Frustrated By Extremely Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. Can't Take the Pill. Ideas?

**Sparklepants** · 03-08-2011 12:26 PM

(I'm new. hi there.) I am a 33-year old woman with no children and no pregnancies. I am TOTALLY FRUSTRATED by my period, and I'm wondering if anyone has found relief from a similar problem....it might be adenomyosis, and it might be something else...

My periods are very regular, once every 26 to 28 days. I have light bleeding on day 1, followed by very heavy bleeding on days 2 to 4. Then I have a day of light bleeding and possibly one more of very heavy bleeding. I use the Diva Cup, which measures the amount of blood and fluid that you lose during your period. I lose up to 10 ounces in days 2 to 4. Yes. Ten. You read that right. Along with this comes crippling cramps that can sometimes be treated with Aleve IF I start taking it before I start hurting. Sometimes the Aleve doesn't do anything, nor does Tylenol / Advil / etc.

I used to have major diarrhea with the period, but fortunately that's stopped! I do still have some back cramps, though.

The normal solution for this problem is oral contraceptives. I took them for five years, but then I started getting intense migraines and had to stop them. I can't start taking them again both because of the migraines and because I have a mood disorder (severe depression) that is exacerbated by hormone fluctuations.

In the fall, my doc inserted a Paragard IUD. I am sexually active, but I'm allergic to latex and to spermicide, so our birth control options are limited. My body expelled the Paragard, which may be for the best since it can apparently make your periods worse! When the expulsion happened, I had an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed no fibroids or endometrial tissue that might be causing the problem. My doc scheduled another ultrasound for next week...but something tells me they are not going to find anything... the ultrasound might show adenomyosis, but it didn't really seem like they had much of an idea about what they would do if I HAD adenomyosis.

In sum:
Heavy periods, lots of pain, lots of mess.
Can't take oral contraceptives or ANY hormonal birth control because of mood issues and migraines.
Body ejected Paragard.
Probably a bit young for a hysterectomy, not sure I want to completely rule out having kids just yet as I'm still pretty young and not yet married.
COMPLETELY frustrated with the blood loss and discomfort.

Ideas?

**Beautiful Disaster** · 03-08-2011 01:43 PM

That's frustrating. Hopefully if it is adenomyosis your doctor can provide some insight as to what you can do to help it.

How is your health otherwise? Do you exercise regularly (3-4 times per week 30-60 minutes at a time)? How are your eating habits? How is your weight?

In the meantime, be sure you're eating a diet rich in nutrients, lots of greens and other fruits and veggies. You also need to make sure you're eating an iron rich diet.

Hoping you find some answers. Hang in there.

**Sparklepants** · 03-08-2011 04:32 PM

Thanks for your reply! I'm...uh...wow. I feel really isolated by this problem, which is a bit odd, as you'd think it would be the depression that would be isolating! I am part of a great online community for depressed folks, but we don't have much in the way of lady-parts problems. So I appreciate hearing from you.

I should have mentioned my health -- I am very healthy in terms of cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. I'm overweight (large frame, 5' 9", 200 pounds) but I have been heavy my whole life...ugh...it runs in the family. I played sports in college and have stayed pretty active -- I am in the gym six or seven days a week, usually taking classes -- Body Pump, nia, zumba -- all pretty active. (I find the classes more motivating than just going on my own.) I have very few health problems aside from the depression and an underactive thyroid that's easily treated with Synthroid. It's hard for me to lose weight b/c of the meds I take...they make you gain weight big-time. I eat about 1500 to 1800 calories a day, mostly lean protein, dark leafy greens, some dairy, some other veg. I usually avoid starch like bread, pasta, and potatoes b/c they make me really sleepy. I have to keep track of the food b/c the depression comes with some disordered eating...so I know what I eat every day.

I've heard isolated reports that Lamictal, one of the meds I take, can cause heavy periods. It's anecdotal, though...

(Sorry to keep talking, I just...ugh. Like I said, I feel really isolated and frustrated.)

**Beautiful Disaster** · 03-08-2011 05:04 PM

You needn't feel isolated.

There are loads of women who have troubles with extremely heavy periods. With that normally comes bad cramps.

I asked about your weight because sometimes that can cause abnormal hormonal issues. You sound like a very intelligent person who is staying active and eating pretty healthy. I too find classes more motivating!
You don't have enough posts to have PM priviledges yet or I'd just PM you the link (can't posts links on the boards). Try googling: tcoyf and then go to the site and register for the forums. You are very likely there to find women who are experiencing the same thing and can offer lots of advice. But don't leave us here...we want you to stay here too.