Confused and looking for guidance

[Link4zelda]

New here and looking for advice and help!

Ever since I started my periods they have never been ‘normal’.

After years or trying different pills/ a coil and now being completely hormone free I’m certain that something isn’t right. I’ve had scans and examinations but all anyone has told me is that after I’ve had children I’ll probably find things will be better! (Not helpful)

I have heavy and sometimes extremely painful periods (take tranexamic acid to lighten them) they can appear a few days early or up to a week late! durin my period my bowl movements are awful (tmi) I get a lot of leg cramp nausea and head aches. I also bloat so much that my normal jeans don’t fit. I have painful acne all over my face chest and back, I get dark hair that grows rapidly all over my body. Throughout the month I get a lot of cramps and bloating especially around what I assume is ovulation.

I’m at a complete loss as drs don’t seem to listen or believe me and I really don’t know where else to turn or what to do. I just know something isn’t right! Any advice or help anyone can give me I’d be truly truly greatful.

[Purpledoggy]

I can't offer you much advice but you do have my sympathy - dramatic periods are no fun. Between ages 16 to about 30 my periods were really heavy and the pain would sometimes get to the point of nearly making me pass out. I also got the bloating thing and my IBS was awful around that time. It eased up a little in my mid 30s (although from since 25yo I have had intermenstrual bleeding and I'm not sure that's any better!). I did find Buscopan would help as it settled both the GI cramps and my uterus in one go. I am not sure if that can be taken with tranexamic acid though so would need to check. I assume you have been tested for PCOS? There are some supplements that can help with heavy painful periods in some people - magnesium (300-400 mg a day), vitamin B1 (50-100 mg a day), vitamin C (750 mg a day). Hope you manage to get some comfort xx

[Link4zelda in reply to Purpledoggy]

Thanks for your reply, I will give buscopan a go. I haven’t been tested for PCOS but I have had scans that have shown cysts and potential fibroids and when I went back everything was no longer there so they refused to investigate further. My doctor was going to check my hormones but kept saying I had to have at least 2 of 3 symptoms and because my cysts disappeared he said there was no point. After that I got referred to a gynaecologist and she told me that there was nothing obviously wrong and that having a baby would sort me out. So as you can imagine I just feel abit let down and lost

I’ll give everything you’ve said a bit research and I think I’ll book another appointment with my dr

Thanks so much xx

[Purpledoggy in reply to Link4zelda]

Your frustration is totally understandable. Sometimes I think gynae problems are the worst as they are mostly not life threatening but they do make our lives so very miserable! Good luck xx

[LisaEB]

Having a baby will 'sort you out', that sounds like terrible advice, unless you are thinking about having a baby soon? It could be PCOS, I had the same cysts and then they went. I was diagnosed with PCOS, but my periods don't sound as bad as yours by any stretch.

Endometriosis is one thing linked to heavy periods

Swap doctors if you current one isn't listening. Unfortunately womens issues are dismissed in the health world far too often.

If you are overweight, try loosing weight. I find particularly diary makes things worse when I'm on the time of the month..it may not make a huge different, but worth a try to see something like that can help.

The pill may help to at least have periods when you want them..unless you really are trying for a baby now. If you are ttc, I wish it happens for you soon, so you at least get 9 months off the nightmare it sounds like you are going through x