Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Menopause

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

Original poster

Perimenopause bleeding

18 replies

Reymax59 · 04/10/2014 12:15

First timer sorry for any mis-posting! I have just turned 50 and after years of perfect periods and a six month clear spell, I am on my fourth week and counting of flooding. Unable to take pill or mirena. Can anyone let me know if this will stop! Have had tests and nothing sinister

OP posts:

meditrina · 04/10/2014 12:41

I'm a bit surprised that when you went for tests they did not give you advice on symptomatic relief.

You'll need to go back and ask about medications which can lessen flow (such as norethistone).

You say they ruled out the worrying causes of perimenopausal flooding. There are however a number of underlying causes, and if they did not establish what is causing your bleeding, I would press for whatever tests are needed to get you a proper diagnosis and therefore onwards plan.

Original poster

Reymax59 · 04/10/2014 13:36

I can't take progesterone meds like norethisone or mirena. I do have Tranexamic Acid but it helps slightly, but as not dealing with problem I don't want to take for long. The six months was great, had unrealistic hope it might have been on way out. As I can't take hormonal help, wondered how long others had bled for.

OP posts:

meditrina · 04/10/2014 13:44

How long it might last will depend so much on what the cause is.

Now, to have been referred, seen and tested in the space of 4 weeks must mean that you were under the fast-track procedures, and it must be a terrific relief that malignancies have been ruled out. But that shouldn't mean that investigations are left incomplete. For there are treatment options for some underlying conditions, but you cannot even begin to consider them until there is a diagnosis.

Original poster

Reymax59 · 04/10/2014 13:51

It was a regular check 4 months ago (when no period) and when nothing found they said it was to be expected at my age and to basically put up with it if it returned. Didn't think it would as no period symptoms but how wrong was I ! Going down the maternal line, my mum had a d&c when she was early 40s and wondering if this the next option, or patience. Tending to go to the loo in the dark as so tired of seeing red!

OP posts:

meditrina · 04/10/2014 14:02

Sorry I misunderstood and thought you'd had a (partial) all clear after the flooding had started. A major change to bleeding pattern needs to be investigated, and not just written off because of age. A period after a gap even of several months is one thing, but several weeks of flooding should be checked.

I think you need to seek a gynae referral for a new set of investigations.

Original poster

Reymax59 · 04/10/2014 14:21

I will, have appt Monday. Thanks

OP posts:

pinkfrocks · 04/10/2014 16:53

sorry- see you have posted the same question twice and have answered your other post.

pinkfrocks · 04/10/2014 16:57

I'm still confused- why did you have a biopsy when you were period free for 6 months?
What did you go to the drs about that meant he/she put you forward for a biopsy?

A biopsy is not routine, so there must be another reason why you had one if you were not flooding at the time.

Why can't you take hormonal treatments? Do you have some other conditions that mean you can't take them, or are you choosing not to take them?

Original poster

Reymax59 · 04/10/2014 17:28

I made an appt when I had a three week period last year, everything cleared up but went along anyway. Due to right and left ovary checks (had right and left pain) have had everything ultra sounded, scanned and when at clinic they said I had probably stopped periods but said they could check the lining of womb to be completely sure. Biopsy came back clear and I had the six month wonderful free time. Four weeks ago it all started again, so I rang clinic and I have an appt on Monday but have said pretty much all that is open to me (according to them) is Tran Acid, Mirena Coil or the pill. I just want it to stop and short of doing a d And c myself I am keen they do something, unless others have found away to live with this u til it stops. I can't take hormonal drugs due to other drug interactions and past experiences of them. Sorry for long winded answer!

OP posts:

pinkfrocks · 04/10/2014 17:37

You are bleeding a lot because you had a long gap so the lining has built up- but it ought not to last for 4 weeks, but also because you don't have enough progesterone. That's why Norethisterone is often prescribed.

You might need to re-think your ideas about hormonal treatments - not sure if there are drugs that interact with Norethisterone which is the most likely treatment, or HRT to give you a cycle that is regular and overrides your stop-start periods.

Likewise, the Mirena may help- be open minded. The hormone in it is contained within the uterus and although some women find they have side effects, others love it.

A D&C is an investigation- like the biopsy but under a GA and they take a sample of the whole lining- it's not a treatment.

Did you mean an endometrial ablation? This is one option but not one they are likely to offer until you have tried other less invasive treatments.

Original poster

Reymax59 · 04/10/2014 18:16

I meant a full d and c, not a diagnostic one. It's just that 40 yrs ago it worked for my mother and often the maternal route is similar. I'd rather not do anything, but getting really quite down as we go on holiday Thursday and it's going to be a nuisance in the least.

OP posts:

pinkfrocks · 04/10/2014 18:29

There is only one type of D&C- I had one when I was 24, a very long time ago!. It's a way of removing the lining for then they do tests on it

D&C

The lining grows back again. It could have been that your mum was almost menopausal at the time and it removed the lining and coincidentally she didn't have any more periods due to a fall in her hormones- might that make sense?

You could be quite anaemic after bleeding for 4 weeks- have they suggested blood count and maybe iron tablets?

Original poster

Reymax59 · 04/10/2014 18:55

She may have been menopausal although I was quite small. She will have been late 30s. I bought some iron tabs as I feel I could benefit from them. Did your periods return to full monthly ones after your d and c? I feel this is /may be the swan song and is taking a long time. Not keen on procedures I could do without, but know I can't go on like this much longer. I do appreciate your input.

OP posts:

pinkfrocks · 04/10/2014 20:36

I was only 24 when I had a D&C and it was carried out as part of another minor gynae op. There was nothing wrong with my periods at the time and I went on to have 2 children. They decided to do the D&C anyway at the time just to check all was ok. This was a long time ago and I don't think they would now because D&Cs are not carried out that much- see the link I left you. They prefer to use ultrasound to check things out.

Maybe in the past they used a D&C to try to stop heavy periods but things have moved on and they don't tend to do that any more. There are better options like the Mirena, tablets and endometrial ablations.

Original poster

Reymax59 · 06/10/2014 22:35

Just a wee follow up. Went to gynae appt today and was offered the mirena and pill which is difficult for me. They weren't too worried as all previous test back normal. They thought as I had had two long spells, 6 months each of no bleeding that I may stop for good soon. Here's hoping.

OP posts:

Pinkfrocks · 07/10/2014 08:15

so have you left it that you are carrying on with nothing?
By the pill do you man the Pill ( contraceptive) or something like Norethisterone?

Original poster

Reymax59 · 07/10/2014 09:12

I was given cerazette with the understanding that I may not take it. They felt as I have had two six month breaks that the next break may be longer and hopefully reach an end. Inconvenient for holiday but I think I'll give it longer and see if it will ease. They aren't duly concerned with the bleeding.

OP posts:

Kez100 · 16/10/2014 03:03

I get awful flooding and have been given the medication that starts with a T to help restrict flow. The flooding is awful but I am coping as I only get one period every 4-6 months. I've had all the tests to check the change of flow wasn't anything that needed treatment. I also do not want a mirena (too many close friends who have had issues with it). What I am really suffering with though is a fuzzy head and lack of sleep. Im going to go back to doctors and see if he can help.

Flip