Question about severe period pain in forties

[WhatNextImScared]

I’m in early perimenopause, mid forties. Removed mirena coil in June which had been fitted for flooding periods in mid 2024. It reduced flow but never stopped my periods, i bled lightly almost constantly (16 days out of 23) gave me permanent heavy discharge so I could never go a day without protection and increased period cramps.

Took it out in a fury, instantly feel better most days of the month but last two periods since removal have been awful. Heavy (needing tranexemic acid) and pain that stops me being able to do things for 3 days

I am in pain now on holiday. My questions are about the pain:

What is recommended when ibuprofen, paracetamol and buscopan still together do not work

Is it usual at this age to feel your whole abdomen is tender and stretched?

can you develop endometriosis with age? Most of my constant discomfort is in the bowel/anal area. Could I have developed rectal endo?

I will push to see a gynae but I could do with some advice as I feel a bit worried - it’s just not settling and it’s making me feel really fed up.

goring home from holiday tomorrow and got to survive every bounce in the car all the way home (5-6 hour journey including breaks)

I should add that the stretched feeling is really there since I had the period shits overnight so the whole area is painful and reactive. I feel bruised from
the pelvic cramping when I empty my bladder.

Anyone? Pain has moved from rectum to chest now. It’s migrating but the sore part of my abdomen is above the uterus so I’m assuming this is all menstrual related

Maybe I also have gastritis now from all the NSAIDs I need

I don't think chest pain is normal and is something you should speak to a medical professional about.

It could be endo, I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 40 and my op was age 41. I’ve always had heavy periods and pain but not to the level of pain that started then
I also had horrendous swelling
you could try paramol (don’t take with paracetamol) or naproxen, be you period patches are helpful and an electric heat pad
but yes see GP, ask for gynae

Tricky as I’m packing to leave holiday to return home at 6am tomorrow. It’s not like heart type chest, I’m not worried about that, just my whole abdomen is aching and pulling right up to the boobs. Horrid. Having done a bit more research this afternoon is does seem like endometriosis is likely. Depressing.

Thank you, that’s useful.

I started with endo symptoms that had been masked by hormonal contraception when I came off the pill to try and conceive. This was 10 years ago. It hasn't got any better. When I went to see a doctor about it as the pain and flooding were unbearable every month, I was told I probably have endo but they won't investigate and my option was to stop trying for a baby and go back on the pill and I was given naproxen and omeprazole.

I ended up going back on the pill. The bleeding is controlled but the pain makes me utterly miserable and I feel like my stomach is going to explode with the bloat.

I recently enquired about other pain relief and I was told cocodamol was the next option, which I can't function on, so pointless. The support for women's health is disgusting. If it were men going through this there would be answers and treatments offered immediately.

So in terms of what you can get without a prescription:

cocodamol is a mix of paracetamol and codeine and can be bought in most pharmacists. I don’t find it great for period pain but it’s the next step up.

if you speak to a gp they may prescribe you either mefenamic acid or naproxen sodium plus probably omeprazole or similar to protect your stomach, I find these quite effective.

I also find hot baths and hot water bottle quite helpful as they help relax the muscle spasms.

chest pain is not normal for endo.

if you get period shots then fibre tablets are good.

Thank you. I now have naproxen and have just taken the first loading dose, along with tranexemic acid which is keeping the flow moderate (a relief from last month). Going to bed in a minute. Hope I have a decent night. This is exhausting.

Had this issue through my menstruating life, you need to be referred by your GP to gynae. They will probably do a scan and depending on your NHS trust, a hysteroscopy. If they do, ensure it’s under GA and be firm that you do not want another coil fitting! Over the years, it was thought I had fibroids, polyps etc. Finally found out I have a bicornate uterus which is also retroverted so that was the explanation for painful heavy periods. Not much help though. Hope you can get referral to a specialist.

In case anyone is watching this/returns to it: Ended up going to a&e once back in my home town and they ruled out appendix/anything deathly. They said I was likely suffering with fibroids or endo and progressed a gynae referral. Still feel like crap but better than a couple of days ago. Hopefully it will calm down when my period finishes.