Seeing GP about heavy periods

[Perplexing]

Just wondering what the options are really, I am getting fed up of losing so much blood and having to use tampons as well as pads.

Am I likely to get an internal? Is there anything that can be done about lessening the bleeding? I am surgery phobic, so will put up with it if the solution is any kind of operation. I don't want to take the pill as I am ttc.

When I had heavy Peri bledding, my GP gave me a tummy examination, and yes, she did give me an internal. She prescribed Tranexamic (sp) Acid, and they worked a treat. Really made things manageable

bleeding, obviously

Mine have gone a lot lighter since taking vitamin d, magnesium and calcium supplements Tranexamic can sometimes just make the blood thicker, so it seems like you're bleeding less. They really should look into why you're bleeding so much. You could do with an ultrasound and a referral to a menstral disorders clinic. Your GP should check to see if you're anaemic too.

The GP might want to do an internal to check for a possible cause, eg fibroids. Ideally you should also have a scan to thorough check & possibly see a gynae depending on the possible cause, especially if you have been TTC for a while as if there is an identifiable cause it could be interfering with TTC.

Also worth checking your iron levels which can deplete due to heavy bleeding & you don't want to have low iron for when you do become pregnant.

You can take ibuprofen during your period to reduce the bleeding. Make sure to take with food to protect your stomach.

Can they diagnose fibroids by an internal or would they also refer for scan do you think?

Don't take ibuprofen with tranexamic acid though.

They do an ultrasound scan to diagnose fibroids. The large ones can be felt, the small ones can't.

Google "NICE guidelines heavy menstrual bleeding" and it's all there...

You'll get offered a Mirena coil. I tried all the tablets they could offer but they all gave me a dodgy stomach. The Mirena has gotten rid of my really heavy periods which is ace but its not without its side effects, very few of which doctors will acknowledge.

OatcakeCravings - Can i ask, what side effects are you experiencing from having the coil?
My GP has advised me to have it fitted due to very heavy and long periods & because i'm anemic.
I'm not overly keen on it but she insists its the answer to my problems, i'm due to see her this week & she wants to talk to me about it.
Thank you.

You should be exam

Opps..

The dr should examine you. Some will do an internal some won't.. They should refer you for an ultrasound and should have an internal ultrasound to look at womb lining (gold standard).
Depending on results of scan you may be offered referral to gynae clinic drs, a mirena coil (side effects can be similar to taking the combined pill).. You are more prone to ovarian cysts with the mirena coil, some women still have heavy bleeding whilst the coil is in place and some have no bleeding what's so ever.

Serendipity - it's amazing in that I've only had it in for about 12 weeks and I can manage my periods with a mini tampon or just a towel they are so light. However I got acne, though this is improving, I have zero sex drive - not improving and I have terrible water retention and even though oedema is listed as a rare side effect my GP said it wasn't due to the Mirena. The water retention started about 5 days after I got the coil fitted. I'm going to give it another 3 months and if it doesn't improve I will seriously consider getting it out as my ankles are huge and I can only wear trousers they look that bad!

Mirena gave me acne too, though GP refuses to acknowledge the coil is to blame. Hasn't helped bleeding much either. I'll give it another month then it'll be coming out!!!

Serendipia, look up the 'bastard mirena' thread before getting one fitted, very funny also!

I would link but am on stupid phone.