Talk to me about heavy periods please

[jalopy]

Posted this on Menopause too.

I'm 45 and have always had regular 28 day cyles. Moderate bleeding lasting 5 days or so.

This cycle only lasted 24 days. Heavy from the start by my standards. Not flooding but needing to change tampons every 2-4 hours. Nightime has not been a problem so far. This is now day 4 and it is still heavy. No pain, bloating or discomfort. Not likely to be pregnant either.

Had a recent pelvic scan for an ovarian cyst. Sonographer confirmed small cyst of right ovary but said my uterus and ovaries are fine otherwise. Not due a smear until next spring.

No other symptoms apart from pmt and anxiety.

For those who are a similar age to me, is this the way things are likely to be?

Hi Jalopy, my sympathies.... Mine have been heavy for a couple of years now so I know it's a pain. I can't even get through the night... The GPs I have seen previously have just said "it's your age" and have given me tranexamic acid to reduce the bleeding. It works for some people, not for others (there's a thread on this somewhere, if you're not taking anything for it, it might be worth while asking your GP?).
The last GP I saw, for a repeat prescription, was concerned I might have fibroids/cysts and have an appointment coming up for an internal. But sounds like you've been through that. Also was advised to take iron tablets.
Not sure if that helps...

i am a bit younger than you so no idea re menopause stuff, but do have fairly heavy periods. get a mooncup, makes it all less painful and you can get a better idea of what is coming out.

I am 38, had my only ds at 35. Ever since have had hideously heavy periods, 7 full on days, clotty and awful. Did the tranexamic acid thing, didn't really work for me. Also had a scan but was all clear. So have had to resign myself to it. Horrible, but they don't seem to be able to say more than 'it's your age'. fume fume . They have settled a tiny bit, but not much. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Thank you all for your advice.

Although I'm preparing myself for the long walk down the menopausal path, the heavy loss was quite unexpected. It's good to compare notes with you.

Hopefully things will subside soon.

Many thanks.

Hi,

I'm 43 and my cycle changed a couple of years ago. Now settled into 25 days, with bleeding for 5-7 days. Usually clotty and horrid for 2-3 of these but no flooding as such, just heavy.

I bought the Dr Rosemary Leonard book 'The Seven Ages of Woman' which is excellent. It says shortening of the cycle is normal in peri-menopausal (God I hate that term!) women and so is heavier bleeding. Great! It seems that GPs will only intervene if the bleeding is so heavy it causes loss of quality of life. The rest of us just have to get on with it as usual!

I also have nagging aches on left side near ovaries. I've had a scan, GP has ruled out cysts but says it may be endometriosis.

Only help offered has been for a Mirena to reduce bleeding which I've rejected due to all the adverse side-effects discussed on here.

I now just put up with it, like you. Doesn't bode well for the future does it

Just wanted you to know you're not alone

My cycle is 21 days! But am getting on fine with traexamic acid (when I remember to take it)

Having child no.3 seems to have tipped me into weirdo period territory.

If I could get the whole lot whipped out in a hysterectomy I would.

Thanks

I have had very heavy periods due to to fibroids. At one stage (as I was boarding a train to Paris) I passed a clot the size of a large saucer. TMI

Tht was the lowest point. Since then I have built up my iron stores (as being anaemic low on iron makes the flo heavier, started to use a mooncup and also never drink alcohol during period, and limit tea and coffee during period.

They now seem to be under control. Still heavy and last for three days but am able to go to work etc and I don't have that surging feeling as the blood used to rush out!

Have resisted a hysterectomy because I personally feel that this would replace old problems with new problems although I understand why some people opt for them.

Tried tranexamic but that didn't seem to agree with me and also didn't want the mirena.

I have the Mirena, and love the light periods, especially as I suffered very heavy ones before DC were born. I'm 43, I've just had it replaced, and am optomistic it will get me through the peri-menopausal phase without having to experience any increase in frequency or heaviness of period. I havent had any side effects.

I'm just back from a gynae appointment. I'm getting a balloon put in which is then heated up to burn the lining of your womb away. Dr says will stop periods or make them much lighter. It's called Thermachoice uterine balloon therapy system.

Tranexmic didn't do much for me either. I'd be interested to know how cocolepew gets on with her balloon!

I take iron too. The doctor wanted me to stop so she could gauge just how low my iron levels actually fall. But I won't. I simply can't function feeling so tired. It's hard to work and look after the children. I take Spartone, which doesn't seem to affect my digestion.

V heavy periods can be caused by a lack of progesterone. Some people make enough (or too much) oestrogen and not enough progesterone and the result can be heavy periods and potential overgrowth of the womb lining. I know this won't be the case for everyone, but it may be worth getting hormone levels checked. End of lecture

Thanks, SubRosa! Any clues as to how you can increase progesterone? Diet? Supplements?

Hi Bridie,

You can increase it by taking Agnus Castus (also known as Chaste Berry!) I have to take Duphaston (dydrogesterone) as I've had hormone problems for ages. I'd definitely check with your doctor first though, as my hormone problems were related to an ovarian cyst. (I've posted about this on another thread).

Hope this helps

I have heavy periods too, ever since i had DS 7 yrs ago. Had fibroids removed, had mirena, didnt work, tried pill, didnt work and still take tranexamic acid and mefenamic acid.

Also have adenomyosis, pass a lot of clots, amd terribly anaemic, have severe adhesions from 2 c sections and 3 surgeries. Have also been diagnosed with adenomyosis

I have severe pain (sometimes I have to get a shot of pain releif) and I always flood at least once (even after 15 mins with pad and tampon - sorry tmi) every month.

My heart goes out to anyone else going thru this