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?

HI loopydoo,

If you've previously had fibroids this could indeed be the cause of your problems now.

I would insist to the GP that you are referred to a gynae; this is a problem outside a GPs remit of expertise. Also things like the mirena coil can only address the symptoms and NOT the cause. You need to determine exactly why you are bleeding so heavily and you will need to be persistant in order to get answers.

Everything effects everyone differently though - i was on Depo for nearly 10 years. No weight gain and now have 2 children. I did switch methods a year before i thought i might want to conceive, but only to the implant, which is equally hassle free.

Its teh hormone, not the method of application that causes the problems i think

cerazette stopped my periods after a year. and is the best mini-pill if you are overweight. if you often feel tired, may be worth getting a blood test for anaemia, as heavy bleeding can cause this.

I agree with Attila, you need to be referred to a gynae and ideally before this you should be referred for an ultrasound which would show up any cysts or fibroids.

Before I had endometrial ablation I had really heavy periods which made going out very difficult. The surgeon who did the ablation also performed a laparoscopy to try and discover what was causing the heavy bleeding. I was found to have endometriosis (which often doesn't show up on an ultrasound), and a cyst, both of which would have caused me to bleed heavily.

Hope this helps, you shouldn't have to put up with heavy periods.

so can they now get rid of fibroids easily? I'm trying to lose weight as I know that 'oestrogen' feeds fibroids and fat produces more oestrogen.

What does the laparoscopy involve? Camera through into the uterus?

It may be a camera through the uterus or it may be camera through a small incision next to your belly button or both. Fibroids can be removed laparoscopically.

You really need to see a gynae.