In need of period advice...

[sohma-kodora.livejournal.com]

I get my period very oddly, if ever. When I do get my period, it turns out to be really heavy.

I have heavy bleeding for about four days out of six. The blood is so heavy that I get clots all the time, to the point where I'm having clots heavy enough every ten-twenty minutes I have to go to the bathroom.

This has happened for the past year. I'm wondering what I should do?

Comments

[erinmdmd.livejournal.com]

How old are you? When did you start menstruating? Have you had any other physical changes? Dietary changes? Changes to your exercise patterns?

[sohma-kodora.livejournal.com]

I started when I was 11 years old. I haven't had other physical, dietary, or exercise patterns changes. At least not that I can think of.

[erinmdmd.livejournal.com]

A lot of what you say sounds like PCOS/polycystic ovarian syndrome. Irregular, hevy periods, long periods, heavy cramps, trouble losing weight, blood sugar issues, and excess hair growth are among the symtoms typical. A gynocologist can do a blood test to check your hormone levels, and may want to follow up with sonogram of your ovaries.

For some women, irregular is normal. Some women just bleed more or for longer periods of time. Still its likely worth getting checked out.

I had a horrible experience getting diagnosed. My periods suddenly got heavier and more painful, and I gained a little extra weight. Went to the doctor at 16 for help- he didn't look at me or ask much, ran no tests and perscribed birth control which temporarily masks the symptoms of the true problem- it regulated my period, I lost a little weight, etc.

But hormones didn't really do anything for the real issue. And as soon as I stopped taking them (for mental health issues caused by the hormones...), my problems started right up again and intensified until I found a doctor who was willing to spend more than 8 seconds loking at my case.

[lady-amorika.livejournal.com]

I second this, went through severe issues with PCOS, which the doctors ignored for YEARS with dire consequences. Get this checked it. It's not an issue now, but it can quickly become one. Make sure you catch it now...

[jenafreaka.livejournal.com]

BC helps.

[erinmdmd.livejournal.com]

Though it can/will just mask the symptoms of an actual problem (PCOS, for one).

[jenafreaka.livejournal.com]

Sometimes just having a heavy and painfull period is a problem in itself, it's more common than not. Personally I've experienced so many problems with it, and known so many other females with similiar issues, I didn't really take into consideration the possibility of a more serious problem. My bad.

[cathubodva.livejournal.com]

It helps some people, but not everyone, and the underlying issue really should be discovered first, for the rare instances when it's something serious.

To the OP: in addition to the possibility of PCOS, which sounds very likely, have your doctor check your thyroid.

[jenafreaka.livejournal.com]

Of course it could always be something more serious, but it doesn't have to be anything more than a bad period. Either way you are right, she needs to see a doctor.