Hi all, my periods have always lasted 7 - 9 days, usually light bleeding initially, followed by heavier bleeding and small clots, then lighter towards the end. I would also get lower left pelvic and rectal pain, accompanied by bloating/digestive symptoms, but only in the past few years.
However, last year in June, the duration of bleeding significantly increased from 9 days to 3 - 4 weeks! The pain has also worsened and at times has been so severe, I have had to stop what I'm doing. Paracetamol helps, but not as much as it used to.
Although I'm bleeding for 3 - 4 weeks, the pattern is the same - starts off lightly, then gradually heavier, with bouts of flooding and large, heavy clots. Then lighter again towards the end.
The lower left pain is accompanied by bowel symptoms, like bloating, feeling of fullness, belching and reflux (left sided).
Pelvic U/S was normal, apart from a single subserosal fibroid in the right pelvic region (which has been there for about 10 years), has not increased in size. Hormone blood tests done on day 21 have revealed low progesterone and slightly high estrogen. I'm nearly 40 years old, so not sure if this could also be early perimenopause, another hormone imbalance or taking the pain into account, Endometriosis/Adenomyosis? Or combination of these.
Gynecologist wasn't very helpful and just suggested I should try the POP. I haven't tried it yet, as concerned over potential side effects.
Any thoughts? Anyone have similar symptoms?
Thanks!