Sudden heavy periods

[00goddess.livejournal.com]

Although I do plan to see my doctor about this, I have some questions for the community beforehand.

3 periods ago, my periods suddenly became very heavy. I have never had heavy periods before, although in my late teens I did have some heavy clotting. I am lacto-ovo vegetarian, have been since before I started menstruating, and my periods have always been light-to-medium. Back when I used tampons, I used slender regular Tampax and did not need more absorption. I have been using the Keeper since 2001, which helps me monitor my flow much more accurately.

Anyway, 3 periods ago, I had a really heavy period. I actually overflowed my Keeper on the first day, which is a ridiculous amount of blood to lose (and yeah, it really did overflow, not just leak.) If it had just been the one period, I wouldn't worry about it, but the period after that was also very heavy, and I am having a heavy period now. Friday I actually overflowed my Keeper again- I was sitting here and suddenly I felt a well of blood come out of it and into my underpants.

So does anyone have any idea what could be causing these heavy periods? I do take ibuprofen during my periods, but I have been doing that for about a decade. So I know it's not the ibuprofen. The other medications I take during my period, I've been taking for about 3-4 years, so I do not think they are the cause.

I know it might be nothing, just a natural hormonal change or whatever, but it is such a big change, and I have so many problems with my periods, that I am concerned.

ETA: The only major changes I can think of are that I was eating a LOT more sugar. I was having a stressful semester and my illness was very hard and I was craving sweets all the time. I have also gained about 15-20 pounds during this semester.

Comments

[taldragon.livejournal.com]

could it have been stress? if your illness was worse, and you were stressed...that does funny things to periods, imo.

i dont know if the sugar cravings or the weight gain would have affected your periods, but it's a possibility.

have you discussed this with your GP or illness specialist?

otherwise, could it be a change in reactions to your medication? sometimes things change, and reactions develop 'spontaneously'?

sorry i'm not very helpful :(

[00goddess.livejournal.com]

No, I figured I would only go to my doctor about it if it continued, and since it has, I will, but I thought i would check in here first in case anyone had any similar experiences. The m-hut has been good to me in that respect.

[taldragon.livejournal.com]

sorry. i read birthcontrol too, and sometimes 'see your GP' is an automatic reaction :)

your icon mesmerises me, randomly.

[00goddess.livejournal.com]

Have you seen the video?

[taldragon.livejournal.com]

nooo? video?

[00goddess.livejournal.com]

Do a search for "kitty cat dance" and crank up the volume. You wil be very pleased.

[rachel2205.livejournal.com]

I know it's a boring reply, but any significant changes in flow should be discussed with a doctor. For the time being, make sure you're getting enough nutrients, especially iron - with that blood loss you don't want to get anaemic!