Coping with heavy menopausal period

[taichiperson]

I'm 53 and have not had a period for over six months. The last few times I've had them, they have been heavy - ie I can only go 1 or two hours between changing super plus tampons for the first 24 to 36 hours. I'm not in any discomfort, but this time round it's more like half an hour before I have to change, and I'm finding that difficult to cope with - does anyone have any tips?

[bednobs]

uurrgghh i know what you mean - since having a baby 6 months ago, my periods are so heavy. Like you, no pain but isn't it just horrible? Have you thought about wearing a pad as well?
perhaps you just have to hang in there and it'll get better?

[cupid04]

I had one heavy period before mine stopped a year ago. It lasted several weeks then none since. But previously I had a scan and was told I had fibroids but they wouldn't do anything about them as I was approaching the menopause. I was told they would shrink with the onset of the menopause.
Fibroids can make your periods heavier. I would get a referral from your doctor to see a gynacologist if I was you.

[daffy654]

See your GP, they may prescribe you some HRT to help with this and other menopause symptoms you may be having.

[cupid04]

The doctor might suggest the mirena coil because this can help.

[Kiki-frog]

I have this as well. Apparently this 'flooding' (lovely term!) is really common. I do as bednobs suggests and have pads as well. Belt and braces, so to speak

[taichiperson]

Yes I'm using pads as well, otherwise it would be very messy - I just changed, got into the car and drove into the village to get some more - I couldn't have been gone 20 minutes and had to change when I got back. At the moment it's just a nuisance and I don't have any other symptoms thanks to the ladycare magnet I wear.

[boxtops]

See your GP. My fibroids were large and causing my problems - the flooding ruled my life. My fibroids were large enough to warrant hysterectomy - great joy, I've never looked back. Not saying that would be your solution, but it's worth investigating.

Tip - I invested in a pair of incontinence pants - then at least if you leak, it stays in, you don't risk external staining.

[Kiki-frog]

It could also be worth talking to other female members of your family to see if this is a genetic thing. My mum and my sisters all had the same experience, so there would seem to be a genetic link in my case.

[taichiperson]

Thanks again - there's only my Mum left to ask, and she had a little similar trouble - she didn't think it had been a big deal so hopefully it's a passing thing.

[Mosaic]

After a lifetime of tiny little periods, my 'welcome to the menopause' present was a series of gigantic periods like you describe. Then nothing for 6 months, then same again, then nothing for a year, then one last ka-sploosh.
Horrible while it lasts, but I found that stocking up on the ultra size ultra absorbent pads - and even using two at a time - helped. It is very dispiriting to find oneself gushing blood like a slain pig but it passes.
See your GP and they might send you for a hysteroscopy - if they do, insist on anaesthetic. There's a little lie they sometimes tell that 'it doesn't really hurt'.

[Kiki-frog]

///one last ka-sploosh///

lol, mosaic. you have a wonderful turn of phrase sometimes! Can't stop giggling now.

Sorry you're suffering as well, desktop

[Sqad]

I agree with the "fibroid gang"...although you are not truly post menopausal, the bleeding needs looking into, as well as blood tests to evaluate your state of anaemia, if any.

[Tilly2]

It's horrible isn't it. You feel as though you want to stay sitting on the toilet all the time to save all the trouble.I remember thinking, where is all this blood coming from? All the tips I have have already been mentioned. The only thing I would say is, it will soon be over and then somehow..................... you miss them. Well I do, because I have entered another stage of my life.

[magsmay]

taichiperson Hopefully the end is nearly near -I've gone through exactly the same and am now coping with terrible night sweats. Its very very difficult but try and keep positive that this is a means to an end. personally I would steer clear of HTR and let nature take its course