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

[NotaStrongWomanMe]

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.

Wow what a lot of support and I am beginning to think mine aren't that bad at all compare to some of you!

sinclair - I've never beeen called funny before. that made me laugh! But, it was a serious question!

Meerkatsatnight - no I haven;t considered fibroids. I'm really very ignorant of what they are. I'm trying to avoid any medical intervention at the moment, and really can't face a gynaecologist... (Actually, I haven;t had a smear test for about 4 years, so really ought to arrange that.....)

poppies - agree with you about the pain. After a drug free labour i think I could cope with almost any pain (don't quote me on that though). I seem to get more cramps for a couple of days before it starts (like at the moment) then occasional pains during the actual period, but nothing really to complain about. It's really just the downright inconvenience and annoyance of it. PS Got your email, thanks. Sent two replies. If you dont get either back by tomorrow, I'll go mad. My email is working with other addresses though so I don't know what the problem is....

NASWM

Fibroids are benign growths made up of smooth muscle fibers. These musculur knots also contain some framework cells and can form in any muscle in the body. The most common site is in the muscle of the uterine wall.

Fibroids are the most commonly seen gynae condition. They are seen most frequently between the ages of 35 and 45. One in five women over the age of 30 and one in three over the age of 35 are affected.

I would certainly consider being brave (to have a drug free birth would qualify in my book as being brave!) and making an appointment with your GP with a view to getting a gynae referral. This person can also perform your smear test.

I can certainly understand why you do not want to go down the medical route (I have got the t-shirt and souvenir mug when it comes to some gynae procedures) but would urge you to give it serious consideration all the same. If this is fibroids temporary measures like pills will not give you any long term relief from the symptoms you are currently experiencing.

heavy/painful periods can be undiagnosed clotting disorder (von willebrand's, I think) according to an obs/gynae I met, so worth getting tested

Thanks for all that info MeerKatsunite. I'm very ignorant about this.

One other quick question (for now!) can I go to a well woman clinc about these things - not that I know where there is one exactly but I know they exist. My GP is in a practice on his own and don't think I could manage an examination from him.

PS I'm 36, so in the right age bands...

NASWM - hello. Now I really feel like I am stalking you! I am 36 too! Haven't got your emails yet! What is going on?!

Look in the telephone book/yellow pages. When I had my implant I had to go to the contraceptive and sexual health unit in the nearest big town because my surgery does not do implants.

aaarrrgghhh! thought I could safely scream here without upsetting anyone!

What is happening with those emails Poppies!!!! I know my account is working as I have been having an email chat with a friend on it tonight. Let's give it until tomorrow then I'll CAT you. I don't mind paying the subs, but is annoying as we started all this before they introduced the fee!

oops taken over the thread a bit - oh but I started it in the first place. sorry everyone else. ignore us! How's your grammar by the way poppies???!

PS you can tell I've not started yet this mornth can't you!

Nope, still no emails! I am receiving emails from other people. Very strange! Grammer appalling btw, as is spelling! Wouldn't think I was a secretary by trade would you!

Hi Tipex,

Not a problem. I would advocate such a referral only if the GP seems dismissive (mine certainly was; he even said that endometriosis was not common. Ha!!). The GP may also choose not to do anything but refer anyway. Not all GPs can do an ultrasound scan which is the most useful test for diagnosing fibroids. A diagnosis of fibroids based on an abdominal and pelvic exam is correct 85% of the time.

A few blood tests are helpful in diagnosing fibroids. A full blood count will show whether you have iron deficieny anaemia or not. At least 70% of women who regularly lose over 80ml of blood per period will have some degree of aneamia.

NASWM you can go to a well woman clinic if you so wish. They should be able to advise you further.

Do let us know how you get on.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'll definitely do something after my next period. Due anyime now. Dreading it. May not see me posting during that time - worried I'll be so horrible I'd be excommunicated!!!