Heavy, prolonged periods

[Mummybear0213]

Could this be related to thyroid problems?

All my life my cycles have been like clockwork. This last year though they've been extremely heavy, painful and long. I've actually been bleeding for over 2 weeks on and off now. It's really getting me down, and causing other very unpleasant symptoms.

I developed eczema around 6 years ago and my flare ups are worse than ever at the moment.

Sorry this is more of a moan than anything, I'm not sure there's much anyone can really say.

For those that are interested I have an ultrasound scan/biopsy(?) booked for next month after my useless ENT appointment I had recently. I actually received the letter yesterday about that appointment and the doctor has wrote the opposite of what I said which I'm really annoyed about - I explained my throat feels full all the time, she said 'sometimes' in the letter. She has made it sound like I'm an over-anxious postnatal woman with no problems 🙄

Also seeing the GP about my high tpo results next week, god knows what they'll say about that - "it's normal" most likely.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Looking at previous posts

You have Hashimoto’s

High TPO antibodies

At least one test with TSH over 5

When were vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin levels last tested

Please add results and ranges

What vitamin supplements are you taking

Important to maintain GOOD vitamin levels as low vitamin levels tend to lower TSH

You need a second test with TSH over 5 to get diagnosis

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Heavy periods are common hypothyroid symptom

Obviously likely to lead to anaemia and low ferritin

Request full iron panel test for anaemia

Plus you need coeliac blood test too

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng20/c...

1.1 Recognition of coeliac disease

1.1.1 Offer serological testing for coeliac disease to:

people with any of the following:

persistent unexplained abdominal or gastrointestinal symptoms

faltering growth

prolonged fatigue

unexpected weight loss

severe or persistent mouth ulcers

unexplained iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

type 1 diabetes, at diagnosis

autoimmune thyroid disease, at diagnosis

irritable bowel syndrome (in adults)

first‑degree relatives of people with coeliac disease.

[rosael56]

Yes its a common symptom. I have 12-14 days of bleeding each month, often my period will start and then stop, then come back a week later. Completely messed up. And have been for years.

I have hypothyroidism but am currently unmedicated, but I'll let you know if Levo (which I should be getting soon, fingers crossed) sorts it out!

I've had every gynae test under the sun - ultrasound, pelvic MRI, up to date smear, hormone bloods, hysteroscopy and even a laparotomy! - and it shows no cause for the bleeding. So I am confident its thyroid related.

[Insomania]

My periods were longer heavier post partum, my iron low. I can recommend Tranexamic Acid, it’s a wonder drug for heavy periods and really helping me keep my iron levels well maintained. Top tip from a haemotology nurse but why oh why aren’t women told these things!

[Regenallotment]

yes I did, much improved by following all SlowDragon advice. Vits, thyroid dose, testing, diet etc. I have fibroids so heavy anyway but heavier if all my levels are low. I do resort to transexamic acid for days 1-3 that helps 🌱