Alternative to the pill for heavy periods?

[Chipstick]

Recently went to the doctors as my periods have become longer (7-10 days) and much heavier. The doctor told me that this was common in your mid thirties and the same would happen again mid forties (Great - I'll look forward to that!!). She suggested I went on the pill - I haven't used the pill for over 5yrs as hubby had the snip.

Well its only been a week but my boobs feel like watermelons, and I am eating likes it going out of fashion. Read the leaflet and it said these symptoms are common when starting the pill and should ease off (God I hope so or I'll be the size of a house!!).

I don't really like taking the pill (Slightly obsessed with breast cancer following death of family member - neurotic I know) so I was wondering whether anyone had treated heavy periods with anything other than the pill??

Thanks

Which pill has she put you on? I went onto one which affected my weight and moods, I then went back onto my original pill.

The mirena coil?
It wasn't for me, but it did stop my periods while I had it fitted.

I'm having thermo-ablation done next month.

Not looking forward to it, but it's supposed to be a good solution providing you don't want more babies. (I assume you don't from you op).

Could ask about it maybe as an option. It does seem annoying to go on the pill at this stage - I'd be a bit unsure about that too.

Heavy periods are miserable though They always seem to turn up and spoil everything at the wrong moment.

Had friends with really bad reaction to Mirena so its put me off a little.

The pill shes put me on is Microgynon.

My mum is currently looking into thermo ablation and it does look interesting - pls let us know how you get on. Does it stop your periods? Whats recovery like after treatment?

It's supposed to either drastically reduce them or stop them completely because the lining of the uterus is destroyed.

This is basically all I know. I'll let you know how it goes. Not having it done until May

BUMP

Could try a 3month injection of Depo Provera? I had a light bleeding for the first month (only a pantyliner a day) then periods stopped alltogether.

There are some non hormonal treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding, tranexamic acid is the most common which is only taken for a few days each cycle, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs can sometimes help, otherwise the hormonal methods already mentioned - the mirena the pill or the depo provera, or cyclical progesterone. If you go on the NICE website the recommended treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding are all listed - they include the surgical ones too. (sorry can't do links but google NICE)

Mirena is effective for reducing bleeding by 97% after 12 months, I think

You can always have it taken out if you have side effects

It worked really well for me and periods stayed light for 1 year after removal as well

I've been lucky with the Mirena too, no side effetcs and no periods at all since I had it put in nearly 2 years ago.

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