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Original poster

Mini pill to help with heavy periods at age of 49?

53 replies

SolidGold · 03/01/2014 22:17

I'm 49, not menopausal yet, but probably peri menopausal, I have a few symptoms like worsening pmt, heavier periods, libido fading ...

My gp has recommended a mirena to help with painful periods (they are only heavy for 1-2 days), but I'd prefer not to, can't face the fitting tbh.

Has anyone experience of taking the mini pill at this age and has it helped with painful heavy periods? What are the down sides of taking it?

I read online they can prescribe it up to the age of 55.

I will of course discuss it with my gp and at my gynae appt later this month, but just wondered how others have got on with it. I didn't think of mentioning it when I last saw my gp.

I don't need it for contraception, as dh had the snip 9 years ago, it would just be for painful periods.

Thanks.

OP posts:
ilovepowerhoop · 05/01/2014 17:27

have googled the Primolut for you:

www.netdoctor.co.uk/womens-health/medicines/primolut-n.html - says it is used for:

Endometriosis.
Menstrual disorders such as painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), irregular periods, continuous, heavy menstrual bleeding or premenstrual syndrome.
Delaying menstrual bleeding.

ilovepowerhoop · 05/01/2014 17:33

info on provera too:

www.netdoctor.co.uk/womens-health/medicines/provera-tablets.html

Original poster
SolidGold · 05/01/2014 18:25

Thank you SmileSmile

OP posts:
Reincarnatedpig · 05/01/2014 18:59

Solidgold I had really heavy periods and then a massive flood. I was referred by GP and had an ultrasound and a biopsy - ( took seconds in clinic - little cramping no pain as such ). I had period pain but not badly. So grateful it is sorted for now as the periods and flooding had taken over my life.

lotsofcheese · 05/01/2014 19:11

OP, I'm not sure how helpful this is, but I went on the mini-pill called Cerazette, after having very heavy periods following DD's birth. You have 12 hours to take it & don't have periods at all. I'm 42.

Original poster
SolidGold · 05/01/2014 19:18

Reincarnate, glad the pills help

I have a gynae appointment on the 27th because of mid cycle bleeding. The gynae wants to have a look with a camera and then insert a mirena to help with my periods. They aren't that heavy, except on day 1-2, but day one is incredibly painful and this is interfering with my life.

I am terrified of the camera examination and the mirena insertion. I just don't want them to do either HmmHmmHmm

OP posts:
Reincarnatedpig · 05/01/2014 20:12

I didn't have the camera. But in my case, the biopsy, the gynae just said to count backwards from 15 and it was over in 5 seconds. Actually inserting the tube through the cervix didn't hurt at all (which I was dreading). Slight cramping when actual sample was taken. Just ask if there are alternatives to Mirena. A colleague with similar probs to me has Mirena and she is happy with it.

MrsBucketxx · 05/01/2014 20:16

Hi hated the coil it left me miserable and with a pelvic infection.

Im on cerazette now and only had one period in four months, its wonderful now I feel like myself again.

Jaffacakesallround · 05/01/2014 21:31

Have you been offered any oral meds for the pain? The Mirena sounds a sledge to crack a nut approach if 'all' you are suffering is 2 days of pain.

Jaffacakesallround · 05/01/2014 21:33

p.s you don't have to consent to a hysteroscopy- your body, your choice.

Mid cycle bleeding pre meno is not usually dangerous so it's not essential that he has a look.

If you do have it done it will probably be fine- some drs do it under a GA, some don't. I had it done with nothing.

Original poster
SolidGold · 05/01/2014 22:09

Thanks Jaffa Smile

I agree, I don't need the mirena for anything else. They don't really listen when I tell them that I don't mind the one day of heavy bleeding - we're not talking changing tampons every 30 mins, a tampon lasts 3 hours which is manageable.

It's just one day when I am doubled up with pain HmmHmm

I don't have pain around my cervix mid cycle, my last smear (this year) was fine. I don't understand the fuss about the mid cycle bleeding. All I have read suggests it could be hormonal. They have done a scan and a blood test. All negative. I think if the bloods had shown hormonal changes, the gp would have put it down to menopause, but the blood test showed nothing apparently. I do nothing but worry about the next period and whether I'll be able to work with the pain (I work part time, so never know if it'll happen when I'm at work. )

I wouldn't have a GA as I hate the thought of not bring conscious whilst they are messing about with my body. However, I found a previous coil fitting 15 years ago excruciatingly painful and can't bear the thought of that again, either for a camera or coil.

My period is due Thursday and I have a gp appt Thursday morning, but don't know if she will refuse to prescribe the pill as she was the one that referred me for the gynae appt.

The gynae prescribed mefenamic acid last year which I haven't tried yet due to the side effects listed HmmHmm I know, I'm a real worrier!! Confused

I don't know what to do for the best now!!!

OP posts:
Reincarnatedpig · 05/01/2014 23:18

I would explain to the doctor that you don't want invasive tests. If they want to rule out fibroids etc surely an ultrasound would do. I would ask for tablets and see what they say. It was a GP in my surgery who prescribed the Provera for me - I had been bleeding for 7 weeks and she just said to start it and up the dose until it stopped - at my original hospital visit they just advised to carry on with the noresethesirone (sp) and let me bleed on.

Original poster
SolidGold · 05/01/2014 23:21

Thanks SmileSmile really appreciate your advice Smile

Would you recommend going back to my gp or waiting for the gynae appt?

OP posts:
VenusDeWillendorf · 06/01/2014 00:49

SolidGold, are your SGB - SolidGoldBrass?
You may want to change your name if you're not, as it might cause some confusion...

Sorry to hijack!

The mini pill can be used for a few reasons, not just contraception. But your GP -gynae would be best to advise.

Original poster
SolidGold · 06/01/2014 08:52

No, I'm not Shock

OP posts:
Reincarnatedpig · 06/01/2014 13:18

I would go to the gynae appt, as they are meant to be the experts and rule out fibroids etc. One of the GPs in my practice specialises in Gynae matters so she was most helpful - the emergency GP (I saw at A&E for flooding) and the one I usually see were not that knowledgeable. Just ask for what you want and hopefully they will be able to provide it.

Original poster
SolidGold · 06/01/2014 18:38

Thanks Smile Just means I have to get through this month's period due Thursday HmmHmmHmm It gives me time to think about what I want to do though and I WILL try the mefenamic acid this month as pain relief.

OP posts:
Jaffacakesallround · 06/01/2014 18:43

You might want to change your name- it's very close to SGB and it's a bit confusing- sorry :)

kazzawazzawoo · 06/01/2014 20:55

I have given in and namechanged Confused FFS!! Wink Why is it such a big deal??!! I really didn't care that our names were similar, but I am getting a bit fed up of people going on about it Wink

Jaffacakesallround · 06/01/2014 21:52

well, it's just that SGB has been around for ages and she was in the middle of a hoo-haa a while back when I think she was temporarily blocked by MNHQ along with another long term poster. Since they came back- or were thought to have come back- there's been lots of wondering if they are back under their original names or have 'new identities'. So your name was confusing people as to whether you were the ' first' SG or a totally different person. sorry!

kazzawazzawoo · 06/01/2014 22:11

Ok thanks Smile

kazzawazzawoo · 20/04/2014 17:02

Can I resurrect this thread?

My gynae reluctantly prescribed Cerazette 3 months ago. Unfortunately I didn't get on with it, had lots of bleeding and very sore breasts. However, the period pain went away.

I've been back to my gp to ask if I could change to a different pop to see if I have less bleeding etc, she prescribed Micronor, but hinted that it's not ideal at my age. I thought the pop was fairly safe, so am surprised, but have stopped taking it just in case.

Unfortunately I now have started heavy bleeding and am terrified the pain will come back.

I don't smoke, no family history of blood clots etc.

Can I take the pop?

summertimeandthelivingiseasy · 22/04/2014 20:55

I thought it was only the coc that was a problem near 50, because of increased stroke risk. I was prescribed pop instead at 49.

Have you looked at menopause matters site, for heavy bleeding?
www.menopausematters.co.uk/heavyperiods.php

kazzawazzawoo · 22/04/2014 21:06

I have had a look. The heavy bleeding isn't too bad and only on two days. It's the pain I can't bear. At home I can go to bed with my hot water bottle, but at work I struggle

I didn't think there was a risk taking the pop either. I've been researching online and can't find much that indicates there is a risk.

sixlive · 22/04/2014 21:12

Heavy periods had mirena fitted strange symptons for around 4 months then no period. I've been period free in my early 40s for 2 years bliss, it did get to theorist I couldn't go out 2 or 3 days a week due to flooding.