Seeking Guidance on Heavy Periods and Pain
I’m honestly at a loss and I’m not sure what steps to take next. As a 16-year-old female, I suffer from extremely heavy menstrual cycles. Unfortunately, my GP and school staff have brushed off my concerns. It seems that my vivid descriptions of my situation lead them to believe I’m exaggerating. I typically use size 6 pads, sometimes layering them throughout the day, and have found them completely saturated in as little as an hour. When I opt for smaller sizes, such as 5s and 4s, the fastest I’ve filled those pads is around 37 minutes, leaving them soaked from top to bottom. Changing my pads frequently is a necessity, yet I often experience leakage. When I turn to my friends for reassurance, they say things like, "You’ve got a thick pad on; you should be fine," or, "You’re wearing black; no one will notice," but I assure you, they would. 😭 😭 Living at school adds to my worries, and the only advice I receive from staff is to bring more pads, which isn’t a feasible solution for me. Sleep already poses a challenge, and there are nights I skip it entirely because I dread the likelihood of leaking. In an effort to lighten the load, I’ve even attempted to reduce my food intake. As an additional reference, I've tried tranexamic acid (TXA) and the mini-pill; however, TXA had minimal effect, and the mini-pill resulted in my period lasting for two and a half weeks without pause. The thought of giving up looms over me as I navigate school with this struggle, yet I have no choice but to continue attending. The toilets in one building are out of order, forcing me to navigate across campus where I often worry about leaking before I can reach one. I mentioned the possibility of endometriosis to my GP, who dismissed it and informed me that a definitive diagnosis requires laparoscopy. While I’m aware of this, I believe a qualified OBGYN could form a reliable evaluation based on my symptoms alone. Additionally, I experience significant pain in one of my ovaries when I ovulate. These are among the most intense pains I’ve encountered, paired with severe back pains that can range from fleeting seconds to lasting up to two hours, during which I’m unable to move—in fact, my dad witnessed one of these episodes. When these cramps occur alongside back pain, it’s absolutely debilitating. If anyone, especially NHS doctors based in the UK, has any advice or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate your input. I don’t wish to come across as overly dramatic, but it genuinely feels like I’m enduring a lot. As for my medical history, while I’m not certain how relevant some of this is, I have Tourette syndrome, and there’s a strong suspicion of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—I’m currently undergoing assessment for both conditions through CAMHS. I also suffer from frequent migraines, cluster headaches, and ice pick headaches. I’ve tried melatonin, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, and propranolol for relief; the first three were ineffective, although propranolol was prescribed to address both my headaches and social anxiety. At present, I only continue taking melatonin and propranolol.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 8:11:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the struggles you're facing with heavy periods and pain. Your experience sounds incredibly challenging, and it’s clear that you’re seeking relief and understanding. Let's break this down and consider some actionable steps that might help you navigate this situation better.
Key Points:
- Your heavy menstrual bleeding and associated pain are serious concerns that deserve proper evaluation and support.
- You’ve already tried some treatments, which haven’t been effective, and it sounds like you need a more tailored approach.
- Seeking a specialized evaluation from an OB-GYN might be crucial at this point.
Explanation:
Heavy menstrual bleeding (also known as menorrhagia) and severe pain can significantly affect your daily life, especially at school. You're not exaggerating; your symptoms are valid and deserve attention. While conditions like endometriosis can cause heavy periods and pain, there are also other factors that could contribute, like hormonal imbalances or other underlying conditions.
It’s crucial that you feel heard and taken seriously about your concerns. Reaching out to a specialist is a good plan, as they may have more experience dealing with cases like yours.
Next Steps:
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Seek an OB-GYN Appointment: Try to get a referral or make an appointment with a gynecologist who can specifically assess your symptoms. Be open and honest about your heavy bleeding, pain during ovulation, and any other symptoms.
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Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed record of your menstrual cycle, including the number of pads you use, the heaviness of flow, and any pain experienced. This will be helpful for your doctor in understanding your situation better.
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Discuss Pain Management Options: Since your pain is significant, ask about pain management strategies, which could include prescription options, lifestyle changes, or different medications that might be more effective for you.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If your current healthcare providers aren't addressing your concerns, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Express clearly that you're looking for support in managing both your bleeding and pain.
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Emotional Support: Since this situation is taking a toll on your emotional well-being, consider reaching out to a counselor or support group for teens facing similar issues. Peer support can be beneficial.
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Emergency Situations: If you ever experience symptoms like fainting, severe lightheadedness, or very heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad in an hour for multiple hours, seek immediate medical help.
You deserve to have your health concerns treated with care and respect, and I encourage you to advocate for yourself. Keep in mind that the right support system is out there, and it may include finding the right healthcare provider who understands your struggles. If you need further guidance or information on specific treatments later, feel free to ask!
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