Menstrual concerns...serious answers only please???

Question

I am 31yrs old and this is the first time that I'm experiencing a period this heavy. Not to mention this dull headache that is coming along with it. I hate to sound disgusting, but I am running back to the restroom atleast every two hours, if not less to change my tampon. I am leaking more than ever. Does it sound like something may be wrong? What should I do or use to minimize my use of sanitary products? Please help if you have experienced the same problem or know what could be wrong. Serious answers only please.

I have had three children, the youngest being three yrs old now. And my tubes were tied in December of 2003.

Answer 1

Hello Steph,

It certainly appears you are amidst a change bringing frustration beyond tolerance.

It isn't unusual for a heavier than normal flow at various times or even for leaking. There are a numerous amount of things that could cause this situation but initial symtoms are only signals for difference and change, not of a specific problem.

Keep a journal of events and other changes you may note such as headaches, pain, cramps or possible itchyness.

Also make note of the colour of the flow and watch closely for an abstract colour as green or brown.

It would be wise not to use tampons for the time being as well.

Follow thru with this and into your next cycle and, should this repeat itself, definitely see your GYN and bring your journal with you if you do not remember events of this cycle.

Answer 2

I've been having periods that heavy for the last 10 years and sometimes they last nearly a month. I can't tell you what's causing your situation, but I can fill you in on the possible causes. In the end though, you need to see a good gyne (emphasis on good...especially someone who's on staff at a major university) and have a slew of blood tests on your blood sugar, thyroid, etc, an ultrasound to rule out polyps or other problems, and maybe a D & C if things don't change.

The possible causes range from simple polyps to an estrogen overload to a bunch of other hormonal problems.

The most common cause is estrogen imbalance. If you've gained weight and haven't lost it then the adipose tissue in your belly is creating its own estrogen. But it's not a clean estrogen and your body isn't creating the progesterone to balance against it. If this is the case then the first thing they'll tell you is to lose 10% of the excess weight and your body will go back to normal. Didn't happen for me. I lost over 70 pounds and they're still going strong as ever. They did 4 ultrasounds through the years and never found anything amiss. It took almost 2 years to find a doctor to explain the menorrhagia and hypermenorrhagia (that's the actual term for this) to me and to suggest that the solution was a $20 bottle of progesterone cream. If I don't use it, I'm in trouble. If I do use it then my periods do end in about a week. If I don't I'll pass clots as big as a hamburger.

If your thyroid is going wacko then you can also start getting heavy periods. It's an easy thing for the doctor to diagnose and even easier to treat. But you need the blood test to rule it in or out.

If you have polyps or fibroids in your uterus then you can also have severe bleeding. That's the harder one to fix...you need to go in for outpatient surgery to have them removed.

There are other things that can be going on. But you won't know without an exam. If you do have recurring menorrhagia then they'll tell you that the alternatives are birth control pills, IUDs or a procedure called uterine ablation. I'm opting for that and have it scheduled for early April. It's a 90 second procedure and the only drawback is that you can't have more kids. But if you've already addressed that then there's no harm at all.

If your bleeding doesn't slow down in 3 days, see your doctor. Watch it for several months to see if it changes. If it doesn't, then let the doctor step in to correct it.

I hope this helps...

Answer 3

If you have never had such a heavy flow and use TAMPONS and this happens every month now---go to a Gyne. Read the paper that comes with you TAMPONS, one of the side effects of TSS is headaches. I don't wanna scare you but if this is just happening now and you've been using TAMPONS for a prolonged time, I would have it checked out. Please do your body a favor and use pads. I know they're not comfortable, but which do u care more about, living longer or being comfortable for a few days?

Answer 4

My doc told me that if you have to change more than once an hour or so, its a danger sign, so you are probably OK. It also depends on how many days this lasts. Nothing may be wrong, but talk to your ob-gyn tomorrow and let her (or him) check you out. If you don't have one, call Planned Parenthood or a local womens group for a referral. Don't worry, just get info and take care of it.

Answer 5

I am only 16. and i always have heavy ones it may just be your changing the way u bleed. because i was really really heavy at the beginning then it got really short. and now its heavy again but noly last 3 days. so just check with a doctor if your nto sure.

Answer 6

well i wouldnt know personally, but my mom after having kids started experiencing it lately, so i dont think you have a serious problem. if you've had kids, maybe both of you are going through the same thing, but you may ask a doctor if it worries you this much.

Answer 7

i have had this problem,it isnt anything serious unless you are having huge blood clots or extreme cramping.it could just be a heavy period.stress could be a factor.

Answer 8

not sure...? it never hurts to just call up your doc or call a nurses' health line.