Period - how heavy is too heavy? (If it even is a period...?)

[UnexpectedPigeon]

TMI warning!

Period has come out of nowhere and I’m currently soaking through a pad every 1-2 hours and passing lots of jelly like clots - about 5cm+ long.

I haven’t had a period for about 18 months due to contraception, so I assumed it was just some epic breakthrough bleed. However, I’m now 3 days in and it’s not easing off, even the clots are still coming. Weirdly I have next to no period pain or cramping (and I used to have awful painful periods) only an odd painful twinge when the clots are coming through.

Is this just a bastard revenge period for not having one for so long, or has a bit of me broken?

Also any ideas how I can get through a 7 hour shift at work tomorrow when I can’t get to a toilet often will be gratefully received.

Meant to say, it’s lots of bright red blood with darker clots. And thank you for getting through the grossness of that post.

That’s too heavy. Maybe call NHS for advice. There are tablets you can take to reduce bleeding but you’d probably need to rule out other causes first and need a prescription

How old are you?
Are you still on the same contraception with no break? (Which one?)
Is this an unexpected bleed?

Please do get medical help ASAP - this does not sound like normal levels of bleeding. Sounds like you are not well enough for work.

Yes go to doctors. I had this they will prescribe you something to stop it straight away and potential referral to gynie.

Rule of thumb I’ve heard is a pad an hour is time for medical help. Hope you’re ok.

Yikes! Was really hoping everyone would say it’s normal.

I’m 40, haven’t changed contraception. Nexplanon implant for 6 years with no complications except normal breakthrough bleeds after the first year or two. Since then implant + contraceptive pill taken back to back on doctors advice. Gp did change the pill to a lower dose around autumn last year but don’t know if that’s connected. No bleeds of any kind in the last 18 months. It’s a totally unexpected bleed as I take the pill back to back.

Thank you, I will call the gp tomorrow although I think I’ll have to go to work as I’ve recently had some time off for another illness and gp/hospital appointments associated with that. I might be able to come home after lunch and work from home if I’m still bleeding this much though.

That doesn't sound right. Definitely try and see the doctor tomorrow. I have very heavy periods, the first couple of days like you're describing, but it eases after day 2. If nothing else, you're likely to need some iron tablets.

Also I should say I don’t have a fever at all, I feel fine apart from gushing whenever I move. I feel quite worn out because I haven’t had a good nights sleep since Thursday night as it keeps waking me up, but I don’t feel “ill” or in pain, which is making me think it’s just a particularly evil period. Thank you all for the advice

Really you need to rest as much as you can and see a clinician ASAP. Maxi pad in the meantime, perhaps try a postnatal one if somebody can go to supermarket for you. Would suggest maxi size tampon combined with maxi towel, but might be best not to use tampon until you’ve been seen?

Doctor tonight

This question has been asked before, woman nearly died. Get medical help

I had this for weeks at a time. Bled for 4 months in total. Had so.e blood tests, obviously incredibly anaemic but also underactive thyroid. Periods have been much better since I've been suitably medicated. If I run out, I soon know about it.

As for work, it as horrendous even with access to toilets as and when. I spent as much time in or doing to them, as working.

No tampons are going near me let alone inside! if I block the exit it’ll probably come erupting out the top of my head
I promise to call a doctor if it’s not slowing down. Bloody bodies.

Oh god, 4 months! good to hear the medication is helping because that must have been horrible.
I’ve just had a load of blood tests done before this started and I wasn’t anaemic then (probably am now!) and my thyroid was ok, but you can never be 100% sure can you. Was the under active thyroid the cause of the bleeding or the result?

Do ring in sick tomorrow.
At 40 it could potentially be peri menopause, I guess?
I was probably 46 ish when I had very heavy periods that lasted more or less the entire summer, with the odd break of a few days. Lots of flooding and clots.
I had a couple of very light, barely noticeable periods after that, then stopped completely, so although it was hell at the time, I count myself lucky now.

Although I'm not sure how the implant would affect peri menopause bleeding.
You did say you hadn't much pain though and my periods used to be very painful but not during that peri menopause bloodbath time. Someone on here told me that was due to one of the hormone levels dropping.

Peri menopause oh lucky me
I’m honestly surprised any of my natural hormones get a look in with the double contraceptive hormones I’m on. Logically i know that doesn’t make sense but I had hoped my body wouldn’t notice how old I’m getting!

That is totally normal for me for the first couple of days. But has always been like that as long as I remember. I would be more concerned in your position as it isn't your normal and would talk to a doctor.

Yes, that’s the weird thing, when I was younger I’d be bent double in pain, had to take 2 days off school/work every month as the pain was so bad. Had lots of scans and tests and nothing was ever “wrong” (according to our very male based world of medicine. Plenty wrong from my point of view!) This bleed I’m having now is so heavy but no cramping or pain at all. I get a stabby twinge before I pass a clot, and that’s all. It’s very weird but I am grateful for the lack of pain of course! I will keep an eye on all things peri menopausal just in case

If you are still awake call 111 for advice. If you are soaking a maxi towel every 1-2 hours that is a lot of blood and you.coukd become unwell very quickly.
I have read at least 2 threads on mn where the OP had heavy bleeding, but was going to "wait and see". Both were hospitalised and very ill. Please look after yourself.

Just to reassure anyone, I live with crawling distance of a hospital so please don’t worry!

For very heavy flows I use pull ups. Gives me a bit of time to sleep.

Try taking Ibuprofen - it's what my GP advised me to take when I had similar heavy bleeding linked to perimenopause. It can reduce bleeding by as much as 20% apparently.,

My mum had heavy bleeding with clots, although I don’t know all the gory details, and she’d assumed it was part of the menopause - and it turned out to be a rare lymphoma, which caused a tumour. She’s fine now, but it was a rough time. I do advise you see a doctor ASAP.

I had the same as you and it lasted 6 months. If it carries on for a long time it will make you really ill your iron levels will get to low. And your mental health will suffer. You need to see a doctor. if you have to go to work wear double towels. Its awful when we feel we have to go to work when we are so unwell I went to work for 6 months. Looking back I don't know how I got through it.