Hey all! I got some great emails, and fantastic suggestions! For this i thank you all! I'm gonna answer some questions that I've received:
I've been asked twice about Endometrial Ablation.
This is something that I actually suggested to both GYN's, and both had the same answer. Though it might help for a few years, my problem may return. I am only 25 years, and my age concerns them. Another concern on both parties, is future pregnancy. I am not married, and have no children, and someday I would like that. Ablation is an option, but when nothing else can be done. I know a few couples, one in particular, who have adopted an incredible little girl, so if that is ever something I would have to consider, I will definitely go for it. Hopefully with the same results!
Has your friend tried testosterone cream? My mom was on it for her hormones during the starting of menopause - she can't do many meds because she gets EVERY side effect, no matter what. She was told by her doctor that the cream, applied topically, can help a wealth of feminine problems, including very heavy periods. Evidently, low testosterone levels in women is a cause of heavy cycles.
Hers had to be mixed at a pharmacy, specially equipped to make it, and she had to order it a few days ahead so they had it made before she went to pick it up.Just a thought. Don't know if it will work or not...
Yes I have, actually, and upon reading this email, I may just try it again. It worked temporarily, but, as with many things I've tried, it stopped working. BUT, I never had it mixed at the pharmacy! So I will DEFINITELY look into that!
I would highly suggest your friend go to the Mayo Clinic. They now have 3 locations. I was having some major girly issues too and they were able to solve and fix the problem with just 2 appointments. While my issues were not the same as your friend's, I had been struggling for 5 years hoping from one doctor to the next, one specialist to the next, experiencing some pretty extreme treatments. I finally gave up on all the doctors around here and made an appointment. My insurance paid for Mayo the same as any other specialist. It was well worth the two 8 hour drives! I should add, my problem is not 100% fixed, but it is 1000 times better than it was before.
Please tell your friend about Mayo and tell her I've said a prayer for her. I desperately hope they can help your friend; I have a special place in my heart for hurting women because of my own experience with girly issues.
I LOVED this suggestion, and will DEFINITELY look into it!!!
Thyroid issues can cause similar problems. I could always tell if I was slipping back hypothyroid by what happened w/ my cycle.
Second option, a co-worker w/ similar troubles used Lupron. I don't know anything about the potential side effects of the Lupron injection but I don't think she would have cared what they were...she was just so glad to have some relief.
I have had my thyroid checked and it was normal, but maybe there are other more specific tests out there that I am unaware of. I do have a sister who had to have her thyroid removed, do to other complications...maybe it runs in the family. I have never heard of Lupron, but I will bring it up to the next physician that sees me.
I had a friend who had her period for months at a time- she ended up havinga hysterectomy and it (obviously) stopped. She was in her 30's at the time,but already had her 2 kids.
Look at the Endometrial Ablation question and times the answer by 10. lol. I won't say I haven't considered it, though. It kills me that this is, ultimately, and option...
Advise her to consult with a geneticist. This sounds to me like a metabolic disorder. If this is the case she is unlikely to get answers or relief from healers, naturopaths, or gynecologists. It may not be easy to find the right specialist so she should ask for a referral from her primary care physician - she needs an MD who is specifically trained in genetic disease. It will be much easier to get an appointment with a genetic counsellor but that is absolutely NOT what she wants - they are not diagnosticians.
FWIW, I'm a geneticist (but research, not medical so I can't help). I have a son with a genetic metabolic disorder. And I had a roommate many many years ago with von Willbrands disease, a genetic disorder in the same general family as hemophilia, and she described periods very much like your friend's.
I like this suggestion very much, too. I would have never thought to go to a genetecist. I did get test for von Willbrands disease, several months ago and the result was negative. Although I am happy with that result, I do want to get retested, because...and she admitted it...that particular person had never done the test before!
Has she tried being on birth control pills?
Yes, I've been on/off them for 12 years. The most recent birth control I'm trying is the Nuva Ring. It has lightened my periods somewhat, but I still bleed through. As soon as my insurance approves it, I will be receiving another Depo-shot, and the hope is that the combo Depo + Nuva, will eventually put a stop to my periods.
My best guess - based on similar history and experience - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (sometimes called PCOS). She should ask her GYN to refer her to a Reproductive Endocrinologist if its confirmed to be PCOS. They are usually the most experienced with treating the symptoms of PCOS, current/updated research and medications, etc.
I was diagnosed with PCOS, but it had to do with my high blood sugar at the time. Since then, I've lost weight and my blood sugars were normal. As a matter of fact, there had been a 'mini-battle' between my Personal Care Physcian & GYN about putting me on diabetic meds. My PCP fought against, whilst GYN fought for. Eventually, it was settled that with another abnormal lab reading, I would have to take the meds. Like I said...my sugars have been normal. I will look into going to an Endocrinologist, though. Thank you!
I don't know how to help your friend, but --and this may sound kind of weird-- has she tried any alternative doctors, especially an acupunturist? I have various friends who have had a variety of ailments incurable by regular doctors who had success through acupuncture.
I WILL TRY ANYTHING!!!! At this point, if you tell me to hang upside down so that the blood rushes elsewhere...well I might not do that...but I'll try anything!!!
THANK YOU ALL FOR THESE FANTASTIC SUGGESTIONS!!!!
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