Periods - is this normal?

[user887766]

I’ve named changed for this.

Currently my periods only last circa 3-5 days, so I am lucky that they are short in that respect. However, there is always 1 day where (I think) they are VERY heavy. I am talking about going through a super plus tampon in nearly an hour, small clots on the toilet paper after going to the loo and also clots on the tampon after taking it out which can be maybe 8cm long (not that wide). Again the heaviness doesn’t last long… but it’s heavy.

I always assumed that this was normal, but during my last few cycles I have noticed that I have felt the need to wee a lot more. There’s no UTI (I know this because I got tested at the GP twice when I first had the symptoms). I thought it might be a one off but it’s happened again with my current cycle. I also get cystitis symptoms before every period where it burns after weeing for about a day and then goes.

After doing a bit of research, I am starting to think I might have fibroids as these are the symptoms.

Basically asking for a bit of advice here. I’ve tried to talk to my GP about irregular periods before but I felt like my issue was just dismissed.

Anyone?

The very heavy part, super tampon, clots etc yes very normal at the peak of a period.

Not sure about the cystitis

Oh ok, I thought changing a tampon every 1-2 hours was an indication of a heavy period

You said it doesn't last that long, if you was going through your whole period leaking through your tampons and underwear and having to change your tampons every 1-2 hours for 4/5 whole days then yes cause for concern but a brief period of heaviness and clots is totally fine

Clots are a really really normal part of periods

My GP told me that they would be concerned if clots were fully formed a d larger than a 50p piece and that if you were changing a pad or tampon every few hours and bleeding through those plus pants and trousers. It's described as flooding.

If this has always been the case for your periods, it could that it's normal for you but any changes need to be noted

My normal is flooding, and multiple large clots when I wee and a 3 day bleed.

Ok I guess I’m worried then what the feeling of constantly needing the loo / wanting to empty my bladder means

Could be because hormones change during our period.

I have the same feeling but I have Endometriosis.

That said, what you are experiencing doesn't seem to indicate that.

I’d say having a very heavy day and clots is normal for me. But the needing a wee and the heaviness of a super tampon full in an hour is not normal. Try seeing a different GP maybe.

Definitely worth talking to the GP - bleeding through one super tampon in an hour is very heavy, and you have other gynaecological symptoms as well. In my experience GPs can vary hugely in how dismissive they are so it's well worth trying another one. Another option, if you can afford it, is paying for an appointment with a gynaecologist, who obviously are less dismissive - but do try another GP first.

Thanks all - yes I’ve been considering seeing a private gynaecologist as I assume the waiting times for any further investigations on the NHS are going to be long.

Yes this is a heavy period. You could be getting anemic, and it's horrible flooding so much. Speak to your doctor who can check your iron levels and maybe prescribe something to help your periods.
Good luck

I always have a very heavy 12 hours or so on day two but then it eases off. Every now and then I have a panic at the rate/quantity coming out during that time, but it’s always eased off by the end of the day - for years.

Your period was exactly like mine in length, heaviness etc. I ended up anaemic.

Also had the feeling of a full bladder during my period. But no burning feeling.

Now have a coil after scans to rule out other issues like fibroids etc.

Normal for me from teenage to early 40s.

Normal to wee more because you retain water leading up to your period (if you regularly weigh yourself you may find you weigh a few kg more) you lose this water when the period starts due to hormone changes.

You can get super plus extra & ultra tampons plus period pants should give you a few hours or a cup will hold more than 2 super plus tampons.

See a GP if you are worried. There are medications or things like mirena that can help.

Speak to GP or gynecologists yep normal. But that's a myth. A period where you have to change a super plus tampon within 1hr is very heavy though 1 day not too bad but not normal. I use a cup beacuse of this as was bleeding througb2 pads and a super plus tampon within 1 hr. I would always get an appointment but don't hold out much help for support.

I bleed 8-10 days 4 days heavy and loose 240ml a month and the clots are massive a numerous. Been fighting for support for 5 years now still no further forward other than I have fibroids and cysts and an overlarge uterus oh and not to worry I only have 10 more years of the crippling struggling to walk pain so it's fine and normal. Good luck xx