[classic<3]

Hey everyone, I'm new to the site, and I really hope that I can be of some help to some of you, and I certainly hope some of you can help me!

I'm 19 years old, and this is a situation that I've been dealing with for over a decade now, and it's finally reached a point where I just NEED some advice.

I had my first period when I was 9 years old, and for the first five years, my cycle was EXTREMELY irregular, though now it is far more regular. However, my periods involve unreasonably heavy menstrual bleeding to the point where tampons are completely ineffective, intense pain that is so agonizing that it actually causes nausea and vomiting, and my cycle generally lasts more than seven days. I've had a period that lasted two weeks. I also have abnormal hair growth, especially in the facial region, and have had acne of various degrees since I was 8 years old.

I eat regular, healthy meals and am not sexually active (I'm a virgin,) and have no known allergies or hormone imbalances that could cause these symptoms. The iron level in my blood is sometimes a little low, but I take supplements to help with this.

My question is, what could be causing this, and are oral contraceptives a good option in treating these symptoms? Has anyone else experienced or know someone who has experienced this, and if so, how do they manage it, or what treatment option did they find most effective?

I've tried talking to my mother and other trusted female relatives about this, but they always blame it on stress. However, seeing as this has been going on since the age of 9, I find that explanation to be somewhat inadequate. I don't have many female friends, and the ones I do have, I'm not very comfortable with talking to about it. I've spoken to one friend about it, but she knew even less about the situation than I did.

I know that I should see a doctor, but as a jobless, full-time college student who comes from a poor family and has no health insurance, I just want to get some (free) other opinions before I shell out money that I don't really have at the moment.

Any comments or advice would be greatly appreciated, and I hope everyone is doing well. =]

[sourpuss]

You really need to see a doctor and have your hormone levels checked out. It sounds like they are way out of whack. Spend some time calling every doctor in town and find one that will charge a sliding fee scale. Tell them your $$ situation. Is there a medical facility at your college? Do you have insurance?

[Mes T]

I agree with sourpuss, this situation might warrant seeing a doctor despite the money issues.

Have doctors actually told you before that you DON'T have a hormonal imbalance or are you guessing? Because as the above poster said, I think that's what it is.

Alternatively you could go to a planned parenthood clinic and get some birth control pills there to regulate your periods and make them less intense. No need to continue experiencing that!

[classic<3]

I would go to the Student's Health Center at my university, but I've had several friends (who have been there from various reasons ranging from swine flu to a broken finger) tell me that they're terrible. I'm thinking about just waiting til my summer break, getting a summer job and saving up the money until I can afford it, and hopefully the procedure/prescription/whatever it is the doctor recommends won't be too expensive. =]

[sourpuss]

Try the student center. If they're terrible, then go to plan B, but at least give them a shot. You never know.

I had horrible periods for years and years. My mom took me to a multiple gynos, in 3 different cities over the years and no one took us seriously. One doctor's advice was 'take one advil every hour on the first day of your period' Seriously?! Come on.

It wasn't until I was at the free planned parenthood clinic getting my annual that a nurse practitioner mentioned that she thought I had endometrosis and referred me to a good gyno.

So you never know, there may be someone at 'the terrible health center' that may be able to help you, or at least point you in the right direction. Just because you save up money and go to a 'doctor' doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get any better treatment. And if the school is affordable, it can't hurt to at least go talk to one.

[classic<3]

That's for sure. Honestly, the health center is a less expensive option in the long run. And I need to get a pap smear done to be put on birth control anyway, so I may as well.

Thank you. =]