Really heavy periods. Alternative therapy

[Manchesterhistorygirl]

I have really heavy periods and currently take tranexamic acid, but have been reading about agnus castus. Has anyone else taken this and did it make a difference? Hormonal contraception is not recommended for me, but seriously I so can't carry on with this.

I am pms bitch from hell, so am hoping it will help that too, but I'm also hypothyroid too, would that also be helped? Does anyone have any stories they'd like to share with me?

Once I'd finished my family I had womb ablation, I have my life back, is that an option?

Its not a good idea to self medicate with AC, that is usually used for irregularity of periods so in this case would probably not be of any benefit at all. If you really want to use herbal remedies at all I would suggest you seek out the advice of a properly qualified medical herbalist beforehand.

I would try to establish exactly why your periods are so heavy to begin with; it may be due to your hypothyroid issue (when were your thyroid levels last checked), alternatively heavy bleeding may be due to fibroids or endometriosis. Some GPs only treat the symptoms rather than try and look for the cause; would suggest you see a gynae for further evaluation and insist that the GP refers you to a specialist.

Have a read about the GAPS diets. Changed my friend's life. She's gone from being hospitalised monthly and has been signed off from psychiatric care as well. Turns out, leaky gut is responsible for an awful lot of metabolic issues and is curable. But a big commitment.

Great advice, thank you all. The tranexamic acid worked brilliant,y at first but now not so much, back to really heavy again and periods lasting 7 days. It's a nightmare and drives me mad! Back to the gp I go and will push for a referral.

Quick update saw a locus gp who has recommended the mirena coil. My initial reaction is "not a fucking chance".

I have had reactions to every hormonal contraception I've tried bar microgynon (save for a little bit of weight). I reacted badly to cerazette, I was psychotic and bled ever single day, the injection, fat, frumpy, no libido at all, but no periods.

I'm still breast feeding, but he's two and three months now, so I'm wondering if I should stop bf and go back on the combined, because I do not want to try mirena and find it sends me crazy and then not be able to get it taken out.

Also neither of my children were natural deliveries, its going to hurt a lot too isn't it?

I didn't have any pain having the mirena inserted but I did get some cramping afterwards. However I only had it in for six months and couldn't wait to get it removed due to constant spotting whilst I was on it and other side effects. Like you I had very heavy periods and the mirena was rather pushed at me. As Attila says GPs are fond of treating symptoms rather than the cause. Further down the line I was found to have a cyst and endometriosis which was probably the cause of the heavy bleeding.

My periods are now much lighter since I had an endometrial ablation done 3 years ago. It's definitely worth getting a referral to a gynae to find out your options. You shouldn't have to put up with heavy bleeding.

not tried it but what about accupuncture, have heard positive things.

Whatever you decide, do get your iron levels checked! I'm anaemic because of very heavy periods and I actually found that once I became less anaemic (from taking iron tablets regularly) my periods became noticably less heavy. Still bad, but not as bad... I had a tendancy when I was first diagnosed to stop taking my iron once I felt fine, not realising that I wasn't fine - just improved - and that I need to take iron daily just to maintain my levels. There was definitely a corrolation between how long I'd stopped taking it for and how heavy my periods were...

I really should not drip feed, sorry.

I have a referral for an ultrasound and an appointment for my thyroid function and iron levels next week. The gp did say to make no decisions until I've had the scan.