# How to talk to your doctor (and be heard)

> Turn “it’s just periods” into a real conversation, with your Doctor report in hand.

Category: Conditions · 5 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor

## Quick answer

- Track two cycles and bring your Splash Doctor report.
- Describe how symptoms affect your life, using numbers where you can.
- Lead with your biggest concern and ask about next steps.
- You can always ask for a referral or a second opinion.

Appointments can be short, and it is easy to freeze up and say “it’s probably nothing”. A bit of prep turns ten minutes into a really useful conversation. You are not wasting anyone’s time; your health is exactly what they are there for.

## Before you go

1. Track for at least two cycles if you can. The NHS and RCOG recommend a [symptom diary](https://splash.care/features/doctor-report) for [PMS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/pms), and NICE says a pain and symptom diary helps for [endometriosis](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/endometriosis) too.
2. Open Splash and generate your **Doctor report** (Insights or Settings, then Doctor report). It summarises your last 6 cycles, 6 months of symptoms, moods and notes, and recent temperature data, ready to print or show.
3. Write your top 1 to 3 concerns in order. Start with the one that worries you most.
4. List medicines, supplements and anything hormonal you use.
5. Jot down what you have already tried and whether it helped.

## Words that help

- Describe impact: “I miss two days of uni every month” lands better than “it hurts”.
- Quantify: “I change a pad every hour on day 2” or “pain is 8 out of 10”.
- Name what you are wondering about: “Could this be [endometriosis](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/endometriosis) / [PMDD](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/pmdd) / my [thyroid](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/thyroid)?”
- Ask: “What are the next steps, and what should I do if it doesn’t improve?”

> **Splash says:** it is totally fine to bring a friend, ask for a chaperone for any examination, or request a female doctor if that makes you more comfortable.

## If you feel brushed off

You can ask what would change their mind, ask for your concerns to be written in your notes, book a follow-up, ask for a referral to a gynaecologist, or see a different GP. For endometriosis, NICE says to refer you to a gynaecology service if first treatment does not work, you cannot tolerate it, symptoms hurt daily life or they keep coming back. For [heavy bleeding](https://splash.care/learn/period-care/heavy-periods), NICE says that the impact on your quality of life is what counts.

**Quick quiz:** Which description will help your doctor most?

1. “My periods are bad.”
2. “I soak a super tampon every 2 hours and miss work each month.”
3. “It’s fine, really.”

Answer: “I soak a super tampon every 2 hours and miss work each month.”. Specific numbers and impact on your life help doctors understand severity and decide on next steps.

### When to see a doctor

Do not wait for a routine appointment if you have severe sudden pelvic pain, very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting, a fever with pelvic pain, or thoughts of harming yourself. Call 999 or NHS 111 (or your local emergency number).

## Sources

1. [NHS: PMS (premenstrual syndrome)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/)
2. [NICE guideline NG73: Endometriosis diagnosis and management](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng73)
3. [NICE guideline NG88: Heavy menstrual bleeding](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng88)
4. [NHS: Heavy periods](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heavy-periods/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).