Been on my period for 12 months

[Phacjm]

Hi ladies. As the title says I’ve been on my period for a year. I got the depo shot back in June 2019, then two more shots as I was told the bleeding would wear off if I kept on. My last one I had was in early December then I let it run out because I wanted rid of the bleeding.

The bleeding started about a month after the first shot in June, so my doctor always says the period is down to that, and it can take 12-18 months to run out of my system completely. At first it was like spotting/not heavy (my usual periods my whole life I’ve been able to use a panty liner for, so it was the same as ‘usual’ - just constant). I had a 6 week break where I had nothing at all then the last two months it’s been heavy where I’m constantly changing pads at times.

Really at a loss of what to do I’ve tried 3 different pills to stop it so far off doc, I feel at my wits end. My doctor is the only GP in the practice, and because of covid I can’t complain/move practice or go in for a face to face appointment.

I’ve asked for a scan last week over the phone but he kind of just told me off and said wait until after covid as everywhere is ‘closed’ or go to a sexual health clinic ‘if they’re open’ to try some birth control he has really f*cked me off the way he has dealt with this situation start to end. I couldn’t have my smear either because of the bleeding.

Any advice from people who’ve experienced depo problems, or period problems or with their gp, anything I can do/ people I can speak to about this or even questions I should be asking would be helpful thanks

Hi There Phacjm,

We're really sorry to hear what a tough time you've been having.

We can't offer any professional medical advice but we wanted to give this a bump for you to see if any of our wise users can give you some advice.

We wish you all the best in getting this resolved.

Go to the GUM clinic if you have one locally. Your GP is a disgrace and putting you in serious danger. I dont want to alarm you but my sister bled for 12 months and it was uterine cancer. She was only 29. Even if its not, something is wrong and you could end up very anemic. My sister was so anemic she couldnt get out of bed and all her hair fell out. Even then her GP wouldnt help her. My mum took her to A&E in the end and they were horrified. Please go ASAP. They will see you inspite of Covid. Let us know how you get on.

I agree with PP. You need to step away from your GP and push for some better care.

If a friend or family member was having this issue I’m guessing you’d tell them to pursue other healthcare avenues. You should do this.

It may be nothing serious but at the very least it’s inconvenient and so needs to be sorted covid or not. Good luck!

I’m sorry about your sister
I didn’t realise a gum clinic would see me for this. Usually avoid the doctors at all costs, the first time I brought it up it I’d actually went in mainly because I was having severe night sweats head to toe drenched, and mentioned it in passing, as I thought maybe it was connected and a hormonal thing but he said depo causes that too so felt like was being really dramatic over nothing. Forgot to mention them above as I was really cheesed off about being on for so long when I wrote this lol. But I will be sure to go now!! Thankyou for taking the time to reply.

I went to the GP after bleeding for 22 days and had a scan. I am sure the NHS says contact GP if you bleed in any capacity for two weeks, its disgusting that you have been allowed to go on so long. You really should try to see a female GP if you can. Say that it is having a detrimental affect on your mental health.

I’m going to attend the GUM clinic as previous reply suggested. It just upset when he shouted, as if I’m in there or calling up every day or something when I’ve had 4 appointments in the year lol. Guess I was just wondering if anyone who had tried the depo had experienced similar also, so I could stop worrying, and most of all not have have to face going back to him again .

I’m so sorry to hear this. What sort of investigation was carried out into your severe night sweats? Please be sure to mention them at your next appointment.

There is only
Him in the practice, it’s been at risk for shutting down for years. There is a locum (I think that’s what their called) that comes in once a week usually, but it’s normally the same man, and I refuse to see him after he refused to check my daughter over when she was ill as she “looked well” (she had meningitis) . I will make the trip to the GUM. Do you mind me asking was everything ok?

@KaleJuicer erm I think a FBC for anaemia and a thyroid blood test. This was December so bleeding wasn’t as bad. Thyroid fine so said it was depo was causing hyperhidrosis despite nothing during day . My iron was low-end but not major, electrolytes were bad can’t remember up or down. But said drink more water, it’s the depo and to continue the tranaxemic acid I’d been prescribed in the appt. night sweats did tail off but with the heavier bleeding they are starting to come back but not as bad as of yet .