Do my heavy periods need medical intervention?

[Scotstar85]

Am in my early forties. For the last few years, I've used 2 different sized menstrual cups depending on my flow. I have a normal size and a "fanny bucket" which looks like a v small mixing bowl.

For the last year or so, for the first 2 days of my period, I have to wear the bucket with a sanitary towel, and change it every 2-3 hours, and at night, all bets are off. I have the bucket, a towel and also sleep with an actual (old, bathroom) towel between my legs (so dignified), but I still usually bleed onto the bed.

I don't have ridiculous amounts of period pain, just a normal amount and it's bearable without painkillers. I do often pass large clots, but nothing that has overly concerned me.

Do I have to have this faff with towels every month (I can't take hormonal contraception) or is there something else that could be done, and if so, should I seek help?

Yes, I suffered then called the doc. I'm on tranexamic acid, which has really helped me, had bloods taken for anemia, and been booked for a pelvic scan to rule out any cause.

Please don't suffer.

Yes, I used to be like this and ended up borderline anaemic. Dr. Suggested mirena coil which has helped somewhat.

Yes, ask for an ultrasound and referral to gynae to discuss best treatment. Do not jump to treat with tranexamic acid. I did this, ended up with huge fibroids which have now been treated but it was a miserable cycle of bleeding and anemia until resolved.

Get it checked out. I had similarly heavy periods. I had an ultrasound, which showed all was normal. But I was seriously anemic and needed medication for that. Because they can't find a cause, I've just been offered contraception to stop it, which I've declined.

I suspect mine is down to peri menopause. I'm 40. I was having frequent, heavy periods. Now they are less frequent and only last a couple of days.

I had a cervical ablation for this. I can't tolerate hormonal contraception either and was severely anemic before I had the procedure done.
Around 3 years on, periods are very light. It doesn't stop any pain (I have endo) but cut the bleeding right down.

Go to your GP to get checked out,just to make sure everything is ok.
I had this and suffered for longer than I should have, its pretty grim,leaving you feeling tired and washed out and interferes with your life and sleep. It turned out not to be anything sinister probably just age/ peri menopausal . As I didnt want any more DC I had a uterine ablation,which has made periods light and almost non existent.
If you still want DC or dont want an operation they recommend the coil.

I’m so glad you asked! My periods are pretty much exactly the same. Ridiculously heavy, even throughout the night. Massive clots and to top it off, they are now irregular as well (as in, sometimes 3 days early, other times 18 days late!).

If you have completed your family you could consider endometrial ablation. Which is for heavy bleeding.

I had exactly this, pretty sure it's the peri menopause as I'm early 40's. I ended up anemic and have to take iron supplements every day. I've just had a Mirena coil fitted and so far it seems to be working.

Some good advice there - thank you. I guess I've never felt that I should bother the dr as I'm not really in pain its just inconvenient and a bit grim in terms of leakage for two days a month. (Sorry!)

I might wait for C19 to subside so I'm not taking up an urgent appt, but I will pursue it. My family making is done!

I have similar periods and am 49. Got referred and have fibroids. Waiting for an op now. Go get checked out things can be done

My fibroids were discovered about 18 months ago. TA didn’t do much to reduce the bleeding. I stopped taking it over the past couple of months. The last period was hideous - lots of huge clots. Never seen anything like it. Blood pours out and abdo pain get worse each month. I’m washed out, can easily sleep 12 hours and grumpy. Going to see gynae and ask for ablation.

I had an endometrial ablation for this just over 5 years ago. I’ve not had a period since. It’s completely and utterly changed my life, no word of exaggeration.