[AlwaysSearching]

I'm 23 and have dealt with heavy periods since I was 14. My periods used to last between eight and eleven days when I was younger, but now they're down to about six days. Still, there's a lot of bleeding and I feel exhausted every time. I can sleep for ten or twelve hours (getting up a few times to use the bathroom), wake up, and be ready to go back to bed an hour later.

There has also been some spotting--it's happened three or four times since 2006 started, and six or seven weeks passed (with spotting about three weeks in) before I had this period.

My quality of life is severely affected. I don't attend college or have a job (with the exception of petsitting and/or babysitting now and then) because I get so sick every month. I've had to miss concerts I wanted to go to, skip swimming and walks, and put several of my dreams on hold because of this. Of course, my depression and Irritable Bowel Syndrome get worse at that time of the month, too.

I dread getting my period and have done things like barely eating, over-exercising, and deliberately stressing myself in hopes of delaying it.

I can't go on living like this...Fortunately, I talked to one of my sisters last night, in tears, and she agreed to get me some medical help as soon as I feel better. (I don't have a driver's license yet.)

The problem is getting treatment. Both my sisters have used birth control pills, but my family history worries me. My father had high blood pressure, possibly a mini stroke, and died of a heart attack; my mother has had two mini strokes; one of my grandmothers died of an aneurism, and the other, I believe, had a heart attack or stroke shortly before her death. I worry that I'm at risk of developing dangerous side effects if I go on the pill. There isn't a history of any sort of female cancer in my family, though--one aunt has had breast cancer, but she's not a blood relative to me. I do know, from my mother and sisters, that heavy bleeding runs in the family.

Also, I've considered getting a pemanent procedure done, like ablation or even a hysterectomy, but, given my age and lack of children, I don't think any doctor will do a procedure like that on me. I don't want children (have felt this way since I was a little girl myself and nothing's changed). If I ever change my mind about having children, I'll foster or adopt. This isn't an issue for me, and I'd be willing to sign a waiver saying that I understand all the risks, but I still don't think a doctor will agree.

So, I'm wondering what other options are available for me? I need something that will preferably stop my periods completely, or at least reduce them to a light flow. I've heard of the IUD and Essure, but would like to get some feedback from people who have used them, as well as from people who have used other methods, including the pill. I want to have some options to discuss with my doctor when I go in. Thanks!

[Raynaadi]

Wow, talk about the mother of all menstral cycles!! Whenever I go to the doctor, I write down a list of all symptoms, and a list of all questions, also any medications including over the counter. That way you're prepared. I'd also write out your medical history and the family history also. It always pays to be as prepared as possible when going to the doc. I'd definetly get in as soon as possible, not only to rule out something serious, but I'm sure there is something to improve your quality of life! I'm the same way when it comes to kids, don't want them. Most docs won't perform any kind of surgery that will kill chances of reproduction unless you have 2 kids or are 35. How fair is that!! The only birth control I've been on was the pill years ago, and the Depo shot.....did NOT like Depo at all, but it affects every woman differently. If money is an issue for you, check out your local health department. They have great clinicians and work on a sliding fee scale. They can do annual exams and prescribe birth control. I'd definetly get a PAP test. They'll so helpful in the early detection of any problems. Ask your doc if they use the ThinPrep PAP test, it's the best, second best is the SurePath. In the mean time, maybe try some Yoga or Pilates to help strengthen the abdominal area, this can help with menstral cramps. Drink plenty of milk and try Estroven. I used to use the generic of this when I was on Depo. It helps with natural hormones we need to get through the monthly. And see the Doc!!!!

Gee, do I feel for you. My periods altered my life somewhat too--- very painful and heavy flow.

I finally got some medical advice when I was 30 years old and even though heart disease is in my family-- my dad died of a heart attack, my brother survived one and a sister had breast cancer--- I went on the pill. It was THE best thing I ever did!! I was on it for 10 years and so far I've not had any side affects.

This is not meaning for you to go on the pill.....I think going for medical advice is your best direction at this time-- and hopefully the doctor can help you make the best decision for your own body and mind.

Just thought I'd share my experience with you.

Good luck to you!

[AlwaysSearching]

Thanks, Raynaadi. I'm definitely going to write down my symptoms and familiy history, and look into medical care on a sliding scale. It's been awhile since I've gone to a doctor, so I'll need that exam, anyway.

Also, thank you for sharing your own experiences and offering advice on making myself more comfortable. I really appreciate that!

[AlwaysSearching]

That makes me feel a lot better. Thank you.

I try to tell myself that the pill hasn't caused any problems for either of my sisters, so it probably won't harm me, either. I'm paranoid, though!

But you're right: Consulting a professional and discussing this with them is the best thing I can do.

[Maven]

I would definitely talk to a gynecologist and tell your family history of health problems, and let him/her decide. I also had heavy periods and major cramps as a teen. Things got better in my early 20's.

If your doctor puts you on birth control, you might consider asking him/her to put you on it with instructions so you can skip your period. You have it every three or four months. I've done this, and research shows that you get the same benefits and risks as with taking bc regular. Just Google "skip periods" or similar keywords to find information on this.

I had a counselor suggest to me to get a hysterectomy when I told her I didn't want children. She said she'd done it and it was no big deal, but I thought she was crazy, and still do. It's a big deal. It's a solution for some people, and necessary for some problems, but it can be helpful or create problems. I had an aunt for which it helped. I've heard of women losing their sex drives, or having it lowered. Others, it increases. I would suggest, if you choose this route, even though you don't want children, talk to your doctor about freezing some of your eggs, just in case you decide you want children in the future. It's not an easy procedure, but it gives you the option, should you ever change your mind.

BTW, I didn't have any problems on the Pill, myself, and there are people in my family with many different health problems, including heart problems, diabetes, cancer, etc.

[Raynaadi]

Keep us updated AlwaysSearching! I hope you find some relief soon. And when it hits again, you can always come here and vent and scream, we'll be here to listen =)

[AlwaysSearching]

Thanks, Maven. I'll have to talk to the doctor about skipping periods, to see if that's a possibility to me.

Getting a major surgical procedure is something I've considered if other options didn't do the job, but the recovery time worries me. Well, that, and the thought of having surgery is scary! (Never had it before, for any reason.) I just want to make the best decision for my health and sanity.

Thank you, too, for sharing your story about the pill and suggesting freezing my eggs. I can't really see myself doing this, as I'd rather adopt a child that needs a home if I decided to have a kid someday (I don't have anything against people who want to have biological children; I'm just always rescuing animals, and I could see myself wanting to "rescue" a child should I ever want one!). It's interesting to read about that option, though.

[AlwaysSearching]

I will! It's good to know I have somewhere to vent where other people understand.

[katheryn]

just a thought a few years ago i wa s refered to be steralised because i was having very heavy periods, but as i was over weight Gynaecologist would not do the procedure but he came up with a very good alternite option, as i was allready using a coil he sugested one which would give of hormones and eventually i wouldnt see a period , with having four children , and family histroy of heart problems and also being anemic this new coil he said would take me up to my menapouse, that was 2003 and it should be ok untill 2008 the name of this coil is MIRENA it might be called something else in the us, i have had no problems, i found this website hope this helps, http://www.mirena.com/html/index.html

[AlwaysSearching]

Thank you, katheryn! Yes, it's called Mirena here in the States as well, and it sounds like one of the better options for me. I'll bring it up when I go to the doctor.