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Menopause

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Original poster

So this is the start? Heavy frequent periods?

15 replies

sweetkitty · 21/12/2021 06:41

I’m 46 been on the mini pill for 10 years never had a period all fine and good (DH also had vasectomy). About 6-8 months ago started getting breakthrough bleeding, thought what’s this? Due to covid and useless GP surgery couldn’t get mini pill so thought we’ll if it’s not stopping the bleeding might as well just go back to own periods.

This month one finished a week and half ago then I started up again, heavy again. I understand this could be an oestrogen surge in perimenopause prior to full menopause.

The other complication is I have fibromyalgia and the cramps and aches on top of everything else aren’t good. Plus the GPs are terrible right now, they have no appointments just this triage system where you phone on the day and someone calls you back so either I take a morning off work (I’m a teacher) or try to dive out class and talk about this in the corridor

OP posts:

PermanentTemporary · 21/12/2021 06:45

Thats what's happening to me at the moment- I'm having bleeding at least every 2 weeks and it varies between spotting and so heavy it's barely manageable.

Would your GP do an evening call, if they can't do Christmas holidays?

Original poster

sweetkitty · 21/12/2021 07:01

It’s been quite a shock after all these years without periods (having to borrow tampons off teenage daughters) and leaking through clothes horrible.

No GP will only phone you back within certain hours very prescriptive 9-12, 1-4 3 rings only and if you miss it you’ve had it.

OP posts:

UserBot · 21/12/2021 07:05

Take the pill back to back now, no break.

emsmar · 21/12/2021 07:06

I've been concerned about peri menopause, seem to be on a 24 day cycle with bleeding for 9 days. I was always 28 days and a 5 day bleed. It's so heavy too! I'm 37 but my mum went though menopause at 40! Scary to think it could be the start!

alongwayhome · 21/12/2021 07:41

First sign of perimeno for me was erratic and heavy periods. I had a mirena coil fitted, is that an option for you?

oneglassandpuzzled · 21/12/2021 07:43

I recommend a mirena too.

Boiledcabbages · 21/12/2021 07:45

@alongwayhome

First sign of perimeno for me was erratic and heavy periods. I had a mirena coil fitted, is that an option for you?

Did it work for you? Just had one fitted myself. Was hoping to god it would stop my periods completely. How long did you have to wait for it to settle everything down?

MissSmiley · 21/12/2021 12:32

I was younger than you when my previously light periods went crazy, I had the merina coil fitted which stopped them but made me feel sick, I needed them stopped as I was waiting for iron infusions because of anaemia, saw the gynaecologist with the intension of asking for hysterectomy and she persuaded me to have emdrometrial ablation (Novasure) instead, best decision I ever made, haven't had a drop since and I'm 50 next year so about 7 years ago, I had my iron infusions afterwards and haven't had any problems since.

romany4 · 23/12/2021 11:41

I had 2 years of periods coming every 21/22 days and lasting up to 9 days each time so basically bleeding every 2 weeks.
Then suddenly changed and now 6-7 weeks apart. Much better!
I'm nearly 50 so hoping they disappear soon

DramaAlpaca · 23/12/2021 11:45

@alongwayhome

First sign of perimeno for me was erratic and heavy periods. I had a mirena coil fitted, is that an option for you?

Same here. The Mirena stopped my periods completely and I never had another one. It was life changing, in a good way.

@Boiledcabbages mine took about three months to settle down. It was worth it in the end.

BeyondMyWits · 23/12/2021 11:54

It could be the peri menopause, but really needs checking out, so you probably will have to persevere with the doctor. You don't want anything to be missed, and they always advise getting major changes checked out. At the very least if you are now bleeding more heavily , you may need your iron levels checking.

Original poster

sweetkitty · 24/12/2021 14:28

I had a phone consultation with the GP she says it definitely sounds like the beginning of the peri menopause. She said blood tests could be inconclusive as one day my hormone levels could be high and the next day normal (NICE guidelines also confirmed they are not recommended in women over 46). She gave me mefenamic acid to help with the pain and bleeding. I am not having a coil fitted and can’t take the pill due to having hemiplegic migraines. The mini pill isn’t stopping my periods anymore anyway, I used to take it everyday.

OP posts:

emsmar · 24/12/2021 20:59

Ladies is the Mirena coil the hormone one? I've got the plain old copper I'm sure! I've had it in for 6/7 years. Really needs to come out but keep putting it off x

WhereAreWeNow · 24/12/2021 22:58

Yes @emsmar. Mirena releases progesterone. It's worked a treat for me. My periods were incredibly heavy and painful before. Since having the mirena fitted, I've had a couple of very light, barely there periods and the odd bit of spotting. Life changing.

emsmar · 25/12/2021 13:26

@WhereAreWeNow

Yes *@emsmar*. Mirena releases progesterone. It's worked a treat for me. My periods were incredibly heavy and painful before. Since having the mirena fitted, I've had a couple of very light, barely there periods and the odd bit of spotting. Life changing.

Awhh that sounds brilliant! I had hormone birth control before and always blamed it on me being a total miserable moody bitch but I've realised that's just me! Haha! Thanks.

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