Excessive Menustrual Cycle

I have a 10 - 14 day break between the start and finish of each period (I'm 38 years old).  The week prior to the start, I bloat, become moody and have leg cramps.  The first two days of the period I bleed very heavy (including clots), so extreme that every time I stand up I have to rush to the bathroom because clots come gushing out.  Tampons are not an option because they don't absorb quick enough.  

Is there any help?  I have gone to a doctor in the past and received birth control pills.  These have not helped (and to be honest, I'd rather not take them because of all the health risks).  I have also had biopy and it was all found to be benign.

During the 7 days of my cycle, the only thing that keeps me going is taking Midol (approx. 10 tables per day for the first 3 days).

Also, during the time (this has been happening for over 5 years) I developed Roseaca on my cheeks and had significant weight gain.

This all began after the birth of my second child (I had a uterine rupture).

This is affecting my way of life greatly!  I don't want to keep wasting money on doctors who are only guessing.  So, in order to do that, I need to gather as much data as I can before I meet with one (thus this request to you).  Other women I have talked to said they had similar problems and their doctors and had a hysterectomy.  Is this the route I should be looking at?

Please help.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

It is always a good idea to get a second opinion. It is possible that you have a hormonal problem that is causing the bleeding.  You could also have a blood clotting problem such as von willebrands disease. this can be tested for with a blood test. Excessive bleeding can be due to an iron deficiency. Have your doctor check for iron levels in your blood and a total iron binding capacity. If they are low, start taking iron and vitamins for at least three months.

Bleeding can also be due to fibroids, adenomyosis (the uterine lining invades the uterine wall so it can't stop the bleeding) and many other things.

Some treatments include hormones such as the birth control pill, hormone containg IUDs such as Mirena, and surgery such as a D & C to scrape out the lining. Occasioanlly a hysterectomy is needed. There is also surgery called uterine ablation in which an instrument is used to 'burn' the lining so it won't bleed. This is done in the operating room under anesthesia.

The best bet is start taking iron and vitamins and get another opinion.
Machelle Seibel, MD