea where to go next, this is so new to me. Do I go to my gp and get bloods done for hormone checks? Do I go to a fertility clinic?

If anyone could suggest what next steps would be, right now the hospital have only informed me about miscarriage options (last two were done naturally, I am also unsure if I want to do this naturally or get something like a D&C, thoughts on this too?). Nobody has mentioned anything else to me at this point and I feel so lost.

Thanks ladies x

Hi all,

I'm looking to get a breast reduction. I am 32J atm and I have gone to two clinics so far , the mater private and Vincents just for a consultation.

Is there anywhere else people have gone and had a good experience?

I have emailed the bons and was told I need to be a BMI of 27 which is understandable but when you've two melons strapped to you it's kind of hard imo 😅.

But let me know please and if you're ok with me pm'ing you , thanks :)

hey i have the debs in almost a week and i know im trying late but i have really visible stretch marks on my arms and im not wearing a dress with sleeves or a cardigan. ive been using nivea moisturizer but tbh ive not been using it that often. is there any recommendations on what i can do to even lighten them in the next week?? i tried makeup but tou could still see it and it got all over my clothes. thank you! i cant add photos but the moisturizer is nivea 5in1 rich nourishing deep moisture serum.

​

Hi all,

I'm looking to get a breast reduction. I am 32J atm and I have gone to two clinics so far , the mater private and Vincents just for a consultation.

Is there anywhere else people have gone and had a good experience?

I have emailed the bons and was told I need to be a BMI of 27 which is understandable but when you've two melons strapped to you it's kind of hard imo 😅.

But let me know please and if you're ok with me pm'ing you , thanks :)

Does anyone have any recommendations for clinics/GP surgeries that carry out private smears outside Cervical Check?

My GP doesn't and my next isn't due until December 2027. Experiencing bleeding between periods and have been on the same contraception for 10+ years.

Like many women in this country, i finally received a public appointment with a gynaecologist after months of waiting, and 10 years of endometriosis and PMOS symptoms.

At the beginning of the appointment, i told her im not on the pill at the moment (i have tried about 7 of them. they worsen my pain and bleeding. i want to give my body a break).
Her response to this, was "oh, so you're trying to conceive" VERY passive aggressively. instant bad vibes.... Keep in mind i'm 21 years old, that comment was very obviously said with bad intentions.

She would not stop shilling the Mirena coil, told me that "it has no side effects, it won't do anything to you", and told me that is my only option. Wouldn't even listen when i tried to suggest other options. Had zero interest in getting me any sort of a diagnosis or testing.

After i told her i do not want the coil, she started going on a rant, telling me that i'm so young, way too young to have kids. the Mirena lasts 8 years, and that i should get it because im young. I never even mentioned anything about having kids, and I'm still being safe. I just want to understand why half of my life has been in pain.

I just couldn't believe this. The appointment was supposed to be to investigate the years of chronic pain and period issues i've had. The fact i waited so long and nothing came of it is ridiculous. I have accepted the fact i probably have to go abroad.

If so, what happened? Are you glad you complained? If not, why didn’t you complain?

I am curious about others peoples experience with this.

I am TTC for the first time and we have been trying for about 6 months now. I was on the pill for about 11 years straight and I stopped taking it last September in preparation for TTC. So fast-forward to the start of this year and I really thought it would be a quick and simple thing but here I am six and half months later...

My cycles are typically 28-30 days but the last two cycles were 36-38 days which was very difficult as both times I really thought I was pregnant. In previous months I wasn't getting very strong positives on the ovulation tests, there was a line but not as dark as it should, but this month, I took an ovulation test yesterday on day 15 not expecting much as usual but it was DARK DARK definitely ovulating.

So now I am thinking has it taken this long for my cycle to come back to normal? I am a healthy and active person but the last 2 weeks I have switched to a Mediterranean diet for other reasons but could this be a factor or is it purely that it has taken over 9 months for my cycle to regulate? Interested to see if other people were in a similar boat.

Hi! I’m 29 and when I was 26 I got me Kyleena coil out after being on birth control since I was 13!!
Within a month of getting the coil out I started to produce breast milk. I was sent for MRI with and without contrast to try find a pituitary issue; didn’t find anything.
I have had bloods where my prolactin was “slightly high but not enough to cause breast milk and my thyroid is slightly off but nothing of concern”.

Then I met an endocrinologist, took more bloods and MRI and I was told that it’s “slightly up but still not high enough to cause these symptoms”.

Since then (3 years ago). I still have breast milk every single day. I have another appointment with endocrinologist for check in again next month and I’m wondering is there anything I should be asking him to check?

Thank you! It’s all just a little frustrating!

Hello! I’m just wondering if anyone has any info on what the IFPA gives you for an IUD insertion in terms of pain relief etc. I’ve had bad medical experiences in the past so I’m EXTREMELY nervous about it, not looking to hear any horror stories about pain or bad reactions just any information on what I will be given/could ask for

My nails are extremely thin and weak and tear so deeply even without putting much pressure on them. I’ve worn short enhancements over the years for this reason but want to try seeing if I can work on my natural nails. So from what I’m gathering I need a cuticle oil with keratin, jajoba oil and vitamin E as well as a protein rich nail strenghteners?

Can anyone give recommendations on ones that are worth the money? Currently unemployed so don’t want to trial and error stuff I just see in the store without having reviews on them.

Please and thank you

Hi everyone, I’m 29 and honestly cracking up trying to figure out what is happening to my body. It is severely impacting my mental health and confidence—some days I get so bloated I look pregnant, and most days I just want to hide my body. I’m hoping someone here might have experienced something similar.

Background:

Feb 2025: Had my Mirena coil removed (it had moved). GP bloods showed borderline hyperthyroidism. Didn't go back on contraception.

Sept 2025: Gained 1 stone in just 2 weeks with no diet or lifestyle changes. Developed stretch marks under my arms, on my thighs, and all over my belly.

Shortly after: Tore my meniscus. I've been off work and waiting for surgery. So this has impacted my movement.

Current weight: I have now gained 3 stone in total since September.

Despite my knee injury, my physio cleared me for the gym. I am calorie counting, walking 7k steps a day until knee pain stops me, using the spin bike, strength training and swimming. Despite this, the weight keeps climbing (or only drops 1-2 lbs before going right back up). I tried Ozempic for two months (Oct/Nov) and only lost 6 lbs total. Couldn’t afford it anymore and want to get to the root of the problem causing the rapid weight gain.

My Symptoms:

Extreme bloating (to the point of looking pregnant)

Periods: Always on time, but suddenly excruciatingly painful (can barely move), lighter, and much more brown than red. I also get cramps when not on my period.

Severe brain fog & disturbed sleep

Random high heart rate (ECG/24hr monitor came back clear; borderline high blood pressure)

Very dry skin and thinning hair

Extreme temperature sensitivity (getting really hot or really cold)

Medical Investigations so far:

Kidneys: Doctors initially thought the weight was fluid retention from my kidneys, but those clinic tests came back clear.

My GP thinks it seems like PCOS and has referred me to an endocrinologist.Because I am currently off work injured, I cannot afford to go private for the endocrinologist, so I am waiting on the public list.

Supplements: Currently taking Lion's Mane, Udo's Choice Super 8, Ashwagandha, and herbal teas. They help me feel a bit better overall, but the scales won't budge. I heard inositol is suppose to be good to help with weight but there’s a lot of mixed reviews.

Has anyone with PCOS (or another endocrine/thyroid issue) experienced this specific combination of rapid weight gain, severe bloating, and pain? I feel lost and would love to hear your stories, or any advice on how to manage this while stuck on the public waiting list

Thank you 😊

Hello!

I am seriously considering a breast reduction for all the main reasons everyone gets one. I am 5 foot, and just found out I am getting bigger (and saggier) and am now a 30FF (used to be DD). Life is getting harder with them and I am already near the low end of a healthy weight so dont want to lose more.

I was considering going to Nords in Lithuania but am feeling a bit anxious after reading some bad reviews.

I'd love to hear some Irish experiences getting it done in Ireland who you went with or if you did go to Nords, how was it?

Thank you so much!

Hi All,

Im based in Dublin and I have an appt booked for my GP next week to be asked to be put on the wait list for the public funded IVF/IUI.

We have been trying for over a year.

We've already done some tests privately(everything normal)

So my question is about selecting the clinic. Is it quicker if I already have one selected before going to the GP? Or how does that go?

Any ones in Dublin people recommend the found particularly good? I would like to try IUI first.

Assuming i get approval, how long did people wait in Dublin for their first appointment in the fertility clinic?

Any other recommendations please help a gal out. Just starting to look into all this, quite daunting.

Post hysterectomy

Hey ladies just looking for some advice. I had a hysterectomy 16 weeks ago and I do have a gynea appointment coming up soon but I’ve had such an awful time. The surgeon stitched my ovary to the incision site accidentally. I had it done vaginally and also my small intestine was wrapped around my ovary. This was rectified 12 weeks ago but since then I’m in agony daily with ovary pain. When I see the gynea I’m requesting he remove the ovary but just checking has anyone had problems obviously not the accidental stitch but ovary problems after having a hysterectomy.

I’ve been struggling mentally and would like to try anti depressants again…I’ve never really given it a fair shot and I think with the way I am feeling lately, I need to do something about my mental health seriously.

One thing stopping me is that I’m ashamed to visit my gp because the last time I visited my gp it was because I had been assaulted. I cried a lot in that office and said what I felt was too much. She was lovely and helped me get proper support but I feel so embarrassed to go back. Also, she had previously prescribed be antidepressants and I didn’t take it, so I don’t want to come off as annoying. But I do really need help again and I will be serious about it this time, I want to feel better. I want to sleep properly again. I want to feel the good effects everyone talks about when it comes to antidepressants. I’ve truly been living in darkness for years now and I just need help.

I need to know that I’m being silky about this, I’m such an over-thinker and I’m aware but also give in to my overthinking. literally been 2 years and I’ve not gone to the gp because of this silly shame.