HELP bleeding and pain for over a month.

[Alwaysneedgin]

I've posted about this previously but not had much in the way of replies.

I've been bleeding since the 26th August and I've been in a lot of pain. A few weeks ago, the doctor put me on norethisterone (2 x 5mg 3 times a day) which has mostly stopped the bleeding. This was great considering I was bleeding through my clothes semi-regularly.

Today, I've had awful cramp all night, a bad stomach (which I often get with periods anyway) and I was sick with the pain several times this morning. I've had to ring in sick to work. I've begun bleeding more heavily again.

I already have a Mirena coil which is still in place. I have a hysteroscopy booked on the 23rd October. Dr wants me to go and have a depo injection. Will the depo help? I don't really want to put more hormones into my body if they won't sort it out.

It just seems really wrong to have to continue like this for another 3 weeks while I wait for my referral. I should also add I've always had trouble with my periods, I'm in my 30s and have two children.

Has anyone had anything similar, what was the problem? It's always been suggested I might have endo- but as I have conceived naturally apparently this is less likely. I had a scan for fibroids last year which came back ok.

Endometriosis is a real possibility here despite having conceived two children quite easily. It can also cause heavy bleeding to arise as well as pain.

Any pain that is cyclical in nature and/or gets worse up to and including menses should be checked out thoroughly to see if endometriosis is present. The fact too that you've always had problems with periods to me indicates endometriosis as well.

Who has suggested depo here, the GP?. I would hold off having the depo injection till you have seen the gynaecologist and discussed further. You should hopefully get the results of the hysteroscopy soon after that procedure.

If you do not already do so I would keep a daily pain and symptom diary noting everything; do pain on a scale from 1-10.

Thanks for your reply, last time I posted you came back to me too. I really appreciate it. I usually only have these problems monthly (well 6 weekly but for about 2 weeks) but ATM in stuck in a cycle of taking lots of hormone tablets that aren't really working and constant bleeding and pain.

Would it be worth trying to see a gynaecologist privately before my hysteroscopy? GP says she's completely out of ideas with treatment but the recommendation is that depo is the next thing to try.

I had depo injection for contraception for 10 years...it stopped my periods dead..not even one..might be worth listening to the gp reason to suggesting it

ATM I'm booked in for the depo tonight. I came off before having my DDs as I'd had it for years and my mum has osteoporosis. The doctor at the time wasn't keen on increasing my risk.

The trouble is it isn't really a period now, not after 5/6 weeks. Something must be making me bleed. Technically the tablets should stop it completely, but they just don't seem to be doing the job which is why I'm hesitant to have yet more hormones.

I'm thinking of having the depo and maybe booking a private consultation before my hysteroscopy for peace of mind

I would consider seeing a gynae for a consultation in your circumstances and it certainly seems that your GP is completely out of ideas (you should have been referred to a specialist by the GP because these problems are outside their general remit) . The depo will treat the symptoms most certainly but it will not address the cause and it is certainly in your interests that the cause of all this is properly established.

I've booked to see a gynae privately tomorrow

Good luck with that appointment tomorrow. If you have kept a pain and symptom diary do take that along. Would also suggest that if you have any questions to ask write them down now well ahead of time. Such things can cause considerable nerves hence these suggestions.

Out of interest have you been through similar Attila or us your experience professional? I'll write a list of questions tonight. Thankyou

I've been told to gradually increase my norethisterone until it stops my symptoms, then the hysteroscopy should get to the bottom of why I'm bleeding. Gynae didn't mention endo. He checked my cervix and said no signs of anything nasty which is good.

He said not to get the depo shot which makes it worth the money. He said it would be just as likely to increase the bleeding as decrease it. Still having ridiculous cramps but it seems like it's mostly going to be a waiting game. Thanks for your help!

Have been through similar in terms of pain and heavy bleeding and in my case the underlying cause was endometriosis. It took a long time to get diagnosed and no-one had any idea whatsoever why my periods were so bad from onset of menses. I was only diagnosed with endo when I was having fertility problems.

My mother did not want me to go on the pill at that time either (in hindsight it would have helped with the symptoms but not address the cause of the underlying problem).

I eventually had laparoscopic type surgery to remove the endometriosis via laser. The hysteroscopy may give you more answers but it may well be that at some stage they will suggest you have a lap op.

I had my hysteroscopy yesterday and it showed an enlarged womb cavity and thickened lining. Endo/adenomyosis weren't mentioned. Now I'm awaiting biopsy results for hyperplasia etc. To see what next steps are. Apparently my coil isn't in the best place as my womb is enlarged and it can move around. However, gynae thinks I'd be bleeding more without it so she left it in. Thanks for your help Attila X