Really heavy, painful periods with massive clots (about double the size of an egg)

[YouAreMySweetestDownfall]

I'm after advice on a few things really. I've had a lap and dye test a few years back (all normal) but these awful periods keep coming. I used to get through them in a haze of tramadol, codeine and weed but i'm off all that now.

My G.p suggested the pill but it's turns me fucking crazy and I'm already in a fragile state at the moment.

I'm about to come on and I've armed myself with ibuprofen and paracetamol and hot things you stick on your tummy. Are there any secret (non drugs) painrelief I should know about?

Also, anyone had periods like this? What could it be?

Endometriosis is the usual cause of very painful periods.

Why did they do the lap a few years back; did you have these problems then as well? My guess is that the person who did the initial lap missed any endometriosis (it can appear in various places in the uterine area and it can present in different ways).

Will GP refer you back to a gynaecologist; you really need to see someone other than your GP as these types of issue are outside their remit.

I had a cyst on my Overy that was removed. They said they saw lesions at the back of my uterus but didn't think there was any endometriosis.

I'll go back and push for a referral. Would it explain the weird clots as well?

I used to have periods like these and the pill drove me fucking crazy too.

I have a bit of endo, have had polyps and a benign growth all removed under GA using hysteroscopy. They put my mirena in at the same time and now I barely bleed - it took a year to settle down but I would advise anyone with the same issues to at least try it.

The clots are the consequence of the heavy bleeding. You need a treatment that reduces the flow by reducing the thickness of the lining of the uterus. Varieties of the pill are one solution but there are others.

I have a Mirena which has been miraculous for me.

If your GP can't help, ask them to refer you to a gynaecologist who can.

Also if you are bleeding like this, you are probably anaemic. Make sure you are taking extra iron.

Another possibility is adenomyosis (which is like endometriosis, but it grows into the wall of the uterus).

I think you need a proper gynae once-over, to establish which of several possibilities is the cause of your symptoms. Then you'll be able to make an informed choice about treatment options.

'They said they saw lesions at the back of my uterus but didn't think there was any endometriosis.'

These lesions possibly are endometriosis. Endo also grows on scar tissue so your previous lap may have caused your symptoms to worsen. Ask your GP for a referral to a endometriosis specialist.

Can I just stick in my two pennorth and say that if you go angry on the pill the Mirena coil may not be good for you either (possible intolerance to progestogen) and it's much harder to get rid of than stopping taking pills. You definitely need to go back to your GP to get referred to a gynaecologist, that kind of heavy bleeding is awful to live with. There's something called tranexamic acid which can reduce the flow, that might be worth you trying as well.

The mirena is a coil right? Sounds like an option.

Yes I'm anaemic and a bit shit at taking iron tabs. You've reminded me!

I used to think it must be something as I was young (early twenties) when I started ttc but it took a while.

Cross post about the coil!!

There are two non-hormonal medicines that you can be prescribed that can help with the excess bleeding.

Mefanamic acid is a NSAID painkiller, l similar to ibuprofen, that has the side effect of slowing bleeding. I believe it cuts bleeding by about 30%.

Tranexamic acid won't help with the pain, but can cut bleeding by 50%.

You doctor can prescribe one, or as your bleeding is very heavy, some people are prescribed both at the same time. Ive been prescribed both in the past.

My periods used to be unmanageable with flooding and huge clots, I couldn't leave the house. I found tranexamic acid worked well but getting a mirena has changed my life.

I've made an appointment for next week to discuss the mirena with my Gp. Thanks everyone.

It's so embarrassing getting caught out with periods this heavy. I get one particular bad day where it just doesn't stop gushing and (sorry tmi) the clots fall out if I'm not wearing a tampon and make a mess. urgh!!!

The Mirena is a coil. It is also a form of hormonal contraception.

Sweetest I remember those days. My period started early one time when we were out for the night. I was unprepared and it wasn't pretty.

I used to go fruition on the pill and mini pill but the mirena has actually fixed my pmt. It took about 4 months to settle down but the bleeding in that time was easily manageable. It's definitely an option to ask about, it's no way to live with periods like that.

Fruitloop not fruition

To manage it you can get the tena lady pants which are great - much better coverage and can mean you get to sleep all night!

Tranexamic acid is helpful and can be bought over the counter in boots cyclo-f - and taking spatone iron water with a fizzy vitamin c supplement first thing every day is an easy way to raise iron levels, if you find iron tablets don't agree with you.

I didn't realise how anemic I was until I got better- the tiredness, breathlessness, hair falling out, insomnia. Awful. Do see your doctor again and good luck. I suffered for far too long before I got sorted out.

I hadn't thought of venturing into tena territory before. Good idea. I usually put towels down at night and hope for the best! I'll give the iron water a go too.

It's really reassuring to know other people have totally shitty periods too. They've always been bad and everyone said they'd get better after having a baby but they didn't. They even came back 3-4 months after giving birth despite me breastfeeding day and night. I thought that wasn't meant to happen

They are supposed to get better after having a baby? Mine got worse.

Tranexamic acid worked for me.

I once told my doctor my periods were awful, so much blood (clots and gushing) and I felt weak and faint. His answer? "Yogaaaaa..."

Then one day, I had an appointment with a neurologist about a side issue brain meningioma, and she commented on my very pale face and lack of energy, asked if I was on my period and if they were usually that bad. I explained the way they were and she instantly put a request through for me to be prescribed Tranexamic Acid and Mefenamic Acid. It was life changing! They should really not be this bad. My friend had something similar and her doctor told her she should have children (she has never wanted this), and then it would go away. What the actual...!

I know how you feel. I have never looked back after having the Mirena coil fitted and I intend to keep it until I hit menopause (should be nearly there but apparently not just yet!). Practically no bleeding - light monthly spotting only. Zero pain. Zero clots. I wish they had invented it 30 years ago.

Thanks again for all the good advice. Any tips on natural pain relief?

A colleague told me once that in her country of origin, a traditional remedy for pain and large clots was to sit naked over a pan of steaming hot water to 'steam' the clots out as they were causing the pain. Haven't been brave enough to try this yet!!

I wouldnt try that. high risk of adding scalding to your woes!

Ask for a referral gain.

Clots in themselves are not dangerous- they are in fact blood that has 'pooled' and clotted.

Endo and adenomyosis don't usually cause heavy bleeding. In fact the pain is caused by the uterine lining growing in places where it can't escape ( ie bowels , or muscles for adeno.)

If you don't want more children they might offer you an ablation.
But go and ask for more investigations.

in terms of handling the short term discomforts I have found nurofen the best (but 600mg for dose one followed by normal levels) the reason for this was I was prescribed brufen 600 (pink horse pills). I have since discovered something called naproxen which is as good and I stick within prescription levels for that. Hot baths and hot water bottles and when really bad sat on floor back against radiator.

People I know have used pain reduction machines - TENS machines

But actually when you fell it hovering (if you do I don't always) go and do something active even if its just a walk as the natural endorphins REALLY help

Mine have got heavier as older and pain can vary from one period to another as does sensitivity of skin and breasts - sometimes it can be so sensitive I will come up in welts on my skin from a finger nail scratch of an itch. Having a child didn't help (was told same) but i do have polycystic ovaries although apparently not the whole syndrom whatever that means.

Breathing control (ie yoga) can also help same as it does for childbirth