Hysterectomy for heavy periods

[ImFree2doasiwant]

TMI alert. Has anyone had experience of this? I have incredibly heavy periods since my 2nd child. He's 3.5 now. I first saw the GP when he was about 13 months as I was due to return to work and honestly didn't know how I'd cope working in a busy office, when my periods were so bad.

I had blood tests and was very anaemic, and also diagnosed as having hypothyroidism. Apparently this can cause heavy periods. I've been taking 75mg levothyroxine , the heaviness has eased somewhat, but actually, it's still horrendous. I tried the depo injection for 12 months, as had no periods on that before. No change. I'm currently taking the mini pill and thought I'd seen a slight improvement, and now this.

I think I've kidded myself that because it's so much better than 2 yrs ago, that it's ok. It's really not ok. As an example, I'm ending my 3rd week of bleeding. I had a 12 day period, 1 light day, 9 heavy days, 2 light. 3 days no bleeding. 4 days light. Now 2 days heavy again.

Since 8.45pm i have been to the loo 6 times as I've had flooding/passed large clots.

I'm really at the end of my ability to cope with this. I've had to leave work after flooding so badly it went through a very large washable pad, pants and tights. By the time I'd shuffled to the loo it was by my knees. I missed weekly swimming for 4 months as was bleeding every Wednesday for that time. I've ruined clothes and bedsheets. My mattress is stained, and I've bled onto the carpet.

If a hysterectomy was an option, I'd jump at the chance. I wont be having any more children.

I'm interested to hear from others who have been through this

No advice, sorry. This does sound awful for you

Hi, I have tranexamic acid prescribed which works brilliantly to manage my heavy periods. I use it for three days and the bleeding drastically reduces

I keep seeing people suggest that, but havent tried it, I think because it works by helping the blood clot. I have no issues in that department. I also have a family history of DVT.

Op, that sounds awful. So sorry you are experiencing it. Was the Mirena coil discussed with you as an option? It is meant to be very effective for heavy periods.

Very similar story here, including tranexamic acid, but in the end I felt as if I was shovelling down my throat, I'm pretty sure it needed to be a couple of tablets several times a day, maybe they've made slow release since then.

I had an ablation, like a d&c where they take away the lining. Literally not a drop of blood since before the surgery 5 years ago.

I'm sure the GP would be more likely to consider that, hysterectomy has more recovery time (ablation was back to normal by end of the week), and it seems so final. Sos the ablation, but it's also a ton less expensive!!

You'd need an ultrasound first, just to check there isn't a huge fibroid, or a funny lining that won't work with ablation... but worth asking?

I did go back to work and it was a fucking nightmare. I also ended up with iron transfusions. Good luck, and persist. Periods are still a woefully under considered issue.

I had similar to you and also had endometriosis and fibroids. I eventually had a hysterectomy. I was lucky to be able to have it done privately, it was done by keyhole and left my ovaries and cervix. I can honestly say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, it completely changed my life.

You should definitely try tranexamic acid.
It really helped me when my periods prevented me going out.
It doesn't matter if you don't have a clotting problem, it clots the blood you are losing and lightens your flow.
I would try that before a hysterectomy crossed my mind.

It sounds awful and I hope you get it sorted

I had an uterine ablation which which completely stopped my periods. It should stop them returning for about eight years. Heavy periods are the worst.

This sounds horrific.

Have you been seen by a gynaecologist or has all of this been done through your GP? If it is the GP, ask for a referral. This is no way to live. Have you had a scan at all?

Also how old are you? A hysterectomy should really be your last resort, firstly they should be trying to find out the cause and then see if that can be treated.

@lborgia thats my concern tbh. I was advised it's 4 tablets a day. And again, it's not recommended if you are at risk of dvt.

I'm mid 40s, single, with 2 children, I won't be having any more.

I also have a "slight" prolapse which is also starting to cause issues.

I will enquire about the ablation. But honestly, how I feel at the moment i'd take a hysterectomy in a heartbeat.

I had very heavy periods due to an undiagnosed fibroid. Only discovered because of annual blood tests showing very low iron levels.

First line of treatment was transexamic acid - which made no difference. Then a hysteroscopy which made no difference. The consultant said the mirena would likely come out with the next flood .

So I had a hysterectomy conserving the ovaries and cervix.

It was brilliant! Best thing ever! I can't believe I went on so long suffering and the low iron really started to effect my health. I was about 47 though so I don't know if age would make a difference in what they offer you.

It's so miserable to have heavy periods; my sympathy to you op.

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@Seracursoren just the GP so far.

I think I've been far too accepting.

@tobee the anaemia combined with the thyroid issue honestly just wipes me out. I'm glad to hear from people who have had a hysterectomy and been happy with it.

I'm going to call the GP on Monday.

Another one who had an ablation after suffering the most horrendously heavy periods with huge clots which would just flood through my clothes. I became seriously anaemic and my hair was falling out. The ablation stopped my periods for about 18 months. They then returned but were so light I barely needed sanitary towels. I've gone through the menopause now but the ablation was life changing for me at the time.

💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐you have sympathy I’ve had two years of problems got a coil now fitted let’s just say the last six months I’ve gone back to the agony of my teen years, two days pain free jumped for joy tonight back in agony like you for different reasons I’ve had enough. I’ve already started planning my hysterectomy case. It’s the only way some days I keep going. I hope you get a sympathetic gynaecologist.

Pester your gp.At the very least you should get an ultrasound to eliminate anything that could be causing it .If your gp has no suggestions then push for a gynae referal.
My go was great,on visit no 2 she took one look at me,gave me 2weeks sick leave,booked an untrasound and a 2ww gynae referal.

@Icequeen01 my hair is really badly falling our, also a symptom of the underactive thyroid

I have extremely heavy periods and anemia that is making life hard. I am not having a hysterectomy because the doctor’s solution for post-surgical complications is hormones. I have had various hormones over the years and the best ones gave me debilitating migraines. The worst cause vertigo so bad I couldn’t stand without assistance. Not once was I able to stay on a med the recommended length of time. So I don’t want a hysterectomy because if have problems, hrt won’t be an option and there is nothing else. At least now I live with the devil I know and every month I tough it out is one month closer to natural menopause.

It is an option but there are other things that you need to try before hand.
Medication, mirena coil, endometrial ablation should all be tried first. Hysterectomy should be a last resort and wouldn't be something you'd want to have with a young family to care for.

I had a hysterectomy at 40 for heavy periods. I have never regretted it but I was able to go on HRT immediately.
Once you reach menopause all sorts of things you never hear discussed start happening to your body, none of them good. Do your research before asking for a hysterectomy.The

@ImFree2doasiwant Sorry to hear that, it's awful I know. My mum has an under active thyroid and she also lost loads of her hair in the beginning until they could get her medication right. You have my sympathies.

Often levothyroxine doesnt work very well or can take ages to fully work. But heavy periods are common even when treated, sadly. I have the same issue. Try taking your meds on an empty stomach and leaving 1-2 hours before food or caffeine. This really helped mine work better.

I do that already @CrazyToast. And leave 4 hours before taking the iron.

I can't say I feel any better for the thyroxine. .

Bear in mind OP that having a hysterectomy can make other pelvic organ prolapses occur or worsen, as there is more "empty space" for organs to drop down into.