I HATE my periods!

[HowsTheSerenity]

I NEED to go back on some form of contraception but have no idea what and my GP is useless.

I went on the pill at age 13 (got my periods at 9) due to extremely heavy and painful periods. I had been on different brands for 16 years when i decided to have a break to see aht would happen.

I have been pill free for a year now and I hate it. I go through a super industrial strength size tampon every half hour. I have cramps so bad I think ripping out my own uterus would be less painful. I have awful diarrhoea too.

I did go on depo once (just had one injection) when I was 19. I ended up putting on 25kg, lactating and getting acne so I do not want to do that again.

So, since my GP can't give me an answer I ask you. I am using it for period control not contraception. What should I go on? Implant? Pill?

you should ask for a referral to a gynae

they will have more options and should investigate the cause not just attempt to treat the symptoms

I have been investigated over and over again. Have had laparoscopies, seen endocronologists, the works. No endometriosis, no polyps, no nothing, Just a retroverted uterus and heavy periods.
Gyno is not going to tell me anytihng that I do not already know.

Have you tried drugs during your period like mefenamic acid &/or tranexamic acid? I used to have flood bleeding (due to fibroids) before I started taking the latter & now I don't need any kind of mega-tampons. Ask GP if you haven't already been down that avenue.

Also, did you get checked for blood clotting disorders? Not that they can be treated as such but it could be a reason for heavy bleeding (& handy to know for childbirth). & i guess you keep an eye on your iron levels - somewhere I once read that being anaemic can actually make you bleed more paradoxically but don't know how it works medically.

Can't say anything about pill etc as I don't like the idea of messing with hormones if there is a chance there could be underlying gynae issues.

I have borderline vonwillebrands. I am anaemic and take iron for that. I take a large handful of drugs every period just so I can work.

I have had literally every test under the sun. Although none for ten years so maybe I should go back. Not sure what good it will do.

Serenity,

No tests for a decade!. Its hard but you do need investigations done again. You need up to date test results asap (any result over 6 months old should be discounted); also laparoscopic surgery has come on quite a lot in the last decade.

You certainly need to find a specialist cons gynaecologist and GP needs to refer you to such a person sharpish. Such problems as well are not within a GPs remit so do not let him mess you around.

A retroverted uterus would not itself cause all this either.

I would put money on it that either endo and or fibroids (perhaps both) are the root cause of your problems.

Mefanemic and transeaxmic acid will treat the symptoms but not the cause. You need the cause properly established and now and you cannot go on as you are.

My problems with periods started immediately upon starting menstruation at 14. Pain, clots, stringey brown blood (all these are classic symptoms of endo) amongst rectal and stomach pains. Endo can get onto the intestines, bladder and rectal area. I got a dx of endo at 31; it is all too easy to be fobbed off.

Also if your GP is useless change GP!!. No point at all having someone you cannot communicate with.

have you had a desmopressin test?
(I might have spelt it wrong)

might be worth looking at as if it works for you it should reduce the bleeding - you only take it when you need to

I'm 37 and mine are very much like you describe. I had every test under the sun last year and they came back with "it's your age and you are peri-menopausal. I'm now on for 7 days, 2 light, 3 so heavy that I'm using super plus tampax AND a towel, which I have to change every 45 mins, then 2 light again. It's awful.

I've just posted this on another thread actually. The Doc has perscribed Cerazette for me and is trying to get me the mirena coil fitted.

I've just started taking the pill this morning and am feeling quite anxious about it all after reading the comments on MN.

I had some thing similar and was also always anaemic... after investigations at the hospital it was decided it was 'my age' I tried the mirena coil and now 2 years on I don't really have periods, just light bleeding every few months.

I understand that this sort of coil isn't for everyone but for me its a god send... I didn't get on with it straight away and bled very slightly (light discharge) for nearly a year... looking back I don't know how I coped before!

I think I will see how Cerazette goes, like I say I'm feeling anxious. Will seriously consider mirena coil. x

Sorry for the thread hijack, but are people saying you should get investigations before looking at methods of control?

I haven't seen gynae, now opting for the coil in a month's time...should I have gone for the option of gynae referral instead? (although that was just so they could put it in under a general, and I'd rather try awake first).

Ok will print out thread and go and badger GP some more. Guess I just needed a kick up the bum.

snowmash - yes you should get investigated first ideally