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Original poster

Is this too heavy? (Warning, photo of blood)

63 replies

doodiedee · 04/10/2021 15:14

Hi, I’m at a bit of a loss. I’ve been asking my GP for help in regards to my period for months, all over the phone. They offered me pain killers but nothing to help with the bleeding. They’re really heavy but are over within 3/4 days and the GP said a heavy period is considered to last more than 7 days. I’m on my period now and yesterday at work I bled through a Super Tampax, a pad and ruined my underwear within an hour. I felt myself flood. There was also a large clot. The clot in the photo is underneath the tampon too, it’s huge. I had my phone with me so I took a photo - more so in case I’m not believed by the GP again - but this is a regular occurrence and it’s awful.
Any advice? Am I over reacting or is this too heavy? Sorry for the photo but we’re all ladies, right?

OP posts:
dragonsben · 05/10/2021 04:34

Op, do you have a coil? Any other internal contraception? This does not look or sound good at all. Do you think you are anaemic?

Tell your GP you need to see a Gynae ASAP or go to A&E. I know it sounds extreme, but fastest way to be seen if you are concerned (vs referral).

polyps can cause heavy bleeding and clotting... you should get a scan. this amount of flow needs to be properly examined.

DriftingBlue · 05/10/2021 05:08

A monthly experience for me. Well, actually multiple times over the course of my heavy day. I’ve been to the doctor and had all the proper investigations. The very few available treatment options are just unappealing and very permanent and I’d rather stick with the devil I know. I take iron to help compensate and try to plan to not leave the house on the worst day.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 05/10/2021 06:18

Drifting

Would urge you not to put up with this going forward. Do not stick with the devil you know, you will merely feel worse overall and I became anaemic too. Not leaving the house on the worst day will become not leaving the house for more than 1 day.

Have you seen a gynaecologist previously?

What investigations were done, I ask only as I have found that both personally and anecdotally many GPs are simply not up to speed when it comes to such issues.

PeonyTime · 05/10/2021 07:05

Forget the "only 3-4 days".
That is heavy bleeding. It's not normal. It needs looking into.

Gladioli23 · 05/10/2021 07:13

A bit gross, but could you weigh your pad, tampon etc. Put them in. Time till you take them out. Weigh again.

Then you have accurate loss amounts to give the doctors. This got mine to take me seriously, as I was losing so much I would have died within a few days.

SquarePeggyLeggy · 05/10/2021 07:20

I have endometriosis and this was what I experienced before having mirena. This is not normal, by any stretch!

DriftingBlue · 05/10/2021 13:51

Atillathemeerkat

I appreciate your concern. I couldn’t even list all the tests I’ve had and specialists I’ve seen. The anemia git bad enough that those specialists have included a hematologist. I have also had 3 surgeries to try to correct the problem. My last remaining option is a hysterectomy. The problem there is that when we have tried hormones to slow the bleeding, I have reacted very poorly, with reactions ranging from an increase in debilitating migraines to vertigo so bad I could not stand and want. I don’t want to have a hysterectomy and find myself unable to take HRT. I am also rapidly approaching the average age of menopause.

BatFinksWings · 05/10/2021 21:29

I had 30 years of normal and light periods and then I entered peri menopause a couple of years ago. And I'm now 49 with regular periods but they're heavy. Similar to your photo and it's rather unpleasant for 3 days and then I get some respite and it's all over on day 6.

I don't have fibroids or anything like that. A scan shows nothing untoward. It really is just how it is as I approach menopause

But I'm deliberating on what to do because I felt very drained during this last period and I'm upping iron for the week of my period. Maybe tranexamic acid .. I may ask for some and see if that helps

sofakingcool · 05/10/2021 21:36

@elliejjtiny

Forgot to add period pants have been amazing for sudden flooding and massive clots. I wear them with postpartum maternity pads and they contain 99% of leaks. So much cheaper than the disposable adult nappies that i was using before.
@elliejjtiny Period pants have absolutely changed my life. Since my late 30's I've suffered from heavy bleeding and flood several times most months. Usually to the point I avoid going out unnecessarily on my heaviest days. Period pants have been life changing since I discovered them a few months ago! I no longer flood at night, I do use them with a pad, I'm just not brave enough not to yet, but they are fantastic
Original poster
doodiedee · 09/12/2021 19:58

Hi everyone, I’ve persisted with my doctor and I’m actually being referred to a haematology hospital for tests of my clotting factors etc!
Thank you for your help x

OP posts:
Blackopal · 09/12/2021 20:10

Mine were like that and I had fibroids, endometriosis and severe anemia.
Please go back and push for an appointment with a gynecologist and a blood test for iron.
Sorry you are having to deal with this OP it's really rubbish.

Blackopal · 09/12/2021 20:13

Ha! I see I am a little late to the threadGrin

Well done for advocating for yourself, glad that you have been referred, hope all works out for you.

Original poster
doodiedee · 09/12/2021 20:52

Haha thank you Blackopal, I’ve heard nothing about gynae so I’ll chase once I’ve got this referral x

OP posts:
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