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Women's health

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Original poster

Heavy periods - help!

17 replies

traytablestowed · 12/09/2023 13:50

Is there anything that can be done to help with heavy periods apart from hormonal contraceptives? This month I bled through 5 super tampons and my period pants, in one morning. My jeans are ruined. It's not this bad every month but when it is, I am so fed up of dealing with it.
I was on the pill previously but I'm wary of hormonal contraception because it doesn't really agree with me. Wondering if anyone knows of anything else that can help with this?

OP posts:
TherapistInATabard · 12/09/2023 13:55

Definitely go to your GP with this. Have you ever been prescribed Tranexamic acid? My gynae also recommended ibuprofen for heavy flow

LadyGAgain · 12/09/2023 13:57

If you've completed your family ask for ablation for menhorragia.

SallyWD · 12/09/2023 14:05

Are you perimenopausal? This is a classic symptom. I suffer with it too. I was about to go to the doctors but my last two periods were ridiculously light. Others have mentioned options above. The mirena coil is also used for this reason.

hopeishere · 12/09/2023 14:06

You need to find out why you are having heavy periods.

Original poster
traytablestowed · 12/09/2023 14:11

TherapistInATabard · 12/09/2023 13:55

Definitely go to your GP with this. Have you ever been prescribed Tranexamic acid? My gynae also recommended ibuprofen for heavy flow

Omg yes! I think I was given this when I was in school. I fainted once during my period and my mum took me to the doctor - I had completely forgotten about this but just googled Tranexamic acid and I remember those giant tablets... you take them during the period right? I can't remember if they worked/what they did. Thank you so much for this!

OP posts:
Original poster
traytablestowed · 12/09/2023 14:12

LadyGAgain · 12/09/2023 13:57

If you've completed your family ask for ablation for menhorragia.

I've never heard of this, I just googled it though - have you had it? I'm 34 so not sure if they'd do it now or I'd have to wait a few years?

OP posts:
Original poster
traytablestowed · 12/09/2023 14:16

Thanks everyone!
I don't think I'm peri, this is an issue I've had since my periods started pretty much, and I remember my mum saying she had bad periods too so I think it's genetic. I went on the pill for about 10 years in my 20s so that did resolve the issue but caused a few others - hence wanting to avoid it now. Since I had my DD I have just put up with it but as I said, I'm at the end of my tether at this point.
Seems like it it something I should speak to the GP about in any case.

OP posts:
hopeishere · 12/09/2023 18:28

Mine were caused by fibroids so yes you definitely need to get the root cause established.

EllaMenopee · 12/09/2023 18:54

I was still using maternity pads when ds was 2, so gp recommended merina coil. It was brilliant, went from flooding to minor spotting.

Original poster
traytablestowed · 12/09/2023 19:42

@hopeishere thanks, I'll definitely get booked in with the GP. Hope your fibroids are now resolved?
@EllaMenopee do you mind me asking how you found the insertion? I've heard some people find it very painful. Have you had any side effects?

OP posts:
EllaMenopee · 12/09/2023 21:34

I've had three over the years, 2 under GA so very easy (but was having a d&c as well, so uncomfortable for a few days after) and the middle one done in a gp surgery by a well practiced gp. I was quite anxious about it so she told me to take 2 nurofen 2 hours before and she took it very slowly. It was absolutely fine. I had mild cramping for about 3 hours afterwards (it was done in the evening so I just went to bed early) and the next day I was absolutely fine.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 12/09/2023 21:51

If you don't want anymore DC, ask your GP about an endometrial ablation
I had one in my 40's which was literally life changing
I was flooding, afraid to leave the house and badly anaemic beforehand

AlfieandAnnieRose · 12/09/2023 21:58

I take Tranexamic acid and find they help, I take them on the first few heavy days when I really need them. The tablets are smaller in size than they used to be you’ll be pleased to know!
I also use a mooncup which has made a lot of difference too.

hopeishere · 13/09/2023 08:17

An ablation isn't suitable for everyone as if you have fibroids for example it might not work properly.

I had an embolisation and it was effective.

Original poster
traytablestowed · 13/09/2023 10:43

EllaMenopee · 12/09/2023 21:34

I've had three over the years, 2 under GA so very easy (but was having a d&c as well, so uncomfortable for a few days after) and the middle one done in a gp surgery by a well practiced gp. I was quite anxious about it so she told me to take 2 nurofen 2 hours before and she took it very slowly. It was absolutely fine. I had mild cramping for about 3 hours afterwards (it was done in the evening so I just went to bed early) and the next day I was absolutely fine.

Thanks for this, I'll keep it in mind. The coil was one of the things I've been considering but the insertion has always put me off because I had a horrific hysteroscopy experience .. I've since had a baby so imagine it would be different but still nervous

OP posts:
Original poster
traytablestowed · 13/09/2023 10:45

Thanks again everyone. I've booked an appointment with the GP, will ask for Tranexamic acid in the first instance and see what they say about further investigation into why it's actually happening before deciding on anything more drastic

OP posts:
uncomfortablydumb53 · 13/09/2023 11:13

I hope you get some help
It really affects your life doesn't it?

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