heavy bleeding (sorry tmi)

[scarborough1980]

Periods have been all over the place for a year or so. Nothing for months and than 2 in 1 month. That kind of thing. Some months are light whilst others are heavy. But how heavy is normal?
Today I have had to change super tampons hourly and have found huge clots upon removal.
Will obv visit gp after Christmas but should I be concerned.
From memory mother had a hysteroctomy due to heavy bleeding so could I be the same?

My gynae said when you get to early 40's its normal for periods to start being closer together , and heavier

My Mum had hysterectomy too as she had fibroids in her uterus causing lits of clotting and heavy bleeding

I'm going to have a scan to see if i have same and if not, might have a Mirena fitted to reduce bleeding

Alternative is Ablation of womb lining which my SIL had done and swears by

Thanks for your reply. I wonder if my fibroid is back than. One was found when I was 1st pregnant but had shrunk when i was last scanned. This month has been really odd as I haven't had any period pain either. I normally get some.

Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding and clots and depending on position can effect mirena coil as happened with friend her fibroids stopped coil being positioned correctly. Fibroids usually shrink during menopause, but polyps can cause heavy bleeding which happened to me these should be checked and removed as they can sometimes become nasty. A blood test can tell if you are going through change, do get checked as soon as pos. probably nothing but better to be sure.

I think a visit to your GP, if only for reassurance, would be good. I remember my late sister (16 years older than me) talking about her periods and telling me how much heavier they became. Also another friend said the same. This is not conclusive but I do think it happens.

This menopause business is not so much fun, is it? Hope you find some resolution soon.

Cybbo what is an ablation?

What age did your mum go through menopause this is often a good indicator for when you will, my mum finished by 50 so was I on the positive side it's wonderful when periods are finished so don't face menopause with dread as I told consultant I had waited years to be told I was going through it and he said with that attitude I wouldn't have any problems and I didn't.

Hysterect. is the last resort these days- you can try drugs, endometrial ablation, a Mirena coil, the Pill,- all before a major op.

If your GP is not clued up, ask for a referral to a gynae.

I don't think they are as hysterectomy happy as they used to be. Time was that the uterus was whipped out at the first hint of trouble, and trouble was very broadly defined. Ask for a second opinion if this is your GP's suggestion. As Amelia says, there are easier alternatives to major abdominal surgery, and just as effective.