Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Could this be peri menopause? TMI

15 replies

RainDropsStorm · 02/12/2023 13:36

Just looking for some words of wisdom please as I am freaking out a bit.

I am early 40s and skipped a period the other month. My period is usually really light and lasts 2/3 days. This time however its been nearly 7 days and I am really heavy. Having to use a super tampax plus a towel and having to change every hour as I am soaked.

I don't know much about menopause really just what I've read on here (been on here for years) and I've had a quick look at the NHS page.

Will I just keep a note of how things go or should I see my doctor next week?

Also anything I should buy/stock up on? So far I am thinking period pants, a mattress protector and looking for pads that can cope with a heavy flow. I take the Aldi multi chew gummy vitamins.

Edited to add my smears are up to date.

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 02/12/2023 13:39

Sounds like it.
My periods got closer and closer together, and heavier. It happened so slowly that I didn’t really notice how heavy I was, until I became anaemic.
The one thing I wish I’d done was get a Mirena coil sooner.

gamerchick · 02/12/2023 13:42

When my peri kicked in my periods were also 3 days, bang on and not a bother. Now they come when they want and I have to wear tena pads because I just bleed through everything for 3 days and period drags on for 7 days. It's a pain in the arse.

I wouldn't assume it's peri though OP if you're concerned. Although finding a GP that takes periods seriously is a chore in itself.

Inca22 · 02/12/2023 13:42

It could be because of fibroids and cysts. It was for me. I had them removed and a Mirena coil put in and I haven't bled since.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Menopause Women's health
skgnome · 02/12/2023 13:43

Probably
my periods did got heavier
period pants are great
unless you have other concerns just keep track of things

Original poster
RainDropsStorm · 02/12/2023 13:55

I don't have any other concerns. Will look for a app to track them to see if they are getting longer/shorter apart or if I skip again. @DustyLee123 will keep an eye out for anemia, glad the coil worked for you. Its definitely a pain @gamerchick and yeah I've read on here about the lack of doctors taking it seriously/proactively. @Inca22 will keep that in mind thank you. Interesting the coil worked for you also. Will read up on the coil. I did have the coil years ago but didn't get on with it, think I was in my early twenties then. Thanks @skgnome I was reading that it can be like when you first start them. I remember when I started I was heavy then (maybe my body is doing a full circle thing, I don't know) will read up/look into the pants and will definitely be buying a few.

I really appreciate all the replies they have been really helpful.

OP posts:
Darklane · 02/12/2023 14:17

Yes, mine got heavier & heavier & could last a fortnight with only a week or two in between. Was a great relief when they finally stopped altogether.

Moredarkchocolateplease · 02/12/2023 14:32

Sounds like peri.

I had three periods in 6 weeks at one point, each flooding badly and my ferritin levels were non existent.

On HRT now and a coil and I don't bleed much at all, although I do still get ovulation pains and period cramps.

Original poster
RainDropsStorm · 02/12/2023 14:35

God @Darklane that sounds a utter nightmare. No wonder you were relieved when they finally did stop.

Is there anything that you can buy/get prescribed to lessen the flow?

I was just reading that peri can last for years Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
RainDropsStorm · 02/12/2023 14:38

Oh my days @Moredarkchocolateplease so sorry to read that. Think I better prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

When does HRT and the coil come into play? In peri or later?

Sorry I am totally clueless about all this.

OP posts:
Moredarkchocolateplease · 02/12/2023 14:42

Honestly, the sooner the better for HRT.

I had a list of possible symptoms in my bag for a year before the GP suggested I start on hrt.

When I look back, I'd been miserable for about three years. I wish I'd known then what I know now.

Within 4 months i went from a starter patch of 50mcg oestrogen, to 100mcg, plus then had the mirena fitted.

I am no longer neatly anaemic and the night sweats and lack of sleep have disappeared.

The Balance app is really good to monitor your symptoms for a while.

Moredarkchocolateplease · 02/12/2023 14:43

And OP, you can take transexamic acid (sounds awful, just a small tablet) which totally lessens the flow. They were a god send in the few months before I started on the HRT.

Original poster
RainDropsStorm · 02/12/2023 14:58

@Moredarkchocolateplease I will download the balance app and keep an eye on things for a bit. Can you buy those tablets at the chemist?

Thanks so much for all your help 💐

OP posts:
Moredarkchocolateplease · 02/12/2023 15:22

I shouldn't think you can get them OTC GP only.

Honestly they are brilliant.

Original poster
RainDropsStorm · 02/12/2023 15:54

Thanks. Will see if I can speak with my doctor asap to get them.

OP posts:
Original poster
RainDropsStorm · 05/12/2023 00:17

Bought the Always heavy flow pads and they are actually good. Still having to change frequently but saves a tampax and towel per change. I was using 1 super tampax and 2 towels at a time.

Just if anyone is looking for advice/information about products.

I've downloaded the balance app to start keeping a track of things.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page