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Original poster

How do you cope with heavy periods?? (warning TMI)

37 replies

NotaStrongWomanMe · 18/01/2006 15:15

My periods have got really heavy since DS2 was born 18 months ago. Before then and they were managable.

Basically, I have about 1 day of 'normal' bleed, then 2 or 3 days of incredibly heavy bleeding (super plus tampon and towel changed every 2 hours - and about every 4 hours at night), then 3 days of normal again, then very light until it finishes.

It is really dragging me down. Is this normal? Have I just been lucky in the past and should stop moaning and just get on with it? It makes my life very difficult every month. And becuase they are not that regular I can't always plan to be at home for those bad 2 or 3 days.

Sorry needed to moan. Am about to start and dreading it again.

OP posts:
Tipex · 18/01/2006 15:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
NotaStrongWomanMe · 18/01/2006 15:21

Thanks Tipex. I'm a bit wary of my GP - and don't want to take drugs. I've recently started Agnus Castus for PMT, but I don't think that affects the actual period itself - will have to see. I wonder if there are any herbal tabs that work the same as those drugs you mentioned? I'll do a google...

OP posts:
Bozza · 18/01/2006 15:32

The only way I have been able to deal with it is to have artificial hormones. The pill and now the implant. Makes a real difference. Also on a practical/financial level the mooncup helps. Also I found at my worst that putting that in and then wearing a towel as well helped. How do you wake up in the night?

Original poster
NotaStrongWomanMe · 18/01/2006 15:46

I don't like the sound of the mooncup thing. Is it horrible to use???

Think I may need to succomb to artificial hormones but will hold off for as long as possible.

Re the nights, I don't sleep that well, so am usually aware of how it's going, but worst case scenario is being woken by the flooding. That happened once last month and the month before. Real nuisance having to change the bed in the middle of the night - and DH not happy either!

Oops school run..

OP posts:
jessicaandrebeccasmummy · 18/01/2006 15:48

You could so be me!

I am exactly the same - down to super plus tampon and towel every 2 hours. Got it at the moment, and along with all that hassle, thep ain in my tummy and back is unbearable.

Need to consider contraception, but i dont want to go back on the pill.... not sure what else would help.

Watching this with interest.

Bozza · 18/01/2006 15:50

Not really once you are used to it. And it's exceptionally comfortable - as in you really don't know it's there.

Bozza · 18/01/2006 15:53

I had this implant done in November. I have been having considerably lighter bleeding but its been much more frequent. I am hoping that this will settle down, although at the moment it is proving a pretty effective contraception in that we never get chance to have sex! Apart from that side of it, I am finding it has much less impact on my day to day life - I can empty the mooncup twice a day and that's it. No having to sort things out in a public loo with the kids there as well, that sort of thing.

KenningtonKitty · 18/01/2006 15:57

Just has my 1st after DS born August and it was just as you described - spoke to Doctor on phone as convinced I had some terrible problem (!) who said can take ibuprofen to restrict bleeding - but also said that should go and see dr for investigation

DD (age 3.5) asked why there was blood on bathroom floor and I wimped out and said DH had cut himself shacing !! But think she is a bit young for the harsh realities of being female yet !

Original poster
NotaStrongWomanMe · 18/01/2006 17:22

Thanks fellow suffers! Knowing I'm not the only one actually helps. Still not sure about the mooncup thing. Will do some research later.

I'm so glad I've got boys KK! My DS1 is at the 'what's this for?' stage and He's always rummaging amongst my bag of sanitary ware in the bathroom.

OP posts:
sinclair · 18/01/2006 17:58

Hello fellow sufferer! Not TMI for me this is my life. Tried the Mirena coil? Mine was knocked out by my fibroids but this apparently v rare and it does reduce flow. Bit of a hassle if you are thinking of ttc again of course. Have now embarked on the mini-pill with just a dash of oestrogen which they say unoptimistically 'can help.' My only other tip is eat plenty of iron - dried apricots on my desk as I write so as not add draining tiredness to the whole nightmare.

Original poster
NotaStrongWomanMe · 18/01/2006 20:23

Thanks everyone. One thought I have had since reading all the replies: If tabs etc 'reduce the flow' as well as the mirena coil doing the same, what exactly happens?? Does your body not make as much?? Sorry got no idea that's all.

I'm not TTC so no worries there, but just trying to do things naturally so would rather not use any drugs etc. (I've headr bad things about the Mirena coil though, so had put that out of my mind a long while ago).

Thanks for the iron tip sinclair. I hadn't actually made that connection. I was very anaemic during my pregnancies so I must be prone.

OP posts:
Weatherwax · 18/01/2006 22:02

I have this prob too. Dr gave me some mefenamic acid tabs to start taking just before the period starts and on the one month I timed it right it did reduce the flow. But on the occasions I too it I felt terrible. I will try to give it another go next month but if I feel that bad again I will stop.I will have to think about the other options on here I think

I now love my mooncup on the heavy days, I feel I can go out of the house for an hour on the school run. I always use a towel back up.

doormat · 18/01/2006 22:09

I am on primulot and tranexamic acid for this prob for past 2 yrs.
My periods were terrible, had to change tampon and sticky back every half hour as it was that heavy. Was on period for 3 weeks a month and a week off. Been for tests but they could find no cause.
Tablets have been a godsend to me, have been offered mirena but dont want to take it up at mo.

mcmum · 18/01/2006 22:19

Hello, i had really heavy and very painfull periods for years but went to gp who referred me for a mirena coil which i had fitted a year ago. my periods have settled great though it has taken several months to get desired effect but worth giving a go has minimal side effects and stays in for 5 years ! only handy if not planning any babes for a while. my periods have gone from 8 v heavy days to 3 days max spotting. great

sinclair · 19/01/2006 12:31

NASW but a very funny one - LOL at 'Does your body not make as much' - in the office as well - but no idea tbh - any doctors about to help us out?? Should one drink more water as well as regularly hydrating with red wine (for the iron y'see) when on? Please advise...

Mosschops30 · 19/01/2006 12:36

Message withdrawn

katiemum · 19/01/2006 12:46

I have this problem too, but am also ttc so mirena no good. Am taking tranexamic acid and does really help - i went without for a few cycles but couldn't cope with the flooding so back on.
If there are any herbal options I too would love to know - that you can take when ttc too.

mummygow · 19/01/2006 12:54

I am on my second af since ds was born and cant beleive how heavy they are - had to change my trousers twice yesterday!! Sorry for being so descriptive, but the blood is bright red and they last for about 7 days.

My periods were always quite dark, light bleeding and lasted 3 days.

The coil sounds like a good idea but I am petrified of becoming pregnant again - is it a good barrier.

RTKangaMummy · 19/01/2006 12:55

buy the cheap nappies and use them instead of towels at nightime and when going out

MeerkatsUnite · 19/01/2006 12:56

Notastrongwomanme,

Has the possibility of you having fibroids been discussed at all?.

This may be a possibility with your good self. Also heavy bleeding which can be associated with fibroids can cause anaemia.

My advice is to return to the GP and ask for a gynae referral.

Bozza · 19/01/2006 12:58

mirena coil is very good contraception. If you were still worried you could always use a condom as well!

kate100 · 19/01/2006 13:07

I really feel for you I was like this between my 2 boys, I had took all sorts of different things to try and reduce the flow and nothing really had any effect. My first AF after ds2 was born I fainted in a car park and dh had to pick me up. I've now got a Mirena coil and I was worried about the side effects too, but it's great. I've now got a cupboard full of super plus tampons I don't need, yippee

vicimelly · 19/01/2006 13:07

You could be me too except mine is incredibly heavy until the last day, I havn't found any reliable way of dealing with it, have tried all sorts of contraception that just don't agree with me for one reason or another, now am just resigned to not being able to leave the house for more than 15 mins at a time

RTKangaMummy · 19/01/2006 13:12

vicimelly try the nappies honestly it works along with superplus

poppiesinaline · 19/01/2006 13:34

hello Notastrongwomamme! My periods have got heavier and heavier after each baby and now after No 3 they are ridiculous. They last for about 10 days. 2 days of which i use super plus tampons and towel and have to change every 45 mins and up to 4 times at night. rest of month is much more manageable though. And i am only tiny! Mind u, dont get period pains anymore!
am watching this thread with interest.
Have emailed you btw!