Menstrual Cycle - Howell,MI

I was just reading up on this yesterday because my period have gotten very heavy (I'm 43), and I learned about all the different options. But I understand huge amounts of cod liver oil, especially with high amounts of vitamin A, really controls it. I haven't tried it yet, but I know my periods were much better when I was regularly taking fish oil, so I'll be trying that before I take more invasive steps. Google heavy period and nutrition or cod liver oil.

It depends if you are done having kids or not on what you do.I had the Novasure type of ablation. It depends on what type you have done. I had the NovaSure type done in 2008. It is the radio frequency type. I have not have a period since then,any PMS or a menstrual migraine headache.I also have not had the pain of ovulating. I did ask my doctor about the migraines and ovulation pain,he said everything is still working,but didn't know why the symptoms stopped. I do not regret it one bit since all my other symptoms stopped too.
It works with 90% of women but not with 10%. But 10% of women that have it done have to have a hysterectomy done later on. Research all the options of the types and find out what type your doctor does.

Good luck.

Yes, I have cancelled plans because I knew I'd be in the bathroom all day. Pathetic. The only thing that "contains" my flow is ultra absorbency tampons AND a pad at the same time. During my heaviest days I have to change both every hour to hour and a half, even overnight. Luckily for me, my heaviest flow only lasts 2 days.

I've talked to my doctor about this too. My OB won't do an ablation unless her patients also have permanent birth control, either tubes tied or essure. Essure is not an option for me since I have a bicornuate septate uterus. My OB will only do a traditional tubal ligation with the full, old style surgery with 6 weeks recovery time. I have 2 young kids, don't live near any family, and don't want the hassle of the recovery time. I feel kind of stuck.

I recently found Lysteda online and plan to ask my doctor about it at my next appt. I have no idea if it will be the right choice for me, but we'll see.

Good luck! I am interested to hear how it turns out for you.

To continue on with Lillian's comment, Red Raspberry Leaf comes in capsule form too...I used to take that during those days. I ended up with Mirena, though, which is fabulous for me, as I'm done with pregnancies.

My periods were like that for the better part of a year, but then suddenly got better and are now pretty normal (flow-wise). I did seriously consider the Novasure procedure (endometrial ablation), which my doctor recommended. You might want to think about that & maybe do a little research on it so you have some background info in case your doctor suggests it next week.

Honestly - the best solution for me was Mirena.

Has your thyroid been tested? My periods are insane like that now too....but I also suffer from low thyroid, and quite often they go hand in hand. My doctor and I decided to have me take the birth control pill, while skipping the placebo pills....so I just don't have a period (until it's convenient for me). I'll maybe have 3 a year.

I've had some of the same issues in the last year. Talk to your doc about an ablation. There is a couple of different methods to do this. Birth control isn't an option for me, I'm done having kids and they made me absolutely psycho when I tried to go on them after having kids. I'm hoping to do it after the first of the year, switched insurance company's and want to wait until next year so I can start on a new deductible.

Yes, and having TSS, I don't have the option of tampons. I use thin overnight pads(cheaper walmart brand cause I change them often). I change them every time they get way more than a spot on them.

BTW, they got heavier after my son, and they were pretty bad before, so pregnancy doesn't always make them lighter. I'm also 39 and have had them for three decades, to give you an indication of how long I've been going through this.

I can say if you are regularly on time same every month, for a week prior, bulk up on iron rich foods. That lessens cramping, as does drinking a cup of red raspberry leaf tea several times a day during your cycle.

Surprisingly enough, yoga stretches in the morning do help with the stiffness and cramps, as does a nice hot shower before bed.

Hope you feel better.