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Original poster

The Mooncup & Very Heavy Periods. ..

26 replies

HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:00

Due to the measuring marks on the mooncup, I am aware losing more than 250ml each period.

I have found that I cannot empty my mooncup without blood spilling everywhere because it is always full to the brim. I am emptying it every 1.5 hours in the first couple of days (when using tampons it was every 40 mins), but still leak regularly. I have to get up at least 4 times at night.

This makes work on the first few days of my period very difficult.

Having been feeling really lousy for a long time. I confess that I have been feeling really tired, dizzy, poor concetration and just plain miserable for some time now.

The plus side is that now I have clear evidence that this is abnormal, and affecting my life negatively, I am going see my GP. (Although I guess it might be one of the reasons I don't have high blood pressure)

Has anyone had similar problems? What kind of options/treatment might I be offered?

OP posts:
MaloryTowers · 13/05/2007 21:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

expatinscotland · 13/05/2007 21:03

You really, really need a referral to a gynae.

You may have fibroids, which can cause anaemia from heavy bleeding.

I've noticed here in the UK they try to put you on Depo or the Mirena coil for this first off - probably cheaper.

But if you've tried progesten-based contraceptives and they're a nightmare for you they may not be suitable.

My sister had an endometrial ablation - her family is long complete, she was finished in her 20s - for fibroids and has done very well since.

So has one of my good friends.

Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:03

Sorry

OP posts:
Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:05

Can't take hormone contraceptives at all.

Expat, what is an endometrial ablation?

OP posts:
Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:13

bump

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 13/05/2007 21:14

It's a procedure in which a laser is used to effectively cauterise the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.

You need to be completed your family before being suitable for this procedure, as it can leave you infertile.

The fibroids can, in some instances, grow back.

But most of the time they don't.

FrannyandZooey · 13/05/2007 21:17

That sounds miserable for you Hunie. Sorry I don't have any advice other than seeing your GP, but I clicked to see if I could help as it was a Mooncup topic, and didn't want to just leave again without posting my support.

Malory it is lovely to have you back, but posting on a medical thread where the problem was clearly flagged in the title is a bit harsh I think

expatinscotland · 13/05/2007 21:19

What needs to happen first, Hunie, is to get a referral to a gynae to determine the reason for the bleeding.

If you find no success with your GP, your local Family Planning Clinic might be able to help you.

Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:19

I have finished my family, my husband has had the snip.

Thanks Expat. Did you know there is an Expatinengland too? In fact I thought you had a name change!

OP posts:
chenin · 13/05/2007 21:19

Hunie... I sympathise.. I suffer terribly with the amount of blood flow... I get up 3-4 times in the night also, and am virtually housebound.
I have been through all sorts of things with the GP... I was put on the pill but my blood pressure rocketed. I do not want surgery and, as yet, have not been offered it.
I have been a year on Tranexamic Acid which reduces the blood flow by about 50% - sometimes it works for me, other times not so good.
I am probably a lot older than you and closer to the menopause so I am just hanging on....

expatinscotland · 13/05/2007 21:19

Yes, expatinengland came along pretty recently.

I am thinking of changing my name to avoid confusion.

Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:22

Thanks for such swift replies...you ladies are great.

OP posts:
AitchTwoOh · 13/05/2007 21:23

just change it to expat, expat.

Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:24

Helliebean, do you find that you get a bit depressed with the heavy loss?

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 13/05/2007 21:25

I think I'm going to change it to SuleSkerrie, Aitch.

Hunie, you sound like you might be anaemic due to this blood loss.

My pal certainly was!

Don't let them fob you off.

Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:28

My doctor does a good line in fobbing off, but I need to get this sorted as I work in a school and am in class so can't just go to the toilet every 40 minutes.

OP posts:
Tangfastic · 13/05/2007 21:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

cece · 13/05/2007 21:32

I too went to my GP after use of mooncup revealed a similar loss to yours. I now have tranexamic acid that I take each month. It has transformed my life Wonderful stuff. My GP also sent me for a scan of the womb but luckily that has come back fine.

Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:33

Would you take these medicines just at the time of having a period? Or would you need to take them everyday like the pill, Tangfastic?

OP posts:
Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:34

Cece, I hope my situation works out in a similarily swift way

OP posts:
cece · 13/05/2007 21:36

With the tranexamic acid you only take it on your heavy days. So I take mine for day 2, 3 and 4. I wish I had gone and got it years ago. Thought that was how everyone was and only discovered recently that this is not the case!

Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:36

Cece, are you able to use the mooncup since sorting out the problem?

OP posts:
Tangfastic · 13/05/2007 21:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
HunieBuniesBack · 13/05/2007 21:51

Thanks Tang. I hope it is as simple as that.

OP posts:
UCM · 13/05/2007 21:55

I have just recieved my Mooncup (thanks F&Z) and I can't wait to try it out, not so sure about doing it with false nails though???? I to, have been bleeding very heavily since DD birth so it will be interesting (OK, for me anyway) to find out how it all goes.