Light periods with endometriosis

[Samii12x]

So I’ve been on contraception for about 6 years, I’ve been on the implant for most of this time and then swapped to the injection just three months ago.

I have varied periods over the last two years when I began having periods again due to the contraception stopping them prior.

I’ve had periods that have lasted for three weeks, brown discharge which could last for a week or two, two periods in a month but I wouldn’t say my periods have been heavy. I have however suffered a lot of pain when on my periods and it’s becoming a daily thing! The one thing I worry about is if I come off contraception my periods would be hell and I wonder about how heavy they would be if I didn’t have the help of contraception.

Anyway, my question is, is it possible to have endometriosis with light periods and being on contraception? I always read that people always have heavy, clotted periods and it’s one of the main symptoms.

[Emcox]

Hi Samii

Like you i have not been diagnosed with endo but have seem a gynaecologist and ahe thinks i could have a mild form of it. I have always had very light periods on and off the pill. I came off the pill about 4/5 years ago because of bad side affects. To begin with my periods were ok but then they became so painful and the last 2 years they really got me down i would get depressed a lot. My pelvis had also started aching all the time and my hips didn’t think much of it tben i started getting sharp pains in my pelvis this was back last july. Spoke to doctor who referred me and now I’ve been back on the mini pill for 2 months and for the first time in a month I’ve had no period which is anazing. I’m still struggling with the mood swings and tiredness and still getting some pain but its early days. Sorry for long reply but guess I’m trying to say i have similar symptoms to you and I believe i have endometriosis and it does seem to affect everyone differently. Em x

[Starstellar7]

I have stage 4 endo and my periods aren't heavy at all. It's the one symptom I don't have! Each woman is different, each woman with endo has slightly different variations. But it isn't normal to get severe pain with menstruation. Best wishes

[Heloo85]

Hi. I have been diagnosed with endo. Stage 4. Deep infiltrating. So on the severe end. One of my symptoms was my periods becoming lighter and longer. My endo doesnt respond to any treatment. All contreception makes me bleed, therefore cripples me. My endo is even active on Zoladex. Ive had excision and it was back within weeks. So no, it isnt all about heavy periods and yes, it can still be active under contreception. Xx

[princessk09]

Hey, I have light periods but severe crippling period pain and painful sex. Also have a bunch of other symptoms associated with endometriosis. Pelvic exams make me cry in agony

I’ve tried loads of contraceptive pills and endo hasn’t responded to any and even strong painkillers don’t help the pain. Which is why I’m having a lap.

Every woman is different, some have heavy periods, others don’t

[Samii12x in reply to princessk09]

I agree with all that you have wrote, I was crying during my pelvic exam as it was so so painful!

I’ve been on contraception for a long time but even when I’ve had periods they have been hell!

I was trying to think about all the times I’ve had really serious pain and it all linked with my time of the month! They joys, especially when I was bleeding for about two-three weeks at a time!

[princessk09 in reply to Samii12x]

Yeah I saw a general gynae who said there was no tenderness on pelvic exam and that the pain I had was normal!!

Went to an endo specialist privately and he said it was tender and could see in my face I was in agony but he was really nice and talked to me throughout the exam

I don’t take contraceptive pills anymore due the side effects I had and going gluten free whilst living with my parents is hard as they aren’t supportive

[Samii12x in reply to princessk09]

After I went through the painful examination she then told me I get all this pain because I broke my leg when I was about 8 and it’s muscle pain! Not helpful at all!

I have since seen a new gynaecologist and he is performing my lap!

[princessk09 in reply to Samii12x]

Omg haha. The specialist has said which spots are tender on the report he emailed me but I have no idea what they mean tbh. I posted something on here to see if anyone could help me xx

[Samii12x in reply to princessk09]

It’s not very good when they don’t explain things to you! We just have to guess!

A lot of people are very helpful and going through what we’re going through so it’s always worth asking on here! Xx

[princessk09 in reply to Samii12x]

I did try google haha but it said something about the adnexal of the uterus which was on the report which is something to do with the ovaries and tubes xx

[Samii12x in reply to princessk09]

Oh, interesting!

[princessk09 in reply to Samii12x]

Yeah as this wasn’t pick up by a general gynae 2 weeks earlier

[Samii12x in reply to princessk09]

I think it does make such a difference seeing a specialist!

[Hay1984]

Hi, I’ve been diagnosed with endo but have never had heavy periods (on and off contraception). None of my symptoms were ever what you would typically associate with endo. My periods are so light there’s no point even using regular tampons and annoyingly companies don’t seem to be making ‘light’ tampons anymore 😬

Everyone presents different symptoms, make sure you get the pain checked out x

[Samii12x in reply to Hay1984]

I’ve got my lap on the 22nd Of jan so I’m looking forward to finally having some answers. I was just concerned as everyone reports heavy, painful periods.

My periods aren’t heavy but are most definitely painful and I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a normal period(probably hell) but it’s nice to know other peoples experiences!

[princessk09 in reply to Samii12x]

I was just wondering how long did you have to wait for a lap? Was it quite a long waiting list or not

[Samii12x in reply to princessk09]

I had my gynaecologist appointment beginning of December which was actually for something else but I told him about my other problems which he then said that he will perform a lap! I got a letter about two weeks later telling me my pre op is the 15th which is next Monday and my surgery is on the 22nd Of jan. So it only took Just over a month from seeing the gynaecologist