SKL Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I'm 48 and seemed to be in perimenopause. This week and also 2 weeks ago, I have been having a lot of bleeding, after 2 months of no or very light periods. Actually the bleeding really never stopped over at least 3 weeks, but it was light in the in-between week. This week it has been very heavy for a few days. So I called the HMO nurse and she contacted her people and they say I need to be seen today. I can either go to emergency, or go to their OB-GYN at a more distant office. I have an appointment with the OB-GYN at 2:50. So. What are they likely to do at this office visit? Or if I go to emergency, what are they likely to do there? I am a single mom and my kids come home from school about 3:45. I have someone who can be here for them, but I don't want to be gone too long. Help me to understand what I need to prepare for. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 They make a bigger deal out of this stuff than I think is warranted. When I went some years ago they just checked me out and that was that. I suppose it is good to be sure, but it's probably nothing. If you can go to the office visit instead that will save you a lot of time. Could you get your kids out of school early and just take them with you? It's impossible to say how long it will take because they might be squeezing you in. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Yeah, I'm a little shocked that they wanted you to go to the ER! I just went through a phase where I bled for weeks, and all my dr. said was, "Well, let's put a stop to that. One week a month is bad enough!" I don't know exactly what your doctor would do, but I'd say they'll assess you (ask for dates, ages, etc.), probably give you a prescription for a progesterone supplement to put a stop to the bleeding temporarily, and start the process on running hormone tests. I could be wrong, but this is what mine did for me. ETA: Oh, and they'll probably want iron levels too. I was terribly anemic when they ran mine, but it's very likely I was anemic before the bleeding even started because I was on long-term acid-reflux meds. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthyfamily Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I had pretty much this same exact scenario happen to me about 3 years ago. I went 3 months without a period, then when I started, I bled for about 4 weeks, very heavily pretty much the entire time. It wasn't a huge deal. They put me on the birth control to stop the bleeding (3 pills for 3 days, 2 pills for 2 days, and then finish the pack). I will admit the pills made me throw up a lot for the first two days (that's a lot of hormones all of a sudden). It regulated my bleeding. I stayed on the pill for 3 years because it was helping my cystic acne so much. But then I started having too many side effects, so I quit and have been fine without it. This happens to A LOT of women...it's really not a big deal usually. I seem to remember someone here using a progesterone cream, that they bought online, and that regulated them....don't know for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 That is extremely common. I think they're probably erring on the way safe side. You may ask about the benefits of ablation while you are there, especially if you have another long and heavy stretch of bleeding that is interfering with your life or causing other problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I had pretty much this same exact scenario happen to me about 3 years ago. I went 3 months without a period, then when I started, I bled for about 4 weeks, very heavily pretty much the entire time. It wasn't a huge deal. They put me on the birth control to stop the bleeding (3 pills for 3 days, 2 pills for 2 days, and then finish the pack). I will admit the pills made me throw up a lot for the first two days (that's a lot of hormones all of a sudden). It regulated my bleeding. I stayed on the pill for 3 years because it was helping my cystic acne so much. But then I started having too many side effects, so I quit and have been fine without it. This happens to A LOT of women...it's really not a big deal usually. I seem to remember someone here using a progesterone cream, that they bought online, and that regulated them....don't know for sure. Hey, that's almost exactly what I just went through! Yeah, the BCPs were the pits. Yes to progesterone cream--do some research on it (SKL, that is, not you, earthyfamily!). It's not for everyone, but it has been a great help to many women, including people I know IRL. Estroven Emerita is the most highly (or at least commonly) recommended one. Edited to correct the brand! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthyfamily Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Hey, that's almost exactly what I just went through! Yeah, the BCPs were the pits. Yes to progesterone cream--do some research on it (SKL, that is, not you, earthyfamily!). It's not for everyone, but it has been a great help to many women, including people I know IRL. Estroven is the most highly (or at least commonly) recommended one. Estroven makes a progesterone cream? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Estroven makes a progesterone cream? Crud, maybe its not Estroven. Wait, isn't that a supplement? Hang on... So sorry! It's Emerita, not Estroven. I'll edit my other post. Thanks for pointing that out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 They will likely check blood hemoglobin levels to see if you're anemic. It can creep up on you without you being aware. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted March 18, 2015 Author Share Posted March 18, 2015 Now I feel dumb, but I feel like I need to go because it's interfering with my ability to do important things like work and exercise. Plus a friend told me her sister was hospitalized because it made her so anemic. Yipes. I got no time for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted March 18, 2015 Author Share Posted March 18, 2015 I really don't want to do hormones, but I guess it's better than what's happening now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted March 18, 2015 Author Share Posted March 18, 2015 I decided to cancel the OB-GYN appt and go to emergency. A friend who has done that said it was much faster that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAMom Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I've been having similar issues. I'm 45. I can't imagine going to the ER for it. Way too much time and money for something that is fairly common. I talked to my dr. about it. She's about my same age. She said it is very common at this age going into perimenapause. She said if it was really affecting the quality of my life, we could talk ablation. I would definitely opt for the office visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I decided to cancel the OB-GYN appt and go to emergency. A friend who has done that said it was much faster that way. Keep us posted as you are able. Hope everything is okay. :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I decided to cancel the OB-GYN appt and go to emergency. A friend who has done that said it was much faster that way. Well, that is the first time I've ever heard that about an ER!!! Keep us posted. I hope it's quick and painless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 The ER can take forever. Really unless they see something crazy they can take care of it at the office. In fact, I did go to the ER because it was after hours and I had to wait hours to be seen because they had to call in an OB specialist. A regular ER doc does not handle that apparently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Well, that is the first time I've ever heard that about an ER!!! Keep us posted. I hope it's quick and painless. Agree! It's the first time I've heard the suggestion that an ER might be faster. Last time was a 3 hour wait to be seen for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted March 18, 2015 Author Share Posted March 18, 2015 Since this is an HMO ER, I'm told it tends to be a much faster turnaround because random people off the street tend to go to the main hospital ERs. I too was surprised when they said "emergent" but I figure, there is no such thing as a good time to go to the doctor, especially for woman stuff. :/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted March 18, 2015 Author Share Posted March 18, 2015 Aren't you the poster who hasn't had a Pap smear in several years? I'm assuming they'll do a physical exam, then ask you to go back to your doctor for a Pap smear later. It's possible they will want to do a vaginsl ultrasound. Most likely, tho, they will attribute it to your age and typical peri menopausal symptoms. When I went to the ER a few years ago for bleeding( long after menopause) they did nothing but a physical check up and set up a visit with a gynecologist/ultrasound. There really is nothing much the ER can do, tho, so I'm a bit surprised it was offered. Actually, as luck would have it, I did go to their gyno last November just to check something odd - because woman cancers run in my family and I was a little concerned. They found nothing, said I was "very healthy," did a pap smear and AFAIK it's all great. Now I'm glad I did that, because hopefully they won't try to do all that to me in my current condition. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted March 18, 2015 Author Share Posted March 18, 2015 On my way, here's hoping it is over quick. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Good thoughts and prayers coming your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I really don't want to do hormones, but I guess it's better than what's happening now.If you're anti hormones, I really suggest ablation then. Low risk of side effects and quite helpful for bleeding issues. I haven't heard ard any personal negative reports, all the women I know who hav gone that route to assist with excess bleeding at the end of the reproductive years have said it was the best choice they made. If you're still ovulating you will likely need to use birth control, though barrier methods should suffice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Actually, as luck would have it, I did go to their gyno last November just to check something odd - because woman cancers run in my family and I was a little concerned. They found nothing, said I was "very healthy," did a pap smear and AFAIK it's all great. Now I'm glad I did that, because hopefully they won't try to do all that to me in my current condition. It's very unlikely. I believe you can't be more than spotting for a Pap, and they wanted me not bleeding during my vaginal US too. At this point all they should do is run tests, make sure you're not having some kind of miscarriage or other major event, and try to figure out what to give you to stop the bleeding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I hope everything is OK! :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 SKL...I hope everything is OK. If I had my way, humans would have a sleep button that switched on and off to go to sleep and and women would have some kind of external spigot to turn parts on and off...or something. It's in development, :lol: 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefgazer Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 My guess is they'll give you an exam, set you up for an ultrasound, and tell you what you already know - that you are perimenopausal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 It hasn't happened to me, but it is so very common that I probably wouldn't even go in. I am not anti-hormone, though, and would recommend that you do whatever you need to do to get them if you need them and don't beat yourself up over it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Don't panic. They just need to make sure you are okay. What you are describing is not uncommon -- I myself went through two separate periods that lasted for abut 6 months each. The causes for the prolonged flow can be many and varied, so they need to see you to determine what is going on and how best to help you (if you even need it). ER's do get suggested if they think someone needs to be seen soon and might not be able to get a prompt appointment somewhere else. DO talk to them about iron supplements or intake -- you may need extra while this is going on, but you don't want to get too much. Aside from that, see what they have to tell you after they have made their determinations. Peri-menopause is different for everyone, so what someone you know or are related to went through is not much (if any) indication of what you yourself will experience. Be prepared to be taken by surprise. Be prepared for this to take a while. Pamper yourself when you can, and if you don't feel well speak up and make your excuses & back out of social engagements. Sometimes it can be like going through a hellish period, even when there is little or no flow. I've been told that the official determination of menopause (vs. peri) is made once the woman has gone through 12 months of no flow. If that is the case I can be officially declared this next winter, if my flow doesn't start up again. It has been quiet for a few months, but it has done that before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UmMusa Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Hope it's an easy answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Mine stopped for nine months and then I had one in February, AMJ. Just a heads' up. SKL, I wish I'd been able to take hormones during Peri even though my mother is a cancer survivor and my grandmother didn't survive so my doctor wouldn't let me. I'd rather have 100 outdoor unplanned unmedicated unassisted births than go through peri again. Please be kind to yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I'm 48 and seemed to be in perimenopause. This week and also 2 weeks ago, I have been having a lot of bleeding, after 2 months of no or very light periods. Actually the bleeding really never stopped over at least 3 weeks, but it was light in the in-between week. This week it has been very heavy for a few days. So I called the HMO nurse and she contacted her people and they say I need to be seen today. I can either go to emergency, or go to their OB-GYN at a more distant office. I have an appointment with the OB-GYN at 2:50. So. What are they likely to do at this office visit? Or if I go to emergency, what are they likely to do there? I am a single mom and my kids come home from school about 3:45. I have someone who can be here for them, but I don't want to be gone too long. Help me to understand what I need to prepare for. Thanks! Heavy bleeding is very normal in perimenopause. I remember one day I poured out clots and awful stuff for half an hour. I'm just fine and never went to the doctor about it. Periods got close together around your age and heavy, heavy, heavy...then further apart, skipping month, then two or three. Then they stopped in my early/mid fifties. All was well and normal, but a little scary because I had not experienced it and no woman in my family had experienced it (all hysterectomies, or dead now). Of course, if your gut is telling this is scary and abnormal for you, then go be seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Mine stopped for nine months and then I had one in February, AMJ. Just a heads' up. SKL, I wish I'd been able to take hormones during Peri even though my mother is a cancer survivor and my grandmother didn't survive so my doctor wouldn't let me. I'd rather have 100 outdoor unplanned unmedicated unassisted births than go through peri again. Please be kind to yourself. LOL, seriously? It wasn't THAT bad...except I hated all people, but that passes. ;) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 LOL, seriously? It wasn't THAT bad...except I hated all people, but that passes. ;) I might need to reword that if SKL is an earth mama type who misunderstands that I don't want 100 kids, I meant that I would rather rip my still-beating heart out with my bare hands and give it to Adolf Hitler to use for toilet paper. I don't hate my son and he is biologically human so I guess it could be worse. <weak smile that is, nevertheless, a smile > 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I might need to reword that if SKL is an earth mama type who misunderstands that I don't want 100 kids, I meant that I would rather rip my still-beating heart out with my bare hands and give it to Adolf Hitler to use for toilet paper. I don't hate my son and he is biologically human so I guess it could be worse. <weak smile that is, nevertheless, a smile > :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Hoping for an update soon! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Hope you are well. FWIW, I have a friend who didn't have a period for years. Years. And then started having some very heavy flow. They asked her to come in for an appt right away (not ER though), and it's all okay. Part of the menopause process. She's 46. Fingers crossed that it's the same for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Hope you are well. FWIW, I have a friend who didn't have a period for years. Years. And then started having some very heavy flow. They asked her to come in for an appt right away (not ER though), and it's all okay. Part of the menopause process. She's 46. Fingers crossed that it's the same for you. I can beat that! My mom started her period again when she was 80! Obviously she went to the doctor right away. She told me that feminine supplies sure had changed a lot from when she had last had to use them! :laugh: (I think she had a D & C and it went away again.) Sorry for the rabbit trail, SKL. I hope you're back home again and got some help. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Hope all is well. Update when you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 I can beat that! My mom started her period again when she was 80! Obviously she went to the doctor right away. She told me that feminine supplies sure had changed a lot from when she had last had to use them! :laugh: (I think she had a D & C and it went away again.) Sorry for the rabbit trail, SKL. I hope you're back home again and got some help. Oh no, that's just REALLY not fair! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reflections Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Checking in. ERs are no fun, HMO or not. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 I can beat that! My mom started her period again when she was 80! Obviously she went to the doctor right away. She told me that feminine supplies sure had changed a lot from when she had last had to use them! :laugh: (I think she had a D & C and it went away again.) Sorry for the rabbit trail, SKL. I hope you're back home again and got some help. 80! Aaaack! Your poor mom! That is just. not. fair. SKL, hope you got good news. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Sorry for the rabbit trail, SKL. I hope you're back home again and got some help. If she went to my ER, she's probably still there waiting to be seen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 If she went to my ER, she's probably still there waiting to be seen! Unfortunately that's true for mine as well. But then no one has recommended it to me as the faster route. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted March 19, 2015 Author Share Posted March 19, 2015 Hi guys! Thanks for all the advice and anecdotes. Gosh, I am sorry to hear some of you had such rotten experiences during perimenopause. Well, I was only there for like 2.5 hours, so it could have been worse. Wouldn't you know that the minute I walked through the door, the bleeding slowed down. If I'd known it would do that, I would have gone in there a lot sooner. :P The main thing I wanted them to do was check my blood levels for anemia, which they did (as well as urine), and they said all my levels were perfectly normal. Basically I am the picture of health, ha ha, chemically at least. That was good to know. They talked about putting me on birth control to reduce the bleeding, but then they talked to the HMO's OB-GYN people and they said they want to do an "endometrial biopsy" first. They say I should make an appointment for that ASAP, but I am not in a big hurry. I will consider it if I have another spell like I've had this week. They did give me a pregnancy test, ha ha. Whatever. I guess they have to do that. I will go back to telling myself "here's hoping the worst is over" and power through. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 I'm glad that you're not anemic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Thanks for the update! I was thinking about you :grouphug: That is wonderful news on being chemically normal. Anemia is nothing to mess around with. Keep us posted on your appointment and biopsy :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ojahunzhe Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 They make a bigger deal out of this stuff than I think is warranted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Thanks for the update! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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