When you actually manage to get a GP appointment, you expect them to listen to what’s happening with you so they can actually help.
Sadly, that doesn’t always happen, and many times when you’re talking to your doctor, they either downplay or totally dismiss your symptoms and concerns without a second thought. It’s frustrating, depressing, and just wrong, and you shouldn’t put up with. Here are some of the most common worries many GPs don’t seem to pay much attention to, and how to get yours to listen and take you seriously.
1. “I feel constantly tired, but my tests come back normal.”
It’s frustrating when you’re exhausted all the time, but your tests show nothing. Many GPs might brush this off as stress or a busy lifestyle, but chronic fatigue can point to underlying issues like thyroid problems, sleep apnoea, or even a mental health concern. If you’re not getting answers, ask for more specific tests or refer to a specialist. Be persistent—your tiredness isn’t “all in your head.”
Chronic tiredness can massively impact your quality of life, so don’t let it go unchecked. Keep track of your symptoms and any lifestyle factors that could be contributing. This will help your GP understand the full picture and may push for additional tests, like sleep studies or a check for conditions such as anaemia or diabetes. Be your own advocate and continue to voice your concerns.
2. “I’m getting headaches that just won’t go away.”
Headaches are often written off as something everyone deals with, but when they’re persistent, you deserve to know why. If over-the-counter meds aren’t cutting it, it’s time to push for further investigation. Migraines, tension headaches, or even vision problems could be the culprit. Don’t settle for “just stress”—ask for referrals to a neurologist or an eye test.
It’s important to detail your headaches for your GP, including when they occur, how often, how long they last, and any other symptoms you experience alongside them. For example, nausea, light sensitivity, or aura are all key signs of a migraine. Asking for a referral to a specialist can help pinpoint the cause, whether it’s neurological or related to vision, and offer more targeted treatments.
3. “My stomach’s always upset, but I don’t think it’s anything serious.”
From bloating to cramps, stomach issues can easily be ignored or written off as “just bad digestion.” However, if these symptoms are affecting your daily life, ask for a proper assessment. Conditions like IBS, food intolerances, or even more serious concerns like Crohn’s disease need to be ruled out. Be clear about how this is impacting you, and push for tests if necessary.
Digestive issues shouldn’t be written off as “normal” or “temporary.” Your GP can refer you to a gastroenterologist, who can perform tests like an endoscopy or a stool sample analysis to rule out more serious conditions. Persistent stomach issues should be addressed, as they could indicate something chronic that requires a specific treatment plan.
4. “I’ve been feeling depressed for a while now.”
Mental health complaints are sometimes dismissed as “just a phase” or “something you’ll get over.” But if you’re feeling low for weeks, it’s not something to ignore. Make sure you’re clear about your symptoms, and ask for a mental health assessment. GPs can refer you to specialists, therapists, or prescribe medication. Don’t let anyone make you feel like it’s something you should just snap out of.
If depression is affecting your life, it’s important to be open about the specific feelings you’re experiencing. Describe how long you’ve felt this way, whether your mood affects your work or personal life, and if you’ve had thoughts of self-harm. GPs are trained to assess mental health concerns, and the more information you provide, the better they’ll be able to offer support or refer you for professional help.
5. “My joints hurt all the time.”
Joint pain is often brushed off as normal wear and tear, but if you’re feeling pain regularly, it’s time for a proper evaluation. Conditions like arthritis or lupus can cause joint pain, and they don’t always show up on initial tests. Make sure your GP listens to the duration and intensity of your pain and asks for referrals to a rheumatologist if needed.
Persistent joint pain can be an early sign of autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. It’s worth asking for blood tests to check for markers of inflammation or autoimmune activity. Rheumatologists specialise in conditions like these and can offer targeted treatments that go beyond just pain relief, aiming to slow disease progression.
6. “I’ve got a lot of infections, but the antibiotics aren’t helping.”
If you feel like you’re constantly battling infections, it’s time to figure out why. Sometimes, recurring infections can point to an underlying issue, like a weakened immune system or chronic conditions like diabetes. If your GP just offers more antibiotics without addressing the root cause, ask for a more thorough investigation. Don’t settle for temporary fixes when you need answers.
Regular infections could be a sign of something systemic, such as a compromised immune system, or they could be a result of an untreated chronic condition. It’s important to have tests for conditions like diabetes, which can make you more susceptible to infections. If antibiotics aren’t helping, make sure to discuss alternative treatments or further tests that address the underlying cause.
7. “I’m feeling dizzy a lot lately.”
Dizziness can often be dismissed as nothing serious, but it can be a sign of various health problems, from ear infections to heart issues. If you’re experiencing regular dizziness or balance problems, make sure to ask for a full exam and blood work. You might need to see an ENT specialist or get a heart check-up to rule out underlying causes.
Dizziness isn’t something you should just put up with, especially if it’s happening often. It’s important to communicate whether you’re also feeling light-headed, nauseous, or faint—these details can help pinpoint the cause. Inner ear issues, low blood pressure, or even heart problems can cause dizziness, so don’t hesitate to ask for a referral to a specialist for further testing.
8. “My skin’s breaking out like never before.”
It’s easy to think skin issues like acne are just cosmetic or related to stress, but they can also be linked to underlying health problems. Hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, or even gut health can be at the root of skin problems. Don’t let your GP dismiss it as “just teenage skin”—ask for further tests if necessary or request a referral to a dermatologist.
Acne and other skin problems that appear later in life could be signs of a hormonal imbalance, especially if they’re accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or weight changes. Asking for a hormone panel or a thyroid test is a good start. A dermatologist can also help explore other treatment options that go beyond over-the-counter solutions.
9. “I’m feeling more anxious than usual.”
While anxiety is more widely recognised these days, it can still be brushed off as something you should “just deal with.” If your anxiety is affecting your day-to-day life, you deserve more than just an “it’s normal to feel anxious” response. Be open about how it’s impacting you, and ask for therapy options, medications, or specialist referrals. Your mental health is as important as your physical health.
It’s crucial to explain how anxiety is affecting your daily routine—whether it’s causing sleepless nights, making you avoid social situations, or interfering with your work. GPs can prescribe medication or recommend therapy options like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). If the GP doesn’t offer any solutions, don’t hesitate to ask for a referral to a specialist in mental health or stress management.
10. “My periods are getting irregular and painful.”
Irregular or painful periods are often brushed aside as just a part of being a woman, but they can be signs of a deeper issue like PCOS or fibroids. If your periods are changing, ask for a full evaluation. A gynaecologist can assess whether there’s an underlying condition and offer treatment options that will help you manage the pain.
If your period pain is getting worse or if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms (like heavy bleeding or spotting between cycles), it’s time to push for a proper diagnosis. PCOS, endometriosis, or fibroids are common causes of irregular periods and discomfort. Don’t let it slide—ask your GP for an ultrasound or a referral to a specialist who can give you more answers.
11. “I’ve lost a lot of weight for no reason.”
Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of thyroid issues, diabetes, or even more serious conditions like cancer. If you’ve noticed significant weight loss without changing your diet or exercise routine, make sure your GP takes you seriously. Push for a thorough assessment to rule out any medical conditions.
Significant weight loss should never be ignored, especially if it’s happening quickly or unexpectedly. Along with thyroid problems, other conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, or even early-stage cancer can cause unintentional weight loss. Keep track of how much weight you’ve lost, and ask your GP for a blood test to check your thyroid and other potential causes.
12. “I’m having trouble sleeping, and nothing works.”
Sleep problems are often dismissed as just stress or bad habits, but if you’ve tried everything—from meditation to sleep hygiene—and still can’t rest, there might be an underlying issue. Ask for a referral to a sleep specialist, or for tests to rule out conditions like sleep apnoea, anxiety, or even restless leg syndrome. A good night’s sleep is crucial for your overall health.
Chronic insomnia can have a massive impact on your well-being. If you’re struggling with sleep despite making lifestyle changes, it’s time to get some professional help. A sleep study might be necessary to check for conditions like sleep apnoea, which can lead to poor sleep quality and other health problems. Your GP might also prescribe medication temporarily or suggest therapies to help you sleep better.
13. “I’ve noticed changes in my memory or concentration.”
If you’re finding it harder to remember things or concentrate, don’t let it be brushed off as “just stress” or “getting older.” These symptoms could point to numerous conditions, from vitamin deficiencies to early-stage dementia. Ask for a cognitive assessment or a referral to a specialist if these changes are affecting your quality of life.
Memory issues or difficulty concentrating can sometimes signal something more serious, like a neurological condition or even nutrient deficiencies, such as low vitamin B12. It’s important to keep track of when these changes started and how they’re affecting your day-to-day life. Request a referral to a neurologist or ask for an assessment to rule out conditions like dementia, ADHD, or other cognitive disorders. It’s better to get checked out early.
