To seek medical help today (very heavy periods)

[Egm5478]

Hi all,

I have already got an appt lined up with my GP for next because this is an ongoing issue but hear me out.

since having my daughter 5 years ago my periods have been very heavy for the first 3 days - think soaking through pads and tampons, then they last another 3 or 4 days but at a manageable level.

I’ve had an ultrasound and all was clear, I do have anaemia (bloods result was 101 last month).

I came on my period on Thursday and have been heavy since, I bought a menstrual cup a couple of months ago so I can now see how much blood I’m losing - I’ve filled it (15ml) 3 times already today and emptied it 7 times yesterday - it was full everytime.

ive had a headache for 2 days but this has gone today however today everytime I stand up I feel dizzy for a few seconds and generally feel quite weak. Otherwise I feel well.

would it be a waste of time going to the walk in centre today? Would they even be able to do anything for me? Or just best waiting for my GP appt on Thursday?

posted in AIBU for traffic - sorry! 😊

It sounds tough but I don’t think you should go to A&E for it. Maybe 111 tomorrow if you still feel worried.
Id personally drink more water, have some red meat, take some iron and have a lie on the sofa.
It’s obviously not the same but I lost over 1000ml of blood during recent c section and didn’t feel any repercussions or need medicine or a transfusion or anything. I don’t think A&E would have anything to give you other than perhaps monitoring?

I’m always going on about the Mirena coil, totally saved me from 3 week long horrendous periods . Took a year maybe but eventually my periods stopped completely, bonus being that as I had no periods I went through the menopause without noticing !

@Ninkynonkpinkyponkswere you anaemic before the section? The op is, she’s now bleeding heavily and she’s showing symptoms that suggest her body is struggling to oxygenate itself.
@RichHolidayPoorHolidayi think that analogy is offensive and further demonstrates a lack of understanding.

menstruating is not a strength contest. You get no prizes for withstanding more blood loss than the next woman.

And if you are reading this thinking your situation is worse then you too also need to see a doctor!

And also re Mirena - bloody fantastic! No pun intended.
when I started bleeding more heavily (rendering me anaemic and with bugger all iron stock) I had a scan and hysteroscopy then coil. Instant and continuous improvement

Stunning isn't it.

Dismissing the OP based on their personal experience.

Whilst ignoring her changed symptoms and medical history.

I didn’t realise you could get Tranexamic Acid over the counter - thanks so much for this info - makes things so much easier!!

That's very different predicament to OPs though
She's having a normal heavy period and is booked to see her GP about it.

Well let’s hope so but given the additional lightheadedness she should seek medical advice as neither you nor I know.

This is what I was like so eventually i was put on them for life but then went on the mini pill so don't need them anymore

Tranexamic acid is v good.

But I must say one of the good things about cups is that (assuming you get the capacity detail off the website) is that it allows you to get an accurate figure of blood loss. No other fem pro product has that advantage.

Of course she's lightheaded she's anemic and it 30 degrees where all light headed.

Completely agree! It’s also the only product I’ve found that can anywhere near cope with the amount of blood loss.

for the first time I feel like I’ve got some “facts” to share with the Dr - obviously I’m aware all of the “fluid” isn’t blood but gives a good idea!

OP go to the pharmacy and get some tranexamic acid. You can also buy ferrous fumarate iron tablets for a few pounds, ask for a high dose.

My iron levels reached 8 when I was anaemic from heavy periods, but both of the above medications have really helped. I was told the iron tablets can be taken indefinitely, you don't need a prescription.

I know where you are coming from OP as I had a horrendously heavy period last week and at one point, I was wondering if I needed medical attention as could not believe what was coming out of me! Tranexamic acid is what you need, thankfully I had some, took a few hours to kick in but worked. I’m just going to make sure I always have them to hand now. You can also purchase from online pharmacies for next time.

If you have ibuprofen to hand it can reduce flow

This isn't what you asked but is your cup really just 15ml? Mine is more than double that. I have heavy periods and would not cope with a 15ml cup!

Thanks for all of your replies, I appreciate the advice.

i got some tranexamic acid from the pharmacy this afternoon and have taken 2, the pharmacist said I should see an improvement by tomorrow morning but if not then to pop up to the walk in centre to have some obs done.

she took my blood pressure which was a little low but that is quite normal for me. I’ve done some research about the Mirena this afternoon and think that’s what I’ll be asking for from the GP next week 😊

This sounds very sensible. Good luck x

Good luck. It was pre-menstrual cups for me but I had the same as you - tranexamic acid helped massively in the short term. I ended up having a fibroidectomy and Mirena - was an absolute game changer.

@nhsmanagersanonymous 101 is the police - they probably can't help with this 😉

Oh well, as long as we’re all lightheaded, then that’s fine 🤦‍♀️

She has an appointment with a gp coming up even if you faint a&e arent interested like she's been told previously she can go to the pharmacy and get iron tablets and tranexamic acid. She had her bloods done recently and her levels of haemoglobin isn't low enough for a transfusion her ultrasound was clear. What do you expect a&e would do for her.

Absolutely agree. Seek advice OP.

Same here. I would say that a mirena coil not only helped me physically but also helped me mentally. 3 days of having to stay home each month, lack of understanding from my employer and just feeling generally awful made me spiral into a depression. 6 months after having it fitted I felt amazing!

Maybe check she’s not haemorrhaging?