Long periods and short cycle. New for me. Any ideas?

[EustaciaVye]

Hi there.

I have always had a long cycle 35-42 days. My period itself lasts 7-10 days. They are heavy and often painful.

In the last 4-5 months my periods have changed. They have become 'less' painful but my cycle is shorter - 3 weeks , and the period is longer - 2 weeks.

This means I've had about 6 weeks NOT bleeding since October.

I dont see the pill as an option as I have tried 2 different types and become depressed/anxious/irritable to the point where I thought I had PND. I dont really fancy the Mirena either.

I have booked an appointment with the GP to discuss this with him but I'd appreciate any info or advice.

Hope things get sorted for you EV. I spotted this thread because I am concerned about my seemingly shortening cycle. (Periods didn't return for AGES and AGES after having DD - even after finishing BF - then had one in nov 08, then 4 weeks, then 4 weeks, then 3 weeks, and am bleeding again today just 2 weeks later.) So I will be interested to see how you get on.

My DSis had increased frequency and long periods some years ago and became really ill with anaemia. She ended up having a hysterectomy, which I was a bit and about as she was only 34 at the time. So I really don't want to follow the same pattern, as although I am 38, I've only got DD and would like another LO yet!

Is that all he had to say? Honestly, hope the bloods come back soon.

Thanks. I was a bit disappointed he seemed to infer it was unlikely I would find the cause.

EV,

If your GP isn't much help, you can go to a Sexual Health Clinic and ask for a referral to a gynaecologist. I get so on other people's behalf, as many GPs seem to be dismissive of 'womens' problems'. Sorry to rant, but (me me me alert) my GP dismissed my period problems for 3 yrs and I ended up having major surgery, because the problem hadn't been spotted sooner..grrrrrr.

I really hope it can be sorted, as you shouldn't have to put up with this. It's not just the heavy bleeding, but the shortening cycle means something's not quite right. According to the wonderful gynaecologist I see, it's almost always caused by a hormone imbalance.

Thanks SubRosa. Blood test today. Results next week so need to book follow up appt. Will see how I get on.

Still bleeding, albeit lightly. Day 22 of period I think

EV like Subrosa says the result will be hormonal. When we were ttc DS I had no periods for a year and I had to have blood tests once a week for three months to determine my hormone levels. I agree a gynae is the way to go really, I would just insist with your GP on being referred! Just ask him if he (it was a he?) would put up with 22 days of bleeding if he was a woman, or would he let his wife put up with it!!

EV, I agree that you should see a gynae. I'm still amazed by how little interest male gps show in abnormal behaviour from women's reproductive bits. It's like the classic 'well if you have painful sex you'll just have to put up with it' response. Having month-long periods is not normal and so you should not let him sweep you aside.

I happened to speak to a friend recently who had an overactive ovary which gave her 3-week periods in a 4 week cycle. Hihg dose pills or the low-dose coil seemed to sort it.

EV,

Has the GP given you any idea what they're checking for? If they check the LH (luteinizing hormone) levels, they can see if you're ovulating normally. I hope you're not still suffering with prolonged bleeding

Thanks everyone. I think beleeding has stopped today

No idea what GP is checking for tbh.

Spoke to a Dr friend the other day and she suggested I find a private gynae. Her initial view was hormone imbalance and some tablets could fix it. If not she said they could scan me quickly and work out the problem. We dont have medical insurance so I'd need to pay for it myself but if the GP is no good next week then this is what I'll do.

I have an appt on Thursday to discuss my bloods and my normal GP is on holiday so I have a new doctor who is covering for him. Not sure if this is good or bad but will see what happens.

Some of your symptoms sound like thyroid problems, did your gp say if they were going to test for this?

Btw, my Mum had prelonged heavy periods and was told to have a hysterectomy (sp?) when she was in her early 40's. She really didn't/couldn't want to and looked into alternative's, she went for a course of acupuncture and her periods went back to normal.

Thanks catmandu. The blood test showed no thyroid problem.

The new gp today was very nice and asked me more questions. Lots about hot flushes, sweats etc of which I have none. Said they would be more concerned if i was bleeding mid cycle or after sex but that they would still look into it.

He has made me book a smear test (am due one but havent booked so far as have been bleeding so much . He has given me transexamic (sp) acid to reduce the blood loss, and asked me to come back when the smear results come back.

He is also writing a plan of action in my notes for when i next go to gp (i wondered if that was to make sure my normal gp did the right things?)

Anyway, I feel like at least I have been listened to and I have some medication to try and help. Will wait and see what smear in 2 weeks shows.

Thanks for all your help in this

Bleeding started again yesterday so although cycle only 4.5 weeks long, I have had only 8 days not bleeiding.

And I had a hot flush this morning so am starting to feel quite depressed about this whole thing

Sorry to hear you're still suffering I'd definitely go to see a private gynae. The blood tests aren't cheap (around £150, on top of the consultation fee) but they do check eveything. You'd normally get an appointment within a week, two at the most and they can do bloods and scan while you're there, other bookings permitting. Good luck in getting it sorted.

Thanks subrosa.

I'm still around, and still bleeding. Went back to GP today and saw another one, a lady who was very nice. I'm having difficulty getting a smear as I only have a week not bleeding to get it done and I dont seem able to get an appointment.

She has suggested a phone and demand an appt with any nurse on my first blood-free day (on her authority) and she is referring me for an ultrasound. She seemed to think it may be fibroids.

Sigh.