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Heavy Periods for the past 12 years

by Ellen
(CO, USA)

I always had regular and fairly light menstrual periods until I was about 38 years old (I am now 50). At that time I began to gain weight and my menstrual bleeding became very heavy. The beginning of the cycle is fairly normal, but on about day 3 I begin to bleed in large clots for about the next 12 hours. Many times on day 4 or 5 I then get a migraine which nothing will relieve (can't even sleep) and I usually end up vomiting.

I feel good the rest of the month, but my cycle leaves me weak and depressed. I have tried many homeopathic remedies, Vitalzym, acupuncture and diet changes. Each of these has helped to some degree especially with the depression and moodiness, however nothing seems to control the bleeding.

I am taking several supplements but I am hesitant to try the progesterone cream because I just don't want to make anything worse. I did try Progestelle at one time and thought that everything just got worse. From what I have been reading, it may have been too weak of a dose.

My gynecologist thinks that I probably have fibroids, but did not do an ultrasound. He suggested BC pills or ablation. My mom had a hysterectomy (uterus only) at age 33 and my sister at age 27. I have considered it MANY times, but I really would rather not. Compared to so many of the stories I've read on this site, I realize my symptoms are not near as severe. I really sympathize with what so many have gone through.

Any advice would be appreciated.



Comments for Heavy Periods for the past 12 years

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Aug 07, 2013
 Heavy Periods for the past 12 years
by: Wray

Hi Ellen The weight gain and heavy bleeding doesn't surprise me at 38. From about age 35 we begin getting anovulatory cycles, resulting in dropping progesterone levels and normal oestrogen. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to proliferate, including those lining the uterus each month, with little progesterone to counter this, it can thicken beyond normal. We do have more info about this on our Menstruation page. There are a number of nutrients listed which help, apart from progesterone. Please consider taking these. I have found about 400mg/day progesterone is needed initially to overcome the Oestrogen Dominance. The cyclic Migraines are not surprising either. Progestelle is good as it contains no nasty ingredients, but the amount recommended is far too low. One bottle at 400mg/day would last 2 days. You could have Fibroids, they are very common and can cause heavy bleeding. Although heavy bleeding can be experienced without having them. They are caused by oxidative stress and large amounts of antioxidants are needed to reverse them. It appears a lack of vitamin D could be a cause, taking it certainly shrinks them, see here, here, here, here, here and here. Please have a test done, as a lack can reduce the benefits of progesterone. In fact if too low progesterone does not work efficiently, if at all. A hyst is not necessary for heavy bleeding. If fibroids are large these could be removed instead. You are now in the last stages of Peri-menopause, this begins 5 to 10 years before Menopause. The average age of this is 51. Take care Wray
Aug 07, 2013
 Thank You!
by: Ellen

Thank you so much for your response, Wray! Like many other women, I think part of the battle is just getting someone to listen.

I have long suspected a Vitamin D deficiency and have just sent in a blood test. I should have the results soon. I didn't realize that sometimes very high doses are required.

Since doing more reading on your site, I have started the NAC and Taurine. I will also order the NatPro and see if that can help things.

I realize I do not have the severe symptoms that so many others suffer from, but I hate giving up 2-3 days a month that I can't leave the house and feel awful. My cycle is about 23 days so it seems to come around again really quickly!

Thanks for your encouraging words and I will post an update soon!
Aug 08, 2013
 Thank You!
by: Wray

Hi Ellen Glad the info helped. I found the same as you, as most women do, someone to listen to and not say it's all in our minds! I'm so pleased you've done a test for vitamin D, I would really like to know the results when they come in. And pleased you've also started the NAC and taurine, I won't be without those two now. They are both powerful antioxidants, the NAC helps strengthen hair, skin and nails too. And the taurine is very calming, which I need as I drink coffee all day! I think 2-3 days a month is severe, at least I didn't have that. Although I was barely functioning the few years before I found progesterone. If you have a 23 day cycle, and consider using progesterone, you would start it on day 9, which is when you should ovulate. Although this is generally rare at the end of P-M. Alternatively you could use it daily, through any bleeding, for 2-3 months to ensure progesterone becomes dominant. This could upset the cycle, but it usually settles in time. Would love to know how you get on. Take care Wray
Aug 13, 2013
 Vitamin D Test
by: Ellen

Hi Wray! I did get the results of my Vit. D Test and my level is 44ng/ml. Like I said, I have started taking the NAC and the Taurine and I have ordered some Vitamin D that you spray into your mouth (for better absorption). Meanwhile I am taking an oral form and trying to get outside for 30 minutes or so a day.

I will order the Nat Pro when it comes back in stock. I'll keep you posted in the months ahead.

Thank you for all your great information!

Ellen
Aug 14, 2013
 Vitamin D Test
by: Wray

Hi Ellen Thanks for the vitamin D results, it is on the low side. The minimum should be 50ng/ml, although the less conservative whom I follow, suggest 70-100ng/ml. I try to keep mine in the 90-100ng/ml range. I'm pleased you're taking more. If interested, Dr Cannell has a formula which also includes the co-factors, magnesium is all important, see here. His website is so informative too, plus another excellent one, see Vitamin D Council and GrassrootsHealth. So sorry about the stock out, we try to keep up with demand, but it's also a question of cash flow! One day I hope they'll be a thing of the past. Let me know how you get on, as you were hesitant about using progesterone. I can't blame you as the web is littered with dire warnings! Take care Wray

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