Do any of you (WOMEN) have really heavy periods?

Question

I am 25 with a 1yr old son. After I had my son myhusband and I decided that I should no longer use birth control pills as I am heavy and I smoke socially etc... and 3 people we knew died from a birth control related blood clot in the past year, so since I have been off the pill my periods have been awful, I use the highest absorbancy tampon I can and I still ahve to change them about every two hours and almost every night I will wake up in a puddle of blood ruining my mattress and sheets, I dont know what else to do, I cant do much more then to wear and overnight pad and tampon. Can anyone offer info on what you do if you have a heavy period thanks

Answer 1

I used to have this problem, I eventually grew out of it... Was your birth control helping your periods? I'm 20, on seasonale, and a moderate smoker. I'm well aware of the risks, but the highest risk are heavy smokers (pack a day or more, over 35) according to several gynecologists I've spoken to. Sometimes the risk is worth the result. It definitly was for me, until I outgrew the heavy periods.

Something to help in the meantime is to double up at night, using a tampon and a winged pad. If you're truly a heavier lady, I think they make pads to better fit your body so you aren't as "leaky". This is what I would do, and it usually helped.

If possible, definitly go back to your gyn and tell them about what's going on. She/he will be able to help alot more. You could have the beginning or moderate stages of endometriosis. Something like a D&C could help your heavy periods too, though that's usually only done when birth control isn't an option, or endometriosis has been diagnosed.

Answer 2

I am 24 with a 18 month old daughter. I got off the pill because I wanted something I didn't have to take everyday. My period was very heavy too. I got an IUD and have not had a period since I got it in April. It's great! I'm not sure of the risks with smoking, but as they have hormone free IUD's, that might be the way to go. It is a little painful getting them, but 5 minutes worth of pain for 5-10 years of worry free sex is worth it to me.