Struggling with Menorrhagia: A Personal Journey
Lately, it feels as though everything in my life has turned upside down. I want to share my story openly, even if it gets a bit uncomfortable. As a 27-year-old woman, I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend for three years now. Up until October 2025, we were consistently intimate. Unfortunately, everything changed when I experienced a period that seemed unending. Initially, I suspected I might have had a miscarriage; even though I’m not planning for kids and wouldn’t have continued the pregnancy, I felt a profound sense of loss and an unsettling disconnect with my body. The bleeding persisted for weeks, leading me to take Tranexamic Acid, which did help somewhat. By November, I encountered more unusual bleeding, primarily due to its extended duration. I visited my doctor again, and they prescribed more Tranexamic Acid. This seemed to resolve the issue for a time, allowing me to put it out of my mind. However, I hadn’t been intimate with my boyfriend since before my October period. Then, as we celebrated my birthday in early December, we became intimate for the first time in two months. Sex had never triggered my periods before, nor had it ever caused discomfort; consequently, I was shocked when I began bleeding a few hours afterward. I hoped it was just a typical period, possibly linked to my earlier miscarriage. But this period turned out to be prolonged, stretching from Christmas through New Year's and well into January. In total, from October to January, I was nearly always bleeding aside from a mere two-week break. Frustrated, I bombarded my doctors and visited A&E multiple times in search of answers. The Tranexamic Acid ceased to be effective, and I began to soak through pads at an alarming rate. Eventually, after about a week of discontent, I secured an ultrasound appointment, underwent a smear test which yielded no results due to the blood, and had a hormonal blood test done. Thankfully, I met a compassionate physician who prescribed norethisterone, which brought me some much-needed relief. After evaluating my results, I learned that I have a 3.4 cm cyst on my left ovary, polyps, and a thickened uterine lining. Additionally, I was diagnosed with anemia as a result of the ongoing heavy menstrual bleeding; although most of my hormone levels were normal, I did have low folate. I have a gynecologist appointment scheduled in three weeks, but I can hardly manage the wait; it feels agonizingly long and leaves me feeling utterly powerless. If I miss my norethisterone dose for more than six hours, I start spotting, which escalates rapidly into very heavy bleeding, making it necessary for me to stay within a 30-minute radius of a restroom. I’ve gathered that norethisterone shouldn’t be taken for more than 27 consecutive days to allow for a period, and it takes around five days to begin working. I realize that searching the internet for a diagnosis is typically not advisable, yet I find myself wondering if anyone else has gone through something similar or has any suggestions. It's been many months, and my quality of life has significantly deteriorated due to this ongoing issue and the considerable financial burden of purchasing sanitary products and washing clothes constantly. I genuinely feel like I’m on the verge of losing my sanity.
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 11:40:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience; it sounds incredibly challenging. You're dealing with persistent and heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) along with emotional distress, which can understandably take a toll on your quality of life. Let’s break this down and focus on what you can do to feel more in control while waiting for your gynecologist appointment.
Main Points:
- You are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and associated discomfort.
- It's great that you have started norethisterone, which is helping slightly.
- You have an upcoming gynecologist appointment for further evaluation.
Explanation:
Menorrhagia can result from various causes, including hormonal imbalances, structural issues like polyps or cysts, and other underlying health concerns (like anemia). Your experience with prolonged bleeding, especially after intimacy, and the discovery of a cyst and polyps suggest that there may be multiple factors at play. It's good that you sought medical assistance and have received a diagnosis; knowing what you're dealing with helps in managing the situation.
Next Steps:
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Adhere to Norethisterone Use: Continue taking norethisterone as prescribed, but be aware of the timing of doses. If you do miss a dose, try to take it as soon as you remember, and if it's been more than six hours, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your bleeding patterns, including flow intensity, any clots, pain levels, and any other symptoms (like fatigue). This record can be very valuable for your gynecologist.
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Manage Anemia: Since you have been diagnosed with anemia, consider incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet, such as lean meats, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C (like citrus fruits) can help enhance iron absorption.
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Stay Hydrated: Heavy bleeding can lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids. This is especially important if you’re experiencing fatigue.
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Plan for Comfort: Keep on hand the necessary sanitary products and consider using more absorbent night pads for additional comfort and peace of mind while you wait for your appointment.
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Seek Emotional Support: It's understandable to feel overwhelmed. Consider talking to friends or family about your feelings, or reach out to a support group for emotional support during this tough time.
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Emergency Action: If you experience sudden spikes in bleeding, severe pain, or any new severe symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention immediately.
Your feelings of frustration and helplessness are valid, and it's important to continue advocating for your health. You're doing everything you can by seeking help and being proactive. Please remember, you're not alone in this, and it is commendable that you are working through this tough situation. Let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification on any part of this.
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