Heavy periods - help!

[sara1234567]

Am concerned about my periods. Am 38. Have always had normal, if painful, periods but over the past three months they've become incredibly heavy - to the point that I've had to leave a recent work conference because, despite using the most absobent tampons and changing every 15 minutes, I actually leaked onto the floor whe I stood up. IT was so embarrassing. I also suffer discomfort in my lower torse, but I've been putting that down to IBS. My GP thinks we should just wait and see as it 'might be one of those things'. Could it be comething serious, though, where time is of the essence?

GP needs to be a bit more proactive I think.

Go back, either to this one, or see a different one.

There are several things it could be, all of which require a proper examination, investigation, diagnosis and treatment.

I don't think it is fair of the GP to "wait and see" if you are suffering as you describe.

Painful periods should always be checked out properly by a gynaecologist to ascertain the underlying cause. Some GPs are less than helpful when it comes to such issues and can mess around in ignorance.

Endometriosis is a common cause of periods that are very painful and this can affect the bowels as well. It may not therefore be IBS (some women who have endo can be misdiagnosed as having IBS). This would entail a referral to a gyane; think as well your GP needs to be far more proactive here. Telling you to wait and see benefits no-one least of all you.

You will need to be persistant in order to get answers.

Yes you need to see another GP.

I have heavy periods but not as bad as you have described, I also had bleeding inbetween periods.

My GP has given me an internal examination, to see if she could see/feel anything. She made an app at hospital for an internal scan. I had blood tests for aneamia, thyrhoid problems and something else I can't remember. She also gave me pills- tranexamic acid, which reduce blood loss. They have reduced the amount by about 25% for me, but can reduce amount by up to 50%.

I'm just telling you all this to show you your GP should be doing lots of things to help you. I wish I had seen her years ago. Get back to the DRs and good luck!

Sounds similar to my symptoms though not as bad as yours. I went to GP who referred me to gynocologist, who thinks it's probably endometriosis. I had an ultra sound (all clear) and I'm now waiting for more tests - laperoscopy and hysteroscopy. Definately ask for appointment with gynocologist.

I'd go back to GP
It's impacting on your life and making you uncomfortable

I had very heavy bleeding/flooding
I was prescribed tranexamic acid to help
Scans showed fibroids which I've had treated by Uterine artery embolisation