Symptom Tracking: How to Prepare for a GP Appointment When You Think Something Isn’t Right
Have you ever sat in a GP appointment and suddenly struggled to remember exactly what your symptoms have been like?
You know something doesn't feel right.
Perhaps your periods have become increasingly painful. Maybe you're experiencing bloating, fatigue or pelvic pain. Or perhaps your symptoms seem to follow a pattern, but you're not quite sure how to explain it.
If you've started wondering whether something like endometriosis or adenomyosis could be behind your symptoms, keeping a simple symptom tracker can be really helpful.
Not because it can diagnose what's wrong, but because it can help you give your healthcare professional a clearer picture of what you've been experiencing.
When you feel like something isn't right
Symptoms can be surprisingly difficult to remember accurately.
You might remember the really painful day but forget what happened during the rest of the month. You might know your symptoms get worse around your period but struggle to remember exactly when they start.
And sometimes, if you've been experiencing symptoms for a long time, they can gradually become your "normal".
If your symptoms are affecting your everyday life, it's okay to speak to your GP.
You don't need to arrive with a diagnosis or have all the answers.
You can simply say:
"I'm experiencing these symptoms and they're affecting my life. I'd like to understand what might be causing them."
What should you track?
You don't need to record everything. Focus on the symptoms that are relevant to you.
You could track:
When your period starts and finishes
How heavy your bleeding is
Where you experience pain
When the pain happens and how long it lasts
Bloating or digestive symptoms
Fatigue
Headaches or back pain
Pain during or after sex
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Sleep and mood
Anything else that feels unusual for you
You can also make a note of anything that seems to make your symptoms better or worse.
Don't just record the symptom — record the impact
This is particularly important when it comes to pain.
Your GP may ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 1–10. While this can be useful, pain is very subjective. Everyone experiences and tolerates pain differently, so a number doesn't always tell the full story.
Instead, try to describe what the pain actually stops you from doing.
For example:
"I couldn't get out of bed."
"I had to take the day off work."
"I couldn't exercise or go about my normal activities."
"I needed to lie down for several hours."
These descriptions can give a much clearer picture of how your symptoms are affecting your everyday life.
It's not just about how much something hurts. It's about what that pain means for your life.
If you think you might have endometriosis
If you're experiencing symptoms that make you wonder whether endometriosis could be a possibility, tracking them can help you have a more informed conversation with your GP.
You don't need to diagnose yourself.
Instead, explain what you've noticed and how it's affecting you.
For example:
"I've noticed that I regularly experience severe pain around my period, along with fatigue and digestive symptoms. It's affecting my everyday life, and I'd like to discuss whether there could be an underlying cause."
If you think you might have adenomyosis
Adenomyosis can also cause symptoms such as painful periods, heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.
If your periods have become increasingly painful or heavy, or you're experiencing symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, it's worth discussing them with your GP.
Endometriosis and adenomyosis can have overlapping symptoms, so keeping a record can help you explain what you're experiencing rather than trying to work out the diagnosis yourself.
Make a note of when your symptoms happen, how long they last and how they affect your everyday life.
Your symptom tracker can then give you something concrete to take to your appointment.
Download my symptom tracker
I've created a simple symptom tracker to help you keep a record of what you're experiencing.
You can use it for a few weeks or across several menstrual cycles, depending on what feels manageable for you.
You don't have to fill it in perfectly. Just record what you can.
You can then take it with you to your GP appointment to help explain what's been happening.
Monthly Symptom & Flare Overview
A high-level calendar to spot cycle patterns, flare frequencies, and doctor visit highlights.
Your symptoms are worth talking about
If something doesn't feel right, you don't need to wait until you're certain that something is wrong before speaking to your GP.
You know your body, and you're allowed to notice when something has changed and ask questions about it.
If you've previously been told that painful periods, heavy bleeding or other symptoms are "normal", but you feel that something isn't right, it's okay to go back and ask for your symptoms to be looked at again.
You don't need a diagnosis to deserve support
If you're waiting for answers, or you've been diagnosed with endometriosis or adenomyosis, there are also lifestyle and wellbeing approaches that can be explored alongside your medical care.
As a Women's Health Coach, I can support you with the lifestyle side of your health, helping you explore realistic changes around nutrition, sleep, stress, movement and everyday habits.
This isn't about replacing medical care or trying to "fix" your condition.
It's about having support alongside it.
You don't have to figure it all out on your own.
A note about your health
A symptom tracker is a tool to help you record and communicate what you're experiencing. It cannot diagnose endometriosis, adenomyosis or any other health condition.
If you're experiencing new, severe, persistent or worsening symptoms, speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
