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Original poster

Teen with very heavy periods

12 replies

Fairytoast · 10/02/2023 12:11

My (almost) 15 year old dd has suffered from heavy periods since they started at 12.
She was battling along with ibuprofen but that wasn’t helping much and after a few fainting episodes it was found that she is anaemic so the GP prescribed Tranexamic acid, which helps a little but she says she still has a heavy flow (I had to collect her from school yesterday as she had flooded through her underwear).
She can’t take the combined pill as she has aura migraines, we have a family history of those (myself, my mum, my ds, my sister and my dh) and strokes. The GP says she can take the mini pill, however dd says she doesn’t want to take it (worried about weight gain).

She won’t use tampons or a menstrual cup either.

I have had a history of very heavy periods, gynae issues and severe anaemia. My mum had gynae issues and my sister has endometriosis.
I really don’t dd to live her life around her period as I had but I can’t force her to take the mini pill.

I am grasping at straws here but has anyone tried anything else to reduce heavy periods?

OP posts:
Coyoacan · 10/02/2023 12:13

I don't know but my dd had other problems concerning her period and a good acupuncturist cured her

Seaweed42 · 10/02/2023 12:20

I'd say the weight gain is easier to manage than the periods.
I'd be suggesting she try the mini pill.
Say to her that weight fluctuates up and down especially in the teenage years but not as drastic way. If she continues her usual routine there there is no reason she would gain weight. That everyone is different and you usually only get the bad stories on the internet because those who have no issues are not posting about it or searching for topics on it.

You could say if there are any weight issues you can get an appointment with a dietician to advise later on.

My DD had this - bleeding for 15 days at a time, spending so much time in the loos at school, terrified of leaking. But she went on the combined pill and hasn't gained weight since.

Original poster
Fairytoast · 10/02/2023 12:39

That’s interesting Coyoacan, I am looking into acupuncture for my own health issues, perhaps I should get dd a few sessions too?
Thanks Seaweed42 I’ll pass this on and suggest she gives it a trial and see how she gets on.

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TitoMojito · 10/02/2023 12:50

I'm on the mini pill because of heavy periods and it has stopped my periods almost completely (I get very light bleeding a few times a year) and while I am a wee bit chunkier than I used to be, I think this is more due to my lifestyle than the pill. Overall there have been no downsides. In fact it has been like a miracle cure for me. So I would recommend she tries it.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 10/02/2023 13:15

My housemate at uni had the implant. She had no periods.

Youdbetterthrowaparty · 10/02/2023 13:19

Has she been checked for a clotting disorder? A friend of mine struggled for years with heavy periods until a helpful GP finally did some bloods. If she's still flooding whilst on tranexamic acid it might be worth asking for this to be checked.

Comefromaway · 10/02/2023 13:20

I will DM you as my daughter had similar issues

Outandover · 10/02/2023 13:20

I have had migraine with aura since I was a teenager and doctors would only prescribe the progesterone-only pill (POP) and it was absolutely fine - no weight gain whatsoever.

You need to go back to the GP to discuss further and not be fobbed off with ‘she’s only young’ etc. No way should any woman have to put up with periods so heavy that you leak regularly without trying a range of options.

Comefromaway · 10/02/2023 13:28

Outandover · 10/02/2023 13:20

I have had migraine with aura since I was a teenager and doctors would only prescribe the progesterone-only pill (POP) and it was absolutely fine - no weight gain whatsoever.

You need to go back to the GP to discuss further and not be fobbed off with ‘she’s only young’ etc. No way should any woman have to put up with periods so heavy that you leak regularly without trying a range of options.

Absolutely this. I have DM'd the OP but finally my dd has been diagnosed with adenomyosis after years of accepting her pain/flooding etc as normal.

BananaBender · 10/02/2023 13:30

My 13yo is on a progesterone only Pill for heavy painful periods and it’s been fantastic for her. No pain at all anymore and much lighter bleeding. It’s called Slinda here in Australia. A bit expensive because it’s not government subsidised by $80/3 months is worth it.

She’s just seen a gynaecologist who is happy to insert a Mirena if DD wants to try it but it has to be done under GA to avoid pain.

Is your DD using period pants to help reduce leaks?

bloodyplanes · 10/02/2023 14:59

My DD 17 was exactly the same op. She has had the mirena coil fitted and so far so good!

Original poster
Fairytoast · 10/02/2023 16:14

Thanks everyone. I’ve made another appointment for dd to see the GP, hopefully we can persuade her to try the POP.

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