periods lasting for serval months

I went to my doctor on the 29th of December and she did blood work. She called me with the results and said I was anemic and asked about my periods, I told her they were light on some days and then other days it was heavy with large blood clots that are deep red in color and I have had it since late May early June. I had a utlra sound that showed I have a thick lining of the uterus and wants me to see a gyno doctor for further tests and treatment.  I am worried because no one in my family has had any issues with thier uterus. I have had irregular periods ever since I was 17 when I got my first period.  I would have it for 3 months regularly then it would stop for 9 to 10 months and then It would start again. Every doctor I spoke with back then said it is because of my weight, that i needed to lose the weight and my periods would be normal.  My mom and aunt are both large women and they told me they both started thier periods at the age  of 12 and always had normal periods. they both had 2 and 3 children with no complications.  So thier is not a history of uterus problems in my family.  I am now 33 years old and my periods are so irregular its not even fair.  What can I expect to happen now or things I should be looking for?  I feel vey confused and scared and when I ask any questions no one gives me any answers that help unease my worries.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
You most likely have a variant of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).  This can be worsened by being overweight, and improved by losing even as little as 10% of your body weight.  It does need to be watched and treated, because untreated, it is a risk factor for cancer of the uterine lining.  The treatment can be as simple as oral contraceptive pills.  Some women prefer to take progesterone once per month.  If you want to get pregnant, that is a whole other story, but can be achieved in many cases with fertility medications.
If you were my patient, I would probably advise a biopsy of the lining of the uterus.  If that didn't show any evidence of cancer or pre-cancer, I would treat first with 14 days or so of progesterone therapy.
Hope this helps!
Dr B

[mama24kiddos]

I have a sister in law going through the same thing and they told her she has PCOS..I have experienced similar stuff to that..I bleed for months at a time but I get my period every month I have very heavy periods and very clotty periods and they are very painful at times. My doctor told me I have Endometriosis..I have 4 kids and now I can't concieve (conceive) so we have been having problems with that.But my Sis in Law doesn't have any children she hasn't been ovulating.. I hope you find out something and good luck..