Reducing/stop periods without taking oestrogen based products/hysterectomy?

[loopydoo]

Hi,

I have heavy periods that really get me down and that make me turn into a recluse for two or three days every 3 weeks (having a period every 3 weeks instead of 4 is also a naus).

I think because I am scared I'll leak in a work/social situation, I am constantly aware of any bleeding during that week.

I cannot tolerate tampons so have to use towels and so constantly feel the flow.

When I talked to the GP, she said I could either have the mriena coil fitted (oestrogen obv.) or have Implanon (obv also oestrogen) and with regards to the 3 week cycel, said that often happens when you get older (I'm only 34).

I started my periods aged 11 so have had a blooming long time with heavy periods; the only exception was slightly lighter periods when on the pill.

I really don't want to go back onto the pill; I'm over weight and work a lot of the pc so sitting a lot (don't want DVT).

Any ideas as to a solution?

mirena and implant are not oestrogen based, they are progesterone based.

mirena

nexplanon

Have you tried mefanamic acid? My GP gave me some of these a fee months ago and it's really helped. They are an anti inflammatory, not hormones.

Mefanamic acid works by causing the blood to thicken and clot, thus reducing flow. This is not what I want when I'm a bit overweight.

Just read up on the mriena coil and still makes me feel totally sick when I think about it. The bit where it says, it can come out of the womb on its own but you'll know due to bleeding and pain!!!

So how about the mini pill? What are the side effects of progesterone? I just don't want to increase my oestrogen levels any more.

I use the cerazette mini pill and have no periods. I am due to have the mirena fitted in a couple of weeks so will see how I get on with it.

mini pills

Have just read up on the mini pill and the only down side I can see is the possibilty of slight increased risk of breast cancer. So I need to fidn out if that risj is higher than the risk with combined pill, the same or lower and then I think I'll ask about having it prescribed.

Try Mirena.

I, too, am overweight, cannot tolerate tampons, and had very heavy periods which were getting closer together. It was a faff getting the Mirena inserted, but I have had absolutely no problems whatsoever with it. It's brilliant. The periods started easing after one ir two cycles, thrn tapered off really quickly. I havent had a period now for over a year, and when I did it was so light that I only needed panty-liners. I have even fewer side-effects with it (ie none!) than I had while on the mini-pill.

Same drug as the mini pill though so as I'm squeamish when it comes to the idea of foreign bodies floating around inside my uterus (other than babies obv.!), I think I'll try the mini pill first.

I don't mind having light periods; just not the huge clots/gushing that I have now.

I wonder if a mooncup might reduce flow? Someone once told me it reduced cramping and flow but not sure?

I was like you, but not overweight, when I had the Mirena fitted. It was dreadful TBH, I put on weight, had horrific mood swings, got loads of migraines, bled for weeks when it went in and I still had periods. I had it took out after about 6 months.

If you have finished your family, I can recommend having an endometrial ablation. I had it done nearly 4 years ago and now have really, really light periods. I have gone from flooding through a tampon and super towel to just needing a panty liner.

I've had the same experience as sodapops with the mirena, so wouldn't recommend it.

I've also had an endometrial ablation which worked wonders. However at 34 you are still quite young and may want more children. This is not an option after an ablation.

Thanks girls - so is Endometrial Ablation the same as D & C?

I believe a D & C is when your cervix is dilated and the womb lining scraped out. With an endometrial ablation, heat is used to remove the lining. It does eventually grow back but it takes longer than with a D & C.

Mooncup certainly helped with the heavy flow and the discomfort, but not with the length of the cycle.

The difference between Mirena and the other ways of administering progesterone is that with Mirena the drug is delivered right to where it is needed. It does not have to be digested, therefore a much smaller amount is needed, and it does not have to be transported by the bloodstream and metabolised by the liver, therefore it has less effect on the rest of the body.

For the first few weeks after insertion I had to not think about it, as the idea of having a 'thing' inside me was gross and freaky, but I got used to it and it does not bother me any more.

Why not try Depo-Provera injection? Progesterone based, injection every 12 weeks

if you are at all worried about weight gain then avoid the depo like the plague!! Piling on weight is a major side effect (have personal experience!) and it made me bleed constantly. It also has a major effect on fertility afterwards which is a factor if you are planning on having children/extending your family

The Mirena has been absolutely wonderful for me, it sounds corny but it genuinely has changed my life.

I'm writing off the Mirena - going to try mini pill I think.

Why did the GP not refer you to a gynae if your periods are affecting your life like this?. This should be talked through with a gynae ; many GPs simply do not have enough knowledge to properly deal with such cases.

You need to determine the CAUSE of the excessive bleeding, not just treat the symptoms.

Both endometriosis and or fibroids can cause such problems to arise and your case certainly warrants further investigation. Do not put up with it.

You will need to be persistant in order to get answers

Ah - actually just read some of the side effects of that as well - acne, facial hair (!) and depression.

Blimey - women get a raw blinkin' deal when it comes to issues of the uterus!!!!

Hmm - attila I did have fibroids detected when I was pregnant with DC2 so I guess I could have still have them. Getting rid of those is also a naus.

I wouldnt write anything off just yet loopy, why not go and ask for some more info?

I have a large fibroid, and before my GP would let me have any progesterone or oestrogen treatment she sent me for ultrasound and blood tests to make sure these treatments were appropriate.

I think everything has side effects,especially once you start to google.
I too have a Mirena for heavy bleeding/clots/pain and it's wonderful. I didn't even feel it being fitted despite having had C section deliveries.
Anyhoo you say you don't fancy it.
Definitely go back to your GP to discuss your situation.

I think everything has side effects,especially once you start to google.
I too have a Mirena for heavy bleeding/clots/pain and it's wonderful. I didn't even feel it being fitted despite having had C section deliveries.
Anyhoo you say you don't fancy it.
Definitely go back to your GP to discuss your situation.

Sorry posted twice