Thanks serafim and rapunzel and NuckingFuts...

I had no idea that period heaviness problems can't be found out from a regular pap.. I'm wondering if I should at this point be asking my gp to refer me to a gyn. I've only ever had 3 pap tests done in my life and they were all done by my family doctor. I don't even know if she would even refer me to a gyn though because she always thinks my problems are all psychosomatic related due to my anxiety and never really takes me seriously when I have a concern about something that isn't related to my mental health issues.. but I guess it's worth a shot to ask when I go next month for my b12 shot. I know I often have problems with my iron but I always figured it was because I don't eat red meat. If there are types of birth control to take to lessen the heaviness and pain from my period, I'd love it but all the previous types of birth control pills I tried before made me sooo nauseous that I had to stop them because the nausea was so bad it was worse than the original menstral cramps. Anyone know if they have any other birth control in non pill form that doesn't cause nausea? I tried the nuva ring before (solely for the purpose of preventing pregnancy though, not for my periods) so I'm not sure if that type of birth control is also used for period control? It was so long ago I can't even remember if it helped my periods or not. I'm willing to try just about anything at this point, I just really hope it doesn't keep causing severe nausea like the other ones.

Rapunzel, what is the name of the pill (or shot?) that makes you only have your period every 3 months? Is there any potential serious side effects to it or is it basically the same as most type of birth control methods? Does it lessen your chances of becoming pregnant later on in life? If not, then I may seriously consider it (if my drug plan covers it).