Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: samson1706 on June 23, 2024, 07:13:15 AM
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Hi everyone,
It's me again 🥴 well I went to the doctor after all your advice and was put on tranexamic tablets for 4 days. It just slowed down my heavy period but got worse when I had to stop tablets and I flooded so doctor put me on norethisterone tablets for 10 days only and I was put on ferrous fumarate tablets as I felt dizzy and extremely tired. Had bloods done and my haemoglobin is 158, haematocrit 4.9 and my platelets at 108 which is low and my ferritin is at 23. Doctor has said it's abnormal but expected. She wants me to have the mirena coil but I don't want it. Is it normal to have the blood test I had to be left or should I push doctor to investigate further as I can't go on bleeding so heavy like this everyday as it is affecting my work.
Any advice much appreciated
Jx
Any advice
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Have they checked for fibroids?
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Have they checked for fibroids?
I had an ultrasound scan and the other camera (can't remember what it is called) up the vagina over 5-6 years ago and then they said I had numerous fibroids but not had another scan since x
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I'm not saying it IS fibroids but you really should get that checked out again. I had a few and they didn't shrink,so I ended up getting a partial hysterectomy,which was the best thing I did for my situation. Terrible flooding,periods lasting up to 25 days,huge blood clots,don't let it get to that, before they check them out again x
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I'm not saying it IS fibroids but you really should get that checked out again. I had a few and they didn't shrink,so I ended up getting a partial hysterectomy,which was the best thing I did for my situation. Terrible flooding,periods lasting up to 25 days,huge blood clots,don't let it get to that, before they check them out again x
I will thanks as before I had the norethisterone tablets I bled for over 6 weeks so only had 8 days break then started up again heavy...I have been thinking just going for a hysterectomy in anyway tbh as I can't constantly miss work like this but Dr keeps going on about the mirena coil but I don't want it...shouldn't it be my choice? X
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Yes,definitely your choice,they offer everything first before a hysterectomy,I had tablets,which did nothing,an endometrial ablation,which worked for about 2 months but in the end,it had to be the op,was such a relief afterwards,they left the ovaries,so I didn't go straight to menopause and it was done vaginally,so I was basically out the next day
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Hi
I agree with jaypo. A partial hysterectomy could be the way forward. Heavy bleeding is awful and very debilitating.
Mirena does have an excellent reputation at keeping the womb lining thin. What are your reasons for not wanting one?
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Yes,definitely your choice,they offer everything first before a hysterectomy,I had tablets,which did nothing,an endometrial ablation,which worked for about 2 months but in the end,it had to be the op,was such a relief afterwards,they left the ovaries,so I didn't go straight to menopause and it was done vaginally,so I was basically out the next day
It sounds so good...I'm already going through the hot flushes etc etc so hopefully that would be it. I'm just wondering with the way the NHS is now would there be a long waiting time though 🙄
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Hi
I agree with jaypo. A partial hysterectomy could be the way forward. Heavy bleeding is awful and very debilitating.
Mirena does have an excellent reputation at keeping the womb lining thin. What are your reasons for not wanting one?
Yes it quite debilitating. Even worse when I have to be on my feet 12hrs a day working.
I really don’t want the mirena as things can go wrong with it and also the pain to insert. I just don't really want a foreign object inside me tbh but that's me 🫣
Thanks 😊
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I understand that, I personally wouldn't want one either,at least with a hysterectomy it's done and dusted. No idea the waiting times,it's so different from hospital to hospital
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A hysterectomy is major surgery and not to be taken lightly, however it is reasonable to be referred to gynae to at least discuss this option.
They are very likely to want you to try the mirena or at least have a good argument planned for why not.
I would not cite possible complications as far worse can happen during or after an operation. Progestin intolerance and the idea of a foreign body are more likely to be accepted. Also what about those fibroids, for example do you get pain, pressure or urinary symptoms such as frequency and urgency...? A mirena wouldn't address those but a hysterectomy would.
A hysterectomy would also allow you to take estrogen only HRT. Which is often better tolerated than combined.
Also I don't know how old you are or how close to menopause you might be - personally I take the combined pill continuously for menstrual suppression. I don't bleed at all nor do I have any peri symptoms, and plan to continue it until menopause can be reasonably assumed then switch to licenced hormone therapy. This is much easier and safer than a hysterectomy.
But everyone is different and you deserve to discuss this with a gynaecologist. Endometrial ablation may also be an option however fibroids can sometimes make this difficult or not feasible.
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A hysterectomy is major surgery and not to be taken lightly, however it is reasonable to be referred to gynae to at least discuss this option.
They are very likely to want you to try the mirena or at least have a good argument planned for why not.
I would not cite possible complications as far worse can happen during or after an operation. Progestin intolerance and the idea of a foreign body are more likely to be accepted. Also what about those fibroids, for example do you get pain, pressure or urinary symptoms such as frequency and urgency...? A mirena wouldn't address those but a hysterectomy would.
A hysterectomy would also allow you to take estrogen only HRT. Which is often better tolerated than combined.
Also I don't know how old you are or how close to menopause you might be - personally I take the combined pill continuously for menstrual suppression. I don't bleed at all nor do I have any peri symptoms, and plan to continue it until menopause can be reasonably assumed then switch to licenced hormone therapy. This is much easier and safer than a hysterectomy.
But everyone is different and you deserve to discuss this with a gynaecologist. Endometrial ablation may also be an option however fibroids can sometimes make this difficult or not feasible.
I am 52. As for the fibroids yes I do get pain and urgency to use the bathroom.
I always have had heavy periods but actually stopped for 3 months then started again for 8 days , then stopped for 5 months then period for 6 days then stopped for over 6 months then started end of April until now with break of 8 days with the aid of norethisterone tablets...past 3 days since starting up again very heavy.
I cannot take the HRT due to close family cancers and DVT'S so I just take supplements.
I know I need to be referred to a gynaecologist so I can discuss what to do as I cannot go on like this no more especially when it is affecting my platelets too.
Thanks 😊
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I understand that, I personally wouldn't want one either,at least with a hysterectomy it's done and dusted. No idea the waiting times,it's so different from hospital to hospital
Can I ask, with what you went through did it affect your blood work? Did your haemoglobin and haematocrit levels go high?
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It sounds like you are so close to the finish line that even if you were put on the waiting list tomorrow you would probably have stopped for good by the time the surgery came.
Fibroids causing symptoms due to mass effect could possibly still warrant surgery though.
In the meantime what about the mini pill desogestrel? It is kinder than norethisterone. One 75mcg pill is often not enough for suppression but taking a double dose daily shuts most people down.
Hypoestrogenism with this is less of a concern as you are past the average age of natural menopause.
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It sounds like you are so close to the finish line that even if you were put on the waiting list tomorrow you would probably have stopped for good by the time the surgery came.
Fibroids causing symptoms due to mass effect could possibly still warrant surgery though.
In the meantime what about the mini pill desogestrel? It is kinder than norethisterone. One 75mcg pill is often not enough for suppression but taking a double dose daily shuts most people down.
Hypoestrogenism with this is less of a concern as you are past the average age of natural menopause.
I hope you are right that I am close as this is taking it's toll on me. I will call the doctor this morning to as about the mini pill just to get this stopped for now as I have been up all night spent mostly in the bathroom.
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Would you mind me asking why you don't want the coil? I am also having heavy bleeding, though not as much as you. I have been prescribed daily Uterogestan, which I am taking vaginally. The plus side is it gives amazing sleep, though it has lessened but not controlled the bleeding yet. I have been reading about ablation. Both it and the mirena ( or a lower dose version of it) is much less invasive that a hysterectomy, which is major surgery and I'm a bit scared of it. Saying that it does help a lot of women.
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Having had an ablation,some women don't tolerate it well,I was ok but two other ladies in hospital at the same time as me were in terrible pain and the end result for me was,it just didn't work.
I don't know enough about the coil to comment but having heard bad things (as well as good) that was enough for me not to get it but my fibroids were huge and I was told a hysterectomy would be the best option.
The op itself was fine, I had no adverse reactions at all and as it was done vaginally, I got home in 24 hours,up and walking about the very next morning.
I'm not trying to sway you in any way,it's a decision that is up to you and you alone,I'm just giving you my experience xx
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Would you mind me asking why you don't want the coil? I am also having heavy bleeding, though not as much as you. I have been prescribed daily Uterogestan, which I am taking vaginally. The plus side is it gives amazing sleep, though it has lessened but not controlled the bleeding yet. I have been reading about ablation. Both it and the mirena ( or a lower dose version of it) is much less invasive that a hysterectomy, which is major surgery and I'm a bit scared of it. Saying that it does help a lot of women.
I just don't want it as to experiences through family and friends have put me off it tbh and it might not work as a lot of women I know it hasn't worked for so that is why. There are different types of hysterectomy so I want an option after asking for a scan firstly. Anyway was in work today and I couldn't cope so I called Dr and she told me to start norethisterone tablets again but taking them 3 times daily until my appointment.
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Having had an ablation,some women don't tolerate it well,I was ok but two other ladies in hospital at the same time as me were in terrible pain and the end result for me was,it just didn't work.
I don't know enough about the coil to comment but having heard bad things (as well as good) that was enough for me not to get it but my fibroids were huge and I was told a hysterectomy would be the best option.
The op itself was fine, I had no adverse reactions at all and as it was done vaginally, I got home in 24 hours,up and walking about the very next morning.
I'm not trying to sway you in any way,it's a decision that is up to you and you alone,I'm just giving you my experience xx
No your not swaying me in anyway at all, I want this to stop and if after the scan they say as last time I still have lots of fibroids then yes I will be going for the operation as isn't it more dangerous to still have the fibroids there after the menopause as I heard it can then cause cancer.
Can I ask did you get put asleep for it? And how soon after could you go back to work etc? X
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Oh yes,it was a general anaesthetic, I believe they can do it keyhole also,they will always try those two ways first before making any incisions,as recovery is much quicker that way. I still wasn't allowed to drive for 6 weeks but I was up and about doing light housework in about 2/3 weeks but no lifting etc for the 6 weeks either
Xx
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Oh yes,it was a general anaesthetic, I believe they can do it keyhole also,they will always try those two ways first before making any incisions,as recovery is much quicker that way. I still wasn't allowed to drive for 6 weeks but I was up and about doing light housework in about 2/3 weeks but no lifting etc for the 6 weeks either
Xx
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Ok thanks for letting me know...even after starting taking norethisterone tablets yesterday 3 x day I woke up with worse flooding..its just scaring me it's something else x
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Try not to worry my lovely, it is most likely the fibroids,my flooding was absolutely terrible,when it got to be anytime,anywhere, I knew it was time for the op, I was terribly anaemic also and the ferrous sulphate stopped working as well,you can't go on like this,you're doing the right thing by getting it all checked out. Do let us know how you get on x
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Try not to worry my lovely, it is most likely the fibroids,my flooding was absolutely terrible,when it got to be anytime,anywhere, I knew it was time for the op, I was terribly anaemic also and the ferrous sulphate stopped working as well,you can't go on like this,you're doing the right thing by getting it all checked out. Do let us know how you get on x
I will do and thank you for your advice and just listening x
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I would ask if you can have a scan. You may find a reason for the bleeding.
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I would ask if you can have a scan. You may find a reason for the bleeding.
Yes I have an appointment done for one. Thanks 😊
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Hello samson1706,
How are you feeling this week? Are you able to get a scan? Heavy bleeding can be a pain. I have heavy periods every month, but last month was different. Heavy then light, now spotting on and off. Booked to see a GP and menopause nurse, but in a few weeks time.
Hope you sort out your problem
Take care
Gracie1
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Hello samson1706,
How are you feeling this week? Are you able to get a scan? Heavy bleeding can be a pain. I have heavy periods every month, but last month was different. Heavy then light, now spotting on and off. Booked to see a GP and menopause nurse, but in a few weeks time.
Hope you sort out your problem
Take care
Gracie1
Hi yes I got a scan last Tuesday and got my results yesterday and I have no fibroids but lining of womb is thick by 21.7mm which now I have an urgent appointment next Tuesday at the hospital for a camera and biopsy as suspected womb cancer which now I am so petrified. Bleeding has got worse and heavier. I just have to wait for next results but my anxiety is through the roof 😫 x
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Did they tell you that? A thickened lining doesn't automatically mean cancer,it's quite common in fact but I understand your anxiety,please do let us know how you get on xx
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Did they tell you that? A thickened lining doesn't automatically mean cancer,it's quite common in fact but I understand your anxiety,please do let us know how you get on xx
Hi yes doctor told me that...I know I shouldn't worry as of yet but I can't help it. I will let you all know as soon as I get the results xx
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Did they tell you that? A thickened lining doesn't automatically mean cancer,it's quite common in fact but I understand your anxiety,please do let us know how you get on xx
Well just got my biopsy results back from the hysteroscopy and it's benign! Phew , so I'm referred back to my GP but I know she will push for the mirena coil which I will refuse again as doctor said in hospital there are other alternatives than the coil....does anyone know from their experience of heavy non stop periods what other alternatives I could ask for?
Much appreciated 😊
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Well that's a relief and as jaypo stated, not every thick lining = cancer.
Do read the various threads on 'mirena coil', if it doesn't work then it can be removed.
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Well that's a relief and as jaypo stated, not every thick lining = cancer.
Do read the various threads on 'mirena coil', if it doesn't work then it can be removed.
Thanks CLKD it was a relief getting good results. I have read, studied the mirena coil and experiences through family, friends etc I just don't want it. It can work for some, it can also not work and it can also go wrong. I just want to go through another avenue.
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??? hysterectomy ??? but U will require HRT cover afterwards so might be worth while discussing the ins and outs? No need for an instant decision but it is info that can be shelved.
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??? hysterectomy ??? but U will require HRT cover afterwards so might be worth while discussing the ins and outs? No need for an instant decision but it is info that can be shelved.
Yes I will definitely think about it. The progesterone tablets that I am taking 3 x daily is keeping the period at bay at the moment 😉
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It fills our head spaces when we should be enjoying ourselves ::)
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It fills our head spaces when we should be enjoying ourselves ::)
Oh I know...life is not fair sometimes 😒
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Little steps.
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Hysterectomy but keep the ovaries,I didn't hit menopause til 5 years after my op
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Hysterectomy but keep the ovaries,I didn't hit menopause til 5 years after my op
Ok thanks for the informative advice x