Heavy Bleeding

[Kim_D]

I am 46 years old and was on birth control for 27 years.  I was put on as a kid due to my heavy periods.  Last year my doctor suggested I get off the pill and I did.  I just got my first period last week and it was extremely heavy.  Going through a super tampon every 20 mins to an hour and lasted for 7 days.  Although I was hoping it was because it  was the first one in quite some time.  I woke this morning to a bloody mess and on the same track as last week.  This is exactly how I remember my periods from years ago.  Is this normal?  Will it subside?  How long should I give it?

[Chima7]

I think you should go back to your obgyn and demand more tests to determine the cause of your heavy bleeding. I had similar problems whenever I went off birth control until I switched to a new obgyn who determined that I had uterine polyps causing my heavy bleeding. Later I also had a fibroid. I got them all cleared out through surgery and now I'm using the mirena to manage the flow and its working fine.

My point is that, you first need to get checked out for reasons why you'd be bleeding so heavy. Then treat the root cause of the problem. And then put preventative measures in place to handle it going forward.

[Belle313]

Hi Kim

I would strongly urge you to phone your doctor today. Having heaving bleeding like that is concerning. I want to say that I've been told going thru sanitary items every 1/2 hour raised concern with my OB/GYN.  I would also ask about taking an iron supplement if it continues so you don't become anemic. Ever since I've become anemic I cannot seem to get my iron to an adequate level. I'm not sure if that's a common problem or just me. I just wanted to put that info out there. Please give your doctor a call and let him know. Better to be safe then sorry. Good luck to you. Please let us know what happens.