Ladies Only!!! Monthly cycle question-

[Poohnatic]

Definitely talk to your doctor. There are several options, BCPs, IUDS, Ablation and Hysterectomy.

I had the same issues-but I can't have hormones. My answer was having an ablation. WOW is all I can say about the procedure. It cost my insurance almost as much as my car did (!!), but to not live a monthly nightmare was soooo worth it. I went from 5 days of running to the bathroom nearly every hour to not enough to use anything!

Suzanne

 

[motherhen17404]

I have been on BC pills for over 5 years now and I have no idea how I would react if I had to go off of them. I don't use them for birth control, DH is "fixed", I use them to control my periods. I am on a 3 month cycle. I take 3 months worth of pills, then have a period. Got to love only having 1 period every 3 months. And I can even work around that if I need to. If important dates come up that fall in my period week I can either start my period early or late just by taking another week of pills, or stopping a week early. And I don't think you are being selfish to ask for help. I started taking BC because every single vacation that I took from my honeymoon on I had my period and I just got sick of it.
Good luck, I hope your Dr. comes up with something that works for you.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I'm guessing that since you hadn't brought this up to your doctor in previous yearly physicals, that it's something new. Changes in cycles should always be reported to your doctor, as they can be caused by other things, like fibroids. If it's just an abnormal cycle, then taking BC is good option. Just check out all the side effects and choose what's best for your situation.

 

[Jeafl]

If you don't plan on having anymore children (hence the vasectomy!) ask your doctor about endometrial ablation. It was the best thing I have ever done in my life! It was done as an outpatient a year and a half ago, and I have had NO period or even spotting since then. I also have had no symptoms of PMS at all. I am a free woman!

PM me if you want the specific details...

 

[camreesmom]

I had to stop taking the BCP because of migraines also. I don't have the Mirena IUD but some other type. My periods were heavy at first but now they're pretty regular. This IUD is good for 10 years so in 6 more years, I'll be asking for the Mirena. Best thing since sliced bread in my opinion.

 

[OhMari]

I just want to say, "I feel your pain".! Lots of good advice for the OP and for myself too.

 

[Brier Rose]

Add me to the list of those who definitely sympathize!

I had to go off the pill when they caused a blood clot in my eye. Now I'm blind in my left eye, but that's another story!

For the past 2 years I have been having HORRIBLE cramps, and my periods are never predictable. Sometimes they even last for 2 weeks, with about 3-4 days of HEAVY bleeding and HUGE clots!

I quit seeing my OBGYN for different reasons, and have been using the excuse that I don't have a dr., so I just continue on like this month after month. STUPID!!

Honestly before I read this thread I never thought there was anything that could help besides the BC pills.

Maybe it's time to see the doc for me too?

 

[mom23boys]

I also can sympathize. The first 24-36 hrs of my cycle I bleed and clot really bad. Then it goes away for 24 hours then back for 36 hours. It is the wierdest thing but I have always been like that. I cannot take the pill, I am over 35 and smoke. I usually go through 2 bags of sanitary protection each cycle.

Talk to you Dr. you are not selfish. I would go on the pill if I could.

Good Luck.

 

[my3kids]

Someone may have mentioned this but now pills are even being marketed to keep you from having but 4 periods a year. You take a BC pill daily for 3 month, 3 weeks, then the fake pills only 4 weeks a year.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Nothing wrong with asking your doc questions!

I've got period issues and my GYN gave me the NuvaRing.

Didn't need birth control - DH had the snip-snip, too - but it seems to be working. This is so much better than before! My breasts are a little sore, they swelled and had to buy new bras. Small price to pay.

 

[disneygirl1971]

To the OP, please seek a second opinion with another doctor. These kind of cycles are NOT normal. Your post could have been written by myself to a T, except I'm 35(close enough!). About a year and half ago I got sick and tired of it and decided to have my ob/gyn do a laproscopic surgery and was diagnosed with endometriosis. Your syptoms are classic for endo. or even fibroids(which I also had). I wouldn't be surprised if your anemic from all that blood loss, as I was myself and still am. Birth control pills can help but many argue that they will make endo. worse because of the hormones. I did all the hormone testing also. I did the saliva one you do at home and send away. Very interesting. My doctor won't do the blood hormone testing because she argues they are worthless because blood is water soluble and hormones are oil soluble so they will not be accurate so why waste the time and money. I now just take progesterone pills 2 weeks a month to even out my estrogen/progesterone levels, which were way out of whack. I'd rule out any medical causes before you try the birth control pills. Good luck, I hope you get some relief, I know how miserable you feel. It was one club I was more than willing to give up my membership in

 

[horner5]

Thanks to everyone for all of your insight!

I will definitely bring it up tomorrow at my appointment (I'm having a mole burned off for cosmetic reasons-nothing serious-it's just a little mole I've had for years that's on my bra strap line and is annoying and will catch on my strap every once in a while), so I will let you know what options he provides to me and what I've decided to do.

I'm glad to know there are other options besides the pill!

Thanks again!!!!

Amy

 

[Kteacher]

To the OP, just wanted to add another to the Mirena- as someone else stated it is not systemic, so your entire body is not inolved as is the case with bc pills.When my dr. suggested it he asked how I would feel not getting a period for 5 years.....I told him to let me think about it for 2 seconds Good luck to you!