Heavy periods-maybe TMI!!

[rubynoodles37]

I am 41, have a 9 and 6 yr old.

I have always had quite heavy periods but over the last few years and in particular the last year they have become very heavy especially on day 3 and 4 (when I pass large liver like clots-urgh!) and they last about 7 days.

Last year I went to my GP she referred me for a scan which showed I had a thickening of the uterus lining. I then saw a gynae specialist and had a biopsy which came back ok but I still have the thickened lining.

He said my options went from tranexamic and mefenamic acid, mirena coil, the pill (don't want anything hormonal) to a hysterectomy!

I asked about thermal ablation which I have read about and seen that many women have had good results fro this but he just sneered up his nose and continued his conversation saying to try the tranexamic acid first.

So basically I've tried the pills (which make my IBS worse) and this month have had a horrible period with very bad clots!!

I don't know what to do next has anyone else had this problem?

It sounds as if it might be worth asking them to look at adenomyosis as a possible cause (it's like endometriosis but growing into the uterine wall rather than spreading at random in the abdomen). It's a diagnosis of exclusion IYSWIM, in that they need to rule out other causes (fibroids might be a possibility too) and then see if appearance (scan) is consistent.

Unfortunately, it's not curable but symptoms can be treated. The treatment options the GP gave are the usual ones for adenomyosis (it's not a great set, is it?) I don't know whether ablation is likely to be helpful (I'll see if I can find anything reputable-looking on google with info).

I would go back to a different GP within the practice and insist on a referral to a gynaecologist. You need up to date results; the results of any test done over 6 months ago should be discounted.

You have not been investigated thoroughly enough and the GP seems further clueless (not all GPs by any means are up to speed at all when it comes to such issues and they are generalists). Tranexamic acid does not address the cause, the GP is only trying to treat the symptoms and not all that successfully either.

I would also keep a pain and symptom diary daily if you are not already doing that as this will also give the gynae clues.

You need a diagnosis of the underlying problem and that has not yet been determined. Fibroids and endometriosis to name but two can cause such heavy bleeding and clots to arise.

I think Attila is spot on when she says you need a proper gynae referral for this.

I've just looked at a few sites and they all another possible treatment for adenomyosis is uterine artery embolization (blocking the blood supply that 'feeds' the adenomyosis). Ablation might work but only if it's not too deep in the uterine wall, and again you need a gynaecologist to assess that.

Thanks for your replies-I've just booked an appointment to see another GP at the practise and hopefully will get somewhere with her. Like you say the medications are just treating the symptoms and that's a bit like plastering over the cracks!

I have the exact same problem had a scan but all clear offered same treatment as you which I declined. Only other thing is I'm very anaemic and I have an underactive thyroid this can cause heavy periods have you had yours checked? When my thyroid is not so underactive my periods are a lot lighter. I really feel for you it's awful isn't it? I have to plan when I can leave the house, it's a nightmare!!

Oh gosh you describe my period problems exactly
I've been fighting mine for over a year now since I had mirena removed and despite becoming anaemic because they are so heavy, I was also only prescribed tranexamic acid. This hasn't really worked and am relieved you say it's made your IBS worse (sorry OP!) as have experienced this for the first time in years over the last few months.

Good luck and hope you get better support and advice from the new GP. Would be really interested to hear what else they can offer you..

Me too! I've put up with it for ages but am going to see my GP because I've had enough. Have been before and all they have ever suggested is the contraceptive pill.