abnormal periods....

[Akrotiri1]

and conflicting info/advice!

Basically I had a period that started on Oct 15th, and hasn't stopped since. It has varied from light spotting, to brown discharge, then to so heavy it has been running down my thighs (this occurred a few days ago so suspect another period kicking in).

I have tried to get a Dr's apt but none available for 5 weeks - however I did manage to speak to a lady Dr who booked me in for some blood tests, which have all come back 'normal'. I have a routine smear booked for a weeks time, but am concerned that they will not be able to take a sample if still bleeding. Also without being to discuss this with a Dr face to face is really stressing me out!

I am 45, and up until the last few mnths, have always had regular periods, that last an average of 4-6 days. Up until the period in oct they have stayed regular, but a little heavier and longer.

Everything I research on the internet points to hormonal changes, but equally plenty of sites say if you have had bleeding for more than 7 days, you should speak to a Dr......

Any similar experiences/advice? Thanks in advance x

Meant to add - my partner had a vasectomy many years ago so do not take any oral contraceptives. Thanks for reading x

I'm sorry you are not receiving the support you deserve.
It sounds like the start of menopause, given your age. Some women are lucky enough to avoid the other symptoms and some only get them once their bleeding goes awry.
No, you will not be able to have your cervical screening if you're bleeding.
What bloods did they run? FSH and estrogen/testosterone? Did they book you in for a follow up set?
Some women who bleed like you are have endometriosis...or something else entirely. Point is, you have to keep on at your GP. If you have to wait five weeks then you could ring 111 out of desperation! Keep us posted? I hope you get answers soon.

Thanks for replying.

I did call 111 when the bleeding was excessive but although sympathetic, they just said to supplement with iron and have blood tests. I have no idea what 'tests' were done, other than they were deemed 'normal' (but after subsequent research have seen that blood tests are not wholly accurate in menopausal issues anyhow?). To this date I am still spotting - a mixture of brown mucus and threads of fresh blood, so theoretically, have been bleeding for nearly 6 weeks now.......very frustrating and distressing. I am booked in with the practice nurse next week for my smear - I will keep the apt regardless as if I am still bleeding and she cannot conduct a smear, just hope she may still be able to do an examination and advise further.

I’m in a similar position re the period but with a different outcome. I hadn’t a period since 22 July and then started one on 22 Oct and as of yesterday it was still ongoing. I didn’t realise that I should have gone to the doctor sooner (if you haven’t had a period for three or more months and then have one lasting more than a week you should a doctor according to nhs advice apparently). Anyway, my doctor has booked a blood test for Friday (to check iron levels etc) but in the meantime has prescribed tranexamic acid to halt the blood loss. He has also referred me for a transvaginal ultrasound. Can you call them to explain about the smear and ask if they will consider prescribing tranexamic acid because otherwise potentially your smear may not be unable to be carried out and might be a waste of your time and theirs. I was expecting to have a ‘fight’ to get them to do anything but I couldn’t have been more surprised. He’s even told me to make sure I tell reception I must be booked in with him post scan as he wants to follow it up himself. Hope you can get some help.

Thank you - I have heard about 'tranexamic acid' and may well be what I need, if only I could only get a Dr's apt for the prescription!

I will call the surgery tomorrow and see what they advise - my other thought was once I have seen the practice nurse next week she may be able to 'fast track' me for an apt/prescription.

As a matter of interest do you know how long it takes for this medication to work?

Thanks again

I’ve only started taking it today (two tablets three times a day) and the Doctor advised me to continue until the bleeding stops, I presume it will work quicker for some than others depending on how heavy the flow. He’s given me ten days worth jic but said they should be working by day four.

Thanks for the info