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period advice

merrybiscuitmerrybiscuit Posts: 648
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Hi,

I came off the pill in May as I was advised to until my blood pressure settled down (it was quite high) I took a blood pressure machine home but it turned out that it was because I was scared of the doctors and the pill wasn't causing my high blood pressure. I was off the combined pill (mycrogynon 30) for approx 7 days and noticed a positive change. So with the agreement of my husband I stopped taking the pill and used other methods.

I am now 25, but was put on the pill at the age of 12 as my periods were heavy and I was vommitting. I was having to take a few days off school each month.

Since coming oFf the pill I have felt more myself, but my periods have finally come back. I am on my period for about 7-10 days.

On friday I went to the GP to see what they could do. They said they can give me something to stop the heavy bleeding or I could go back onto a different pill.

I opted for trying a new pill, he gave me marvelon, another combined pill that has more oestrogen in it. (I have tried prostegon only methods and they don't work)

So I started taken marvelon on friday, finished my 9 day period yesterday and I have had to take a day off work today as my stomach keeps cramping (to the extent it's causing me to cry) and I have started vomitting.

I am not sure if I should go back to my GP or how long this lasts. Also if I should request to be referred to a gynae department to see if there are any underlying problems. I have had a smear and no problems.

Sorry for such a long post.

MB

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    LightningIguanaLightningIguana Posts: 21,854
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    Give NHS direct a call and if they are no help then go back to your doctor. If it's affecting your daily life then something isn't working for you.
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    Early BirdEarly Bird Posts: 2,147
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    wow 21 views and no replies......

    I guess I've been lucky when it comes to periods, I've never had long, painful periods. All I can suggest is that you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist - as your GP has no answers for you. You do have the right to see a gynocologist, they deal with problems such as your everyday, so will be able to give you real help.

    you shouldn't have to suffer as you are!
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    merrybiscuitmerrybiscuit Posts: 648
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    Thanks for your replies. I am having a duvet day today. Am going to watch girly movies and see if a rest helps.

    If not I will go back to the GP. Just feel silly going back again so quickly.
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 12,881
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    That is not right to have periods that long, with pain and vomiting. Insist on a gynae referral. Sorry, but in my experience some GPs are rubbish when it comes to period problems, which is amazing considering half of their patients have periods at some point in their lives.

    I was referred for much lesser problems than those and once a physical cause was ruled out after a quick look around under a general anaesthetic they at least knew how to proceed.

    If they won't refer you speak to your local PALS (Patient Advisory Liaison Service).
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    nickyislady_tnickyislady_t Posts: 597
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    To cur a very long story short I had many problems with my periods since i was 12 years old and the Drs just told me not to worry about it. Flash forward 16 years and my friend told me about her PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) which seemed to match some of my sypmtoms so i demanded that the Dr test me for that. Lo and behold I had cysts on my Ovaries and they put me on a Pil called Yasmin. Everything was great for a year or so of me taking it until i came off earlier this year. Once i stopped taking it i had "normal" periods for the first time since i started at 12 years old! i was regular and it was not heavy at all, just what i would class as normal, plus they only lasted about 4 or 5 days rather than my usual 10 days!

    Speak to your Dr again and ask them to send you for tests, even if there's nothing wrong and this is normal for you and your body, at least you'll finally know :)
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    merrybiscuitmerrybiscuit Posts: 648
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    Thanks nickyislady_t I have read a lot of people have said PCOS can be a reason.

    Did you get referred to a specialist consultant for your diagnosis? I may well try and find out.
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    nickyislady_tnickyislady_t Posts: 597
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    Thanks nickyislady_t I have read a lot of people have said PCOS can be a reason.

    Did you get referred to a specialist consultant for your diagnosis? I may well try and find out.

    I first went for a normal Dr's appointment and got a locum so i told her about all my symptoms and as she was new etc i think she was being extra cautious and took a load of blood to send off. A week later the results were back and it showed that my hormone levels were out but even then they werent going to send me to the hospital for a scan! I had to DEMAND i was sent!!
    I went to see the Gyne (not sure how it's spelt) at the hospital 6 weeks later and they did the scan. Even then i didnt get a lot of help really, i was just put on the pill and given a cream to slow my extra hair growth and then the specialist said to me "you can find out the rest on the internet"
    I just cant believe how bad it all was really. The only thing i was glad of was that they'd finally diagnosed me with something so i could then go find my own support in books or the internet or friends.
    The only thing then i was worried about was having a baby as i'd heard it was next to impossible (again the hospital told me this too!) but 3 months after coming off the pill and i caught, I'm 17 weeks now :-D
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    nuttytiggernuttytigger Posts: 14,053
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    Go back to GP and make sure you get it seen to, I have heavy, painful periods and have to take Cyklokapron and Mefenamic Acid throughout the duration of my period now, as the doctor wanted to put me on the pill but I refused.
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 453
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    Don't feel silly about going to see your GP again - believe me, they get far less important visits - I should know!

    If you're having a period that lasts up to 10 days, and it's heavy, the chances of you becoming a bit anaemic are increased too which could make you feel more tired etc., so it's best for you to go back and hopefully they can sort something out for you.
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    flagpoleflagpole Posts: 44,641
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    sounds like an IUS would be perfect for you to me.

    and when i hear about painful periods my mind always jumps to endometriosis which is always appallingly diagnosed.
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    nuttytiggernuttytigger Posts: 14,053
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    flagpole wrote: »
    sounds like an IUS would be perfect for you to me.

    and when i hear about painful periods my mind always jumps to endometriosis which is always appallingly diagnosed.

    They've told me I don't have anything wrong with me, its because of my weight thats causy heavy, painful periods.
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    merrybiscuitmerrybiscuit Posts: 648
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    Is the IUS the coil?

    I am going to try and get a appointment tomorrow after work. It is making me really tired (just been asleep all afternoon!) And on Tues got home from work and slept for about 12 hours. Hubby woke me for tea which I ate and then went back to bed.

    I will go back, I just hate feeling like I am wasting his time. I work for the NHS (not medical) and know how much time costs!
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    flagpoleflagpole Posts: 44,641
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    IUS is the coil. but not the old fashioned barbed wire that is the IUD. the modern plastic one that is hormone impregnated. i'm not going to write a thesis on it cos the info is freely available but it's very suitable for treating heavy periods, for some people their periods stop completely but more normally they are lighter. and it lasts 5 years.
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,156
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    Is the IUS the coil?

    IUS stands for intra-uterine system rather than IUD (intra-uterine device), it's very similar to the old-fashioned coil but it also releases a small amount of hormone into your system.

    As well as being a very good contraceptive it's also licenced for use with problem periods - ie heavy and/or painful. It sometimes takes a few months to settle after it's been fitted but a lot of women then don't have periods at all. It can be a wee bit painful when it's being inserted but it only takes a few minutes - it then stays in place for 5 years (although it can be removed quickly and easily if you want to get pregnant). The brand name is Mirena.

    Please don't feel bad about going back to your GP - try a different one if necessary, until you find one more sympathetic. And don't assume that female GPs are best at this kind of thing - it doesn't necessarily follow at all, strangely enough.

    Finally - ibuprofen is always better than paracetamol for period pain (but take care if you're asthmatic) and a hot water bottle will also help a lot.
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,156
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    Oops - crossed posts Flagpole! :D
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    nuttytiggernuttytigger Posts: 14,053
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    See that would help me more than 11 tablets a day during my period, but I am unwilling to go on anything.
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    merrybiscuitmerrybiscuit Posts: 648
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    Thanks. It is useful to know. I may consider this.

    Unfortunatley no GP appointment until thurs, but I have booked it! Fingers crossed they will sort something out!

    Thank you all for your help, it really has been useful/ reassuring!
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    nickyislady_tnickyislady_t Posts: 597
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    Let us know how you get on and good luck :)
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    alsmamaalsmama Posts: 4,564
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    I can really recommend transexamic acid. It massively reduces the heaviness of my periods.
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    nuttytiggernuttytigger Posts: 14,053
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    alsmama wrote: »
    I can really recommend transexamic acid. It massively reduces the heaviness of my periods.

    Is that the same as the Mefenamic Acid?

    I am also right now willing my period to come, which makes a change from not wanting it!
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    TogglerToggler Posts: 4,592
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    I suffered agonies from my early teens with the curse, it got worse and worse, and then I had a hysterectomy at 39. Heaven, absolute bliss and for me the true secret of eternal youth! I have never felt more feminine since casting off that monster.

    However if you want a family it is not appropriate, but for those who have gone past that, I'd give it consideration.
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 7,363
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    Toggler wrote: »
    I suffered agonies from my early teens with the curse, it got worse and worse, and then I had a hysterectomy at 39. Heaven, absolute bliss and for me the true secret of eternal youth! I have never felt more feminine since casting off that monster.

    However if you want a family it is not appropriate, but for those who have gone past that, I'd give it consideration.

    Same here. An early menopause at 36 was wonderful for me.
    I did used to suffer terribly every month (so did hubby!)
    It was always less painful for me if I didn't drink too much fluids just before the period and stayed away from sweet foods.
    I also used to do what is called dipping, basin of cold water, stand dip each breast into the water. That helped sooth the painful breasts side of it.
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    merrybiscuitmerrybiscuit Posts: 648
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    You asked me to let you know how I got on. I asked for a referral and my GP agreed. He agreed that I need to have the once over!
    It may have something to do with the fact I mentioned I have private health insurance through hubsters work!
    Fingers crossed I will find out what's going on down there :)

    Thank you all for your help, it really had been good.
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