In need of advice please, irregular periods

[Hayleybee1]

Hi, I’m very new to all this but was told in 2019 I had PCOS and wasn’t given much help from my gp, just told to google it. I hadn’t had a period since July 2020 then in June 2021 they randomly came back again, I had some spotting for two days in June (25th & 26th) then on the 6th of July 2021 had what seemed like a proper period, it lasted 8 days then stopped. 8 days later I started bleeding again and then since then I seem to bleed for a week or longer then stop for a week/ few days.

The blood is mostly very very light, not enough to be seen on a pad but can be seen after going to the toilet. The majority of the time on the paper the blood is more like a dark red/ brown stain than actual blood, as it would look when your period is about to end. There has been the odd time I’ve had it a bit heavier but nothing more than a medium/ light flow, almost always it looks as described above. I don’t have any other period symptoms or cramps etc.

I have since moved gp surgery and have spoken to the doctor who has booked me in to get bloods taken to check my hormones. Due to the pcos I also really struggle with my weight. I struggle a lot with anxiety, especially health anxiety so I just wanted to post and see if anyone has experienced something similar? If anyone can give me any advice it would be greatly appreciated

[CurlyGirl983]

Hello Hayley! Welcome to the PCOS club! Have to say it sounds really tough what you're going through - how absolutely annoying to have this stop/ start bleeding! Urgh.I too suffered from irregular periods for years but that seems to have evened out though still get issues with weight and anxiety. It's not an easy condition and it's made worse by ineffective medical care.

I think you are doing brilliantly noticing the colour, texture and flow of your bleeds - keep a diary and note these things as well your moods and other types of symptoms. These are clues as to what might be out of balance in your body so use them as helping tools (annoying as they are).

I also cheered when you changed doctor-i changed surgeries 3 times in a bid to get a doctor who would at least listen to me. Still not perfect but the main thing is you accept nothing but the best in care. You are in control. I hope your new doctor looks after you well.

Anxiety issues: take it easy on yourself hey? You're not alone. Pcos is common and can be managed naturally through good food and exercise. You can also have kids, though slightly harder but def not impossible especially if you start to get things in order now. So it really will be OK promise. Breathe and when you're low just be really good to yourself. A good walk, meditation or some slow gentle yoga really helps body and mind. Exercise is always good for pcos blues!

I find by reading/researching about your condition you already feel like you're doing something about it and that makes you feel less worried. To get you started I recommend 2 books: 'Period Power' by Maisie Hill and Tara Costello's 'Red Moon Gang Inclusive Guide to Periods' . They have lots of useful info about periods and menstrual issues and can get you to ask the right questions when at the GP. Both available on Amazon and you can follow the authors on Instagram.

Weight issues: improving your gut health can work wonders for pcos and reduce weight gain. Up your intake of leafy greens - eg spinach and kale.

Try out seed cycling (google it, it's easy and really has helped my period and eased other horrid symptoms such as acne).

Eat healthy fats like avocados, oily fish.

Def cut down refined sugars, processed foods and carbs (so sweets, crisps, white bread/pasta etc).

Invest in some supplements like Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, zinc, magnesium Bisglycinate, vitamin d, omega 3. Yes i know but I take all of these and they have helped.

I'll stop there but I really do wish you the best. While i don't know what is causing your bleeds (make sure you find the doctor who does) I do know that your body is not your enemy it's just trying to nudge you to get some help. It won't resolve overnight (ive had issues for 20 years+) but it can be sorted. In the meantime, keep reaching out to the pcos community. Take care, stay strong.

Book cover for Tara Costello inclusive guide to periods

[Hayleybee1 in reply to CurlyGirl983]

Thank you so much for your brilliant reply. I’mHoping that this doctor will listen to me and be able to help me more than my last gp. Thank you for all advice, I will definitely have a look into these things and fingers crossed I get to the bottom of what’s going on :).

[CurlyGirl983 in reply to Hayleybee1]

Great stuff. Don't lose hope. We're all here for you!