Extremely Heavy Period... [TMI warning]
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Anonymous
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I'm a 26yr old female who has had heavy periods for as long as I can remember. I realize that yes, I am posting on a public forum, asking for advice from strangers, but I really don't have anyone/where else to turn. I do not have health insurance, so going to a doctor is not an option. I also don't have any family (my Mom passed away, and the rest of my family and I aren't close). So, here I am...
My last period was in Feb. of 2011 - until 3 weeks ago. For the past 3 weeks my period has been heavy to extremely heavy (as in, using super plus tampons, and pads). There have been a couple of nights where I was up every couple of hours because the bleeding was so heavy. I suppose after a year and a half it's to be expected? As I said, I've ALWAYS had heavy periods - they usually last 2+ weeks (during that time they could be light, but usually they are heavy, with clots). I was curious if any other females out there have this issue, and have any tips/advice on coping with this. Anything I might be able to try to help, ect. TIA. |
Anonymous
| Yes, I had this issue all throughout my 20's. I actually went to various Dr's and received different diagnoses from PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) to "that's just the way you are." I was also told it would be challenging for me to get pregnant. I went on the birth control pill for awhile and that really regulated things. When I did come off (for reasons I forget now!), I ended up pregnant (thankfully married to DH). 4 years later, trying to get pregnant again, they found that my ovary was completely enveloped by a (they soon found out- malignant) tumor. Long story short, turns out there WAS something going on that whole time. It didn't affect my first pregnancy for whatever reason (and Drs were baffled once they found out) but an ultrasound in my 20's would've probably found it. You may want to make a specific appointment for an ultrasound. Your life is worth the expense at this point. |
Anonymous
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I have them and taking the pill helped tremendously.
You won't see relief until you go to a Gyno...you may have endo or just bad periods. |
Anonymous
| PP again - I forgot to add that, as far as coping, I was very adept at using super + tampons AND pads for going out in public. I used the bathroom everywhere I went and carried a very big purse for all my supplies. It was horrible but necessary. |
Anonymous
| My teen daughter had this problem. I took her to my gyn and we put her on Generes Fe birth control pill. Problem solved. Wish I had done it sooner for her (she was 18). As for yourself, you need to know that heavy bleeding (especially for menopausal women) can indicate uterine cancer. I am older than you and ignored two rogue periods that came out of nowhere. When I mentioned it at my annual check-up with my gyn. I got the scold and was immediately sent out for a doplar radar ultrasound. Yes, I had an ovarian cyst. Then came the CA 125 blood test to see if I had cancer. Fortunately, it was negative, but I have to have the quarterly ultrasounds until the cyst disappears or has to be removed surgically. So you do need to see someone. Is there a clinic you can go to? |
Anonymous
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Thanks PP's... Right now, I have zero funds for any sort of Dr. appointment - Hell, I can barely make my car payment this month.
I actually went on the pill last February but had to stop because it made me psycho - I never experienced such highs and lows before - I mean, I was having visions of committing suicide. After I went off the BC is when I had my last period before this one - it was my first normal 4-5 day period where I didn't have to use super/super + tampons. But then it was 18 months til I had another. I don't think I can handle the emotional side effects of the pill again.. And I was on a low-dose one. |
Anonymous
| OP, I know you said you don't have insurance so you can't go to a doctor. But would you consider going to Planned Parenthood to get checked out? Per PP's website, a "problem-focused gynecological visit" costs $85-$125. At the very least, this could help determine whether this is indeed just an irregular cycle/heavy period, or if it's something that would require more extensive medical care. I agree w/PP that your life is worth the expense! |
Anonymous
| OP, I understand that you don't have money, but I urge you to go to Planned Parenthood. My super heavy bleeding was an indicator of uterine cancer. Please go there or to the ER. |
Anonymous
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I have PCOS, and crazy heavy, irregular periods, and one way to treat it "naturally" is to exercise regularly and lose weight. Ditto to the person who suggested Planned Parenthood. There are also several free clinics in the DC area. My church runs one in Fairfax where you can get birth control (irony!).
Sorry OP I totally sympathize with your situation. 
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Anonymous
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I have this. I have endo.
You may have a fibroid tumor in your uterus, so yes you need to see a doc -- Planned Parenthood is there for women like you. For now, take an NSAID (Aleve, Advil) BEFORE you get your period and then every 6 hours during your period. Make sure to take on a full stomach. This should significantly cut down on blood flow, does for me. Seems counterintuitive, but drink caffeinated drinks which also constrict blood flow. My OBGYN actually told me to do this and it does help. But see a doc, for sure. |
Anonymous
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Planned Parenthood is where I went for health care when I didn't have two pennies to rub together:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ If you're really that low on funds, you should consider applying for Medicaid: http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Eligibility/Eligibility.html |
Anonymous
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If you can't get yourself to Planned Parenthood, how about Mary's Center in Adams Morgan? I highly recommend them!
http://www.maryscenter.org/ |
Anonymous
| I started bleeding when it wasn't time for my period. I bled and bled and had clots too. I went to my gyn who did an internal exam and didn't know what the problem was. I had an u/s and it turned out to be a very tiny polyp which was causing the bleeding. All in all, the bleeding lasted for nearly 3 week. My doctor said she would have to do a D&C if it didn't stop soon. I pay for my own health insurance and have a very high deductible so I know what it's like to be in your position in terms of money. Go to Planned Parenthood. Even if you can't pay for it up front, they will probably be able to have you pay in installments. |
Anonymous
| My sister had a similar problem and turned out had several fibroids that had to be removed. ITA go to Planned Parenthood, or apply for Medicaid, or go to a nonprofit/free clinic, etc. |
Anonymous
Sorry to dig this up again, but can you tell me how they detected the cancer? I am having a biopsy done next week because of heavy bleeding, two rejected IUDs and the fact that my mother had uterine cancer at an even younger age than I am now. I am a little freaked out.
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