Dealing with unbearable menstrual pain

It sounds like you had a really horrible and sexist doctor, and I’m really really sorry. This kind of gaslighting and dismissal of women and their experiences of pain has a long ugly history. Depending on where you live, I don’t know what your access and options are like, but you should absolutely seek a new doctor if it’s possible for you right now. You do not deserve to live with this level of pain and symptoms, and you shouldn’t have to. I won’t lie to you, there’s a lot of medical sexism out there, but better doctors ARE out there. I recommend, when possible, only seeing female doctors or doctors who specialize in LGBTQ+ healthcare (who know more about the uterus, hormones, PCOS, etc, regardless of your gender or sexuality). Depending, again, on what’s available to you, you can try to find a primary care, an OBGYN, or an endocrinologist. If they don’t take you seriously and make you feel respected and listened to in the first visit, do not go back, and try someone new. I know from experience that that can be exhausting and difficult, but I also know from experience that it’s far better than wasting time with a doctor who ultimately will not do their job or help you. I’m 28 now and I’ve been wrangling specialists for 12 years now, I promise you that treatment is out there. I haven’t had your exact experience, but I know how awful things must feel right now. Please know you’re not alone. Reach out by DM anytime if you have questions about finding a doctor, advocating for yourself at appointments, or anything else 💓