Sorry If Tmi, Need Help W Period

Been there... and it doesn't get much better as you get older. They thought I may have a fibroid, but honestly, there was nothing... it is what it is.
My GP told me that if it got too bad, I could eventually opt for a hysterectomy, but that if I could put up with it, that it would be better to leave everything in place. So -- I put up with it.
I've got nothing except to keep supplies handy as well as some caffeine and chocolate for the cramps...
YMMV
LBC

I would say that it is endrometriosis. I had this problem and wound up with a hysterectomy. That was the best thing I ever done. I was in my mid 40s and didn't want any more kids and was glad not to see Aunt Flow any more.

If you do have it done see if you can keep an ovary so that you don't have to do HRT - that's another story all together.

The other S.

My daughter's periods are heavy and the doctor suggested that as soon as it starts she take 400 mg ibuprofen for the first 24 -48 hours around the clock. It reduces the swelling of the uterus and greatly reduces her bleeding. When I had a 21 day period my ObGyn recommended the same and it worked for me too.
Alternately you may be able to get an endometrial ablation where the ObGyn removes the uterine lining with ultrasound which generally stops periods, but is mostly used when heavy bleeding occurs in menopause.

Mine do that for 2 days, but then vanish to next to nothing for 2 days and I'm done. ((I could never become a vegetarian, I live on spinach and steak for a few days)). 5-9 days of it, I'd be seeking help, too.

Something to consider:

Hormone Birth Control.

If you're ON it, you may want to go off of it for a few months (or change types). Generally, they have you go off entirely for 2-3 months to find out what your period is like without added hormones. If it lightens, then they switch types to try to find on that doesn't have a 'massive flow' side effect. OR have you switch to a non-hormonal birth control method (copper IUD, diaphragms, cervical cap, and condoms are your options if you need non-hormonal birth control).

If you're NOT on it, you may want to get on it!!!

Hormone birth control lessens and lightens periods for the majority of women. For some women, though, they make periods reeeeally heavy, and last for ages. So it's really finding out if you're in the majority or minority of women as far as birth control pills/patches/etc. go.

IF hormones lighten your period, you may want to consider a Mirena IUD. For women whose periods lighten on the pill/patch/etc, having the hormones right there IN your uterus tends to make them even lighter than when on pills or patches. ((Know: Mirena, just like BC pills/patches/etc. isn't effective for a whole month surrounding taking antibiotics. Paragard-no hormones- is... and sometimes people get confused between the two. A hormone IUD needs a backup method for the month following insertion, and during and a month after taking antibiotics))

If you're done having kids, did your doc talk to you about having an ablation? This is essentially burning the inside of your uterus and will either minimize or totally get rid of your periods. I'm actually having similar issues and my doc said either birth control or ablation. BC isn't an option so will hopefully get the other very soon.

You might want to have your thyroid checked before resorting to those more drastic measures. I recently read an article that low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) can cause low iron counts, irregular/heavy periods, feeling cold, and a myriad of other symptoms.

try birth control? i know the shot wiped mine out!

Are you planning on more kids? if not your Dr can do a procedure where basically the inside of your uterus is scalded/scarred. and it will help with the bleeding.

could be age related... or fibroids... those can make blood back up and then... once it gets past, it's flooding time.. also, hormone changes... those generally begin in the early 40s.. but sometimes it can happen even sooner.... late 20s or early thirties... maybe have em check your estradiol and progesterone levels...

good luck

There are some people with heavy flow for no apparent reason. It can usually be remedied through diet.

Take an iron supplement if you don't have any known clotting disorders, and eat more iron rich foods such as spinach, broccoli, and so on to boost red blood cells and prevent anemia. Avoid Ibuproferin because it can exacerbate bleeding, and in some people create clots.

If you can, get a copy of the following book. It recommends specific foods and supplements to naturally balance menstrual flow and cycles. Great book for those not wanting to use chemical birth control.

http://www.amazon.com/Fertility-Cycles-Nutrition-Marilyn-...

I had periods similar to your description. Turned out I had endometriosis which can only be diagnosed thru exploratory abdominal surgery.

I used two super tampons and a pad which would get me through an hour or perhaps an hour and a half.

I posted a question today also on my similar symptoms. Dr. is suggesting possible surgery but wants to do another ultrasound in about 2 months. I don't WANT surgery, but something has got to give. I am now in the 3rd week of a very heavy period and was told this week I have an ovarian cyst that may be causing the abnormal bleeding. Good luck and I'm going to see what sort of answers you get also to see what has helped.

I had periods like that. In fact I was hospitalized one time because I was bleeding so heavily. Like you, I would wear super tampon and a pad and be bleeding through in less than an hour! Life was miserable. I never got any relief but was thrilled when at age 22 I was dignosed with the beginning signs of uteran cancer and was able to have a hysterectomy. Boy, as soon as the doc suggested it, I couldn't get it scheduled fast enough!

My daughter also has the same problems and she has yet to find anything to help her. My granddaughter will probably start her period in the next few years (she'll be 10 in March) and I hope and pray that she doesn't take after her mother and me in this regard. I've already warned my hubby that I will be ultra-sensitive and understanding with her when it comes to her period and if she is a heavy bleeder, I will have no problem allowing her to stay home for the first couple days of her period. My mom was never sensitive to this issue with me and I can't tell you how many times I walked home from school with blood all over the back of me because I couldn't get to the bathroom in time. How humiliating! I will never let that happen to my granddaughter if I can help it!

Im sorry mommy! I know how you feel. My period was very heavy....like leaking down my leg (sorry if TMI). You need to go and get rechecked, you may have fibroids. Which are usually benign. Get it checked!

Good Luck Mommy!

I know that the red raspberry leaaves are a good feminine herb, they help strengthen your iron content too.

Did you recently get off BC? It took almost a year for mine to stabilize after I got off BC, and they are still way heavier than they used to be when I was on the pill.

My periods were just like that after I had my twins. I don't do well with BC pills so I had an endometrial ablation- it was fast, easy, and the BEST thing I've done! You can only do it if you're done having kids though. My periods are about 4 days long now and extremely light.