Help With Period Relief

Dia Minha · #1 05-19-2008, 10:44 AM

Every since losing Levi last July I have had miserable periods. For several months my cycles were not regular. I had a lot of irregular bleeding and spotting. My cycles were really short, 15-21 days. I did some research and discovered flax seed could help regulate my cycle. I have seen some amazing improvements. My cycle now runs 26-28 days, which I am very grateful for.

However, my period is still really long, 7-10 days. This includes serveral days spotting. I will have 2 days spotting to begin with. Then 1-1 1/2 days light to medium flow. For the next 2-3 days I have a very heavy flow (changing tampon every 1 1/2-2 hours, which is actually an improvement from the 1/2-1 hour I have had in the past). I usually will wear both a tampon and pad during this time, because what mother can actually make it to the bathroom every 1-2 hours. After another day of light to medium flow, I will have another day or so of spotting. Then my period will pick back up again and I'll have a medium to light flow for another 2-3 days. Then I'll have another 2-3 days of spotting. I feel like my entire life is on hold for 7-10 days, because I never know what to expect. And this is an improvement.

I have tried researching how to shorten and lighten periods without using synthetic hormones and have been unsuccesful. Do any of you ladies have any experience with this or know of something that has worked for someone else? I'm so tired of spending 1/3 of my life in the bathroom. If I didn't have to give up another 1/3 to major depression, anxiety and plain oneriness, it might not be so bad. But with the major PMS and the long heavy periods, I'm giving up 2/3 of my life being miserable.

natickgirl · #2 05-19-2008, 03:02 PM

Dia,

I'm sorry you're having so many female problems. I have a friend in your same situation, and it is tough on her.

You really might want to consider synthetic hormones. I take oral contraceptives because my mother died of ovarian cancer, and taking "the pill" takes some work off your ovaries & reduces your risk of cancer. A big benefit of the pill is that it regulates your hormones, and makes your cycle very predictable. PMS symptoms arent' bad. I do still get crampy during ovulation time, but not like I used to.

The biggest benefit for you might be that over time the pill causes the lining of the uterus to thin. When that happens, there is less to flow during your period. My periods have become very short & light. (Going from 5-6 days to 2-3 days.) A couple of months it was nearly non-existent. I asked my Dr. if I should be concerned. He said there is no reason for concern, but I could go off the pill for a couple of months, if I wanted to, to let the uterine lining thicken up again. (Now, explain to me why any woman would want a heavier period?)

One drawback to the pill is that it supposedly takes several months (so I'm told) to get pregnant once you've stopped taking them. I didn't find this to be the case! I conceived within 2-3 months each time. If you're extremely fertile, it probably wouldn't take long...just in case you're thinking about having more children.

Good luck.

Dia Minha · #3 05-19-2008, 03:50 PM

Thanks for the advice Natick. I will talk to my doctor about it. I'm a little worried about the side effects, mostly weight gain. Although I have seen advertisements for one, I think it is called Yaz, that helps relieve alot of PMS symptoms and if I could get a little help with that I might actually be able to loose the weight.

natickgirl · #4 05-20-2008, 08:41 AM

I hadn't heard about gaining weight as a side effect. I know a few side effects are a possible increase in risk for breast cancer, and possible increase in risk for blood clots in the legs. One benefit is it helps your skin, so acne breakouts are lessened. I guess all medications & herbal supplements have pros & cons.

I saw the ad for Yaz, too. Sounds interesting.

Dia Minha · #5 05-20-2008, 11:49 AM

I was talking to a friend today and she said she had very low iron and long, heavy periods. Her doctor put her on Yasmin and she has been doing great ever since. She has even managed to loose 50lbs in the last year. Yaz is supposed to be even better. It is the basically an inproved form of Yasmin. So I'm diffently going to talk to my doctor about it.