going to the doc about horrible periods - what's s/he likely to say?

[itchyandscratchy]

Periods have been getting prgressively heavier and really clotty over the last 6 months. Today was 2nd day of period and couldn't even go into work as it was so heavy. The pain is not unbearable most months but was very uncomfortable and 'draggy' today. So I booked an appt with the doctor and am going Friday.

anyone have any idea what the next step will be? I have a history of mild endometriosis which was discovered when I had infertility exploratory surgery 5 years back but it's never really been too bad.

what I guess I'm asking is if I'm likely to be put on some kind of pill to regulate my periods. I really do not get on well with hormonal drugs at all - my body reacts very badly to any hormonal treatment so I'm a bit worried.

Any experience of this?

[EldonAve]

you should be asking for a gynae referral

they can then investigate endometriosis and look for any other issues before suggesting any treatment

you can take drugs to reduce the bleeding (not hormonal) or they will may also offer the pill or coil

[sarahken]

I went to the docs today as since my period returned 6 weeks after the birth of my dd, it has basically only stopped for 1-2 days at a time, so on my period for most of the last 14 weeks. At times it has been extremelly heavy, but for the most part very dark blood and perhaps only a teaspoon a day. The doctor has prescribed me a double dose of my usual cerezette pill- so I will take 2 every evening. She has told me to come back next month if still no change and they will do tests. Can't say if this will help as before trying for my daughter I never had periods at all within weeks of starting taking cerezette, so can't see it helping in any way. Its worth going and talking to your GP, as it I know the endless bleeding can become very depressing and never ending at time. Hope you get an answer as I felt I left today with still no answer as to why it may be happening- just said it may be hormonal

[EldonAve]

sarahken - they should investigate the cause for you, not just dish out pills

[sarahken]

she told me it couldn't be to do with the birth as I never started bleeding till 6 weeks post birth and it was probably just hormonal. I have taken double pills last night and so far today no bleeding but it may have just stopped for a day as it sometimes does, so will be keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't return as I'm just so sick of it, and its costing me a fortune in sanitary protection

[EldonAve]

What causes bleeding in between periods?

I still think you should get it properly checked out

[cass66]

GP should ask you lots of questions. they should examine you with a speculum to look at your cervix, take swabs and do an internal to feel the size of your uterus.

The options are the combined pill, mini pill (less good) or the mirena coil. The non hormonal options are ibuprofen or a stronger one called mefenamic acid (ponstan), or tranexamic acid (I take this, it works).

Th GP may want to send you for an ultrasound scan (like you have when pregnant), and may refer you if the above doesn't work.

You don't always need to be referred to a gynaecologist...

HTH, Good luck, Cass.

[itchyandscratchy]

Don't like the sound of taking pills.
Today the bleeding has been much reduced compared to yesterday which was mad. Everytime I stood up yesterday, I flooded. Plus the bleeding was horribly clotty and has been like this for last 4-5 months.

sorry if tmi. yak.

[defineme]

I have the most severe kind of endemetriosis and the mirena coil has put it on hold for me - I had periods like yours (fist size clots sometimes) and now I have none.
I think the dr said the hormone is the same as 1/2 a mini pill per week and I know some women do react to that.I'm not sensitive hormone wise , but maybe it's worth a go?

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

itchyandscratchy

It sounds like the endometriosis you've had before has recurred (it can certainly recur post treatment).

I would be looking into getting a referral to a gynae given your gynae history.