Ladies - Heavy Periods, help :(

volta_2

Evening all,

For ages I used to suffer with what I considered to be heavy periods, lasting about 8 days long then two weeks break then my period would start all over again. I tried various forms of the pill, I couldn't tolerate anything with oestrogen in they made me vomit and have high blood pressure, and the mini-pill didn't control my periods at all. So I went on the depo injection which I loved, it stopped my periods completely and as you can imagine I was in heaven. However I did sometimes have bleeding that lasted 3 or 4 days, and lower abdominal aching pain after sex. I spoke to various doctors about that but none really batted an eyelid or investigated it so I've just lived with it.

But I've just had to stop having it after 3 years as a bone density scan revealed I have reduced bone density for my age (I'm 26).

And the dreaded periods have returned. Heavier than ever. I feel sick and faint on the days it's heaviest, and have relentless but tolerable cramps.

I've been looking on loads of websites as to what constitutes a medical definition of heavy periods but as you can imagine they are all really subjective.

At the moment I am using the Super Plus tampons and a sanitary towel, and I am leaking onto the towel after about 2 hours. If I sit or lie down for any length of time and then stand up I leak immediately. I am getting through a ridiculous amount of sanitary protection each period and it's not cheap! I am self conscious all the time I'm out, frightened to stand up sometimes incase I have leaked through onto my clothes

Do you ladies with experience of heavy periods think that I would be classed as requiring some further investigation if I return to my GP? I am sure that they are just gonna say oh lets try another type of the pill again, but I'm sick of doing that and never seeing if there is actually a cause that could be treated...

dmg24

Hi volta,

It sounds like you really need to be referred on to the hospital. If you cannot persuade your GP to refer you, then it may be worth going to your local GU Clinic (they don't just deal with STD's!). They are also able to refer you x

tattycath

Hi Volta, could you not get an appointment with a different dr who might be more sympathetic? Or as dmg said get a referral to the hospital, My sister has suffered with hers for a few years and she got a referral and the hospital have managed to help her alot. Hope you get it sorted soon.

lainz

That all sounds v familiar to me - I would get them to refer you to a gyno and get checked out for endemetrious (can't spell it) - they will prob do a laproscopy (again can't spell) and then see about treatment.

Re the bone density you are still young enough to do something about it (have they given you any treatment ) so it's up the calcium intake (with vit c and plenty of sunshine for vit d) and weight bearing exercise which helps with the building of bones

Jet

I used to suffer with very heavy periods just as you describe but gradually over time they got better and certainly by 26 they were heavy but not as unbearably so as they were in my teens and I think having a baby helped things too.

I would ask for a referral. It's not good to have to live like that and I'm sure there must be something that can be done.

sharon59

Def think you need to go back to Dr and ask to be reffered-you are entitled to that on NHS anyway so dont let them put you off!There is an awful lot they can do to help and make life much easier for you.Do it tomorrow!

belfastgirl23

I guess my advice would be that you shouldn't have to cope with this and you should keep pushing your GP etc to get a referral.

I'd also advise asking at your local family planning clinic since my experience is that they have more time/interest/empathy than the average GP (not meaning to offend anyone here!). I have found that they take the time to properly talk you though things as well.

In the meantime what about the mooncup? havent used it myself but it gets rave reviews on here...

volta_2

Thank you all so so much for such quick responses. Been feeling really uncertain and kind of down about it.

tattycath - I have seen at least 5 GPs about it in the past, all have just moved me onto another form of the pill, none have ever offered to refer or even examine me. One once gave me some tablets to stop my bleeding but she would only give me 7 days worth as a one off. One male doctor a few years ago, when I sat down and said my periods are ridiculously heavy, just looked at me, sighed a bit, and said "Well what exactly do you want me to do about that?". So dmg24's option of self-referring to a GUM clinic is sounding appealing actually.

lainz - they didn't offer me any treatment for the bone density, just advice re lifestyle so I have bought my own supplement of Calcium combined with Vit D after researching recommended doses etc online, and I've started doing more exercise.

Thank you again all xx

leoetal19

i have the mirena coil fitted its stopped my horrendously heavy bleeding like a miracle-not sure about the link with the bone thing tho-sorry!! but it changed my life from weeks of dread and total horror as i flooded another chair _DIE!!!!_ to no bleeding!!!!!!!!

sealady

Until two months ago I was also suffering with very heavy periods. I have also tried all medication possible, pills injections etc. My doctor did suggest that I have the Merina Coil fitted but due to having a problems with a coil before I did not want to go down that route again. Aparently this reduces the period. In my case because of my age 36 and the fact that my family is complete (have had kids) I was eventually offered an endometrial ablation - (involves destroying the womb lining). This is really a last resort but it has worked.

angel81uk

I wish I was able to offer some helpful advice, but I'm afraid I'm in a similar situation myself. But with regards to sanitary protection I can't rate the mooncup highly enough. A little costly to buy initially but it's so worth it! I didn't get on with tampons and know the leaking on standing up problem well but the mooncup has sorted that one out. Also (this might sound unpleasant to some) it allows you to keep a closer eye on your flow, we've all heard that you only lose around 2 tablespoons over an entire period, but with a mooncup you can clearly see if you're loosing more. That way you can go back to your doctor and tell them just how heavy your periods are in very real terms.