Wondering about an extremely heavy period.

[cnmaer]

My lil sister is 20 and she went into the hosital two weeks ago because she had her period for 9 days and it was so heavy that she was changing ever hour or two from super pads and tampons. Everytime she'd go to the rest room her "huge" clots would fall on the floor and she'd have blood everywhere. She lost too much blood and almost died when we took her to the hospital. She had to get three blood transfusions. The doctor said that the condition she had was common and gave her medicine to stop the bleeding. They also gave her iron pills. Anyways, her period died down for a few days and she was feeling much better. Then two days ago it started up again and now the clots are back and her period is very heavy again. She called the doctor and he said it was normal and not to worry. I am concerned about her loosing so much blood. Is this really "normal"? They didn't do any cancer tests and my grandma had ovarian cancer. I don't know if I am just being a wory wart, but I am afraid it could be something worse. Does anyone know about anything like this happening? Do you think it'd be wise to see someone else? We are just kinda broke so it is hard...

[nickifox727]

A related discussion, Bleeding non-stop period. was started.

[Lissy1]

I have heavy clotty periods. A few months back I started noticing heavy clotting (egg sized) and irregular bleeding. Before this I was always very regular, albeit my periods were heavy and somewhat clotty. I got right into the Drs. I found out my thyroid levels were low, along with low iron and I have two complex cysts with thick lining in my uterus(still not sure what that means). I would absolutely get your sister in to be seen. What she is dealing with is not normal.

[fungirl]

I had a similar experience as your sister when I was 25.  I was bleeding so heavy that I was going through two overnight pads, my jeans, sweatshirt, coat, and it got on my car seat.  I went to the doctor the next day, and since I was done having children, I had a hysterectomy the next day.  I am not saying your sister needs anything like this, but bleeding that heavy is not normal.  Get a second opinion asap!!  Kasie

[Mary 53]

Hi, and sorry to hear your sister is going through all of this. I am sure a number of things could be causing this, but I would recommend that you do some research on estrogen dominance. This is caused by an imbalance in our systems between estrogen and progesterone. It is not as common for women to get this until they get into perimenopause which can range age wise from mid thirties to the late fourties. But, nothing is impossible.

I have often wondered if I'd been lacking in progesterone when I was that age. Clotting and heavy periods are symptoms of this imbalance. Your question about this might be dismissed since your sister is 20 and not 40! but, don't give up til you get an answer. Sounds like you are not planning on giving up, though. Sister is lucky to have you!

Dr. Uzzi Reiss's book "Natural Hormonal Balance" has information on this very thing (imbalances in younger women). It is a great book.

Best to you and your family. Mary

[CombatMom]

Hi, I went through similar circumstances when I was around 13 years old.  I was put on birth control pills which decreased the bleeding, cramping and clotting after a few cycles.  I would certainly seek a second opinion on this.  Don't be afraid to write down your questions for the next doctor's visit so you don't forget anything.  Ask if there are alternate treatments and what best fits your sister and why.  Ask around and see if anyone else in your family has this.  It is always good information for the doctor to have.  You and your sister are in my prayers.

[NikkiPoo]

I'm so sorry that your sister is going through this she is very lucky to have you worrying about her. I would start searching around for any kind of government programs that may be available to help with payments or cover her completely. You should be able to find a doctor that will take payments. Your in the US? If so isn't it terrible that the same level of care is not available to everyone! I googled normal periods and below is what I found, your sister is NOT having normal periods.
Normal Bleeding

[livertrans]

Definitely see another doc.  I use to skip 2-3months then have periods like that.  They would last for weeks.  I was a bridesmaid at my nieces(she is only 5 years younger then me) wedding during one of these times.  My sister wanted to take me to ER because I was so pale.  Thank goodness it let up during the ceremony and pictures.  During the reception I had to rush back to the house to change underwear and slip because it came back with a vengence.  Put the kibbush on my dancing for the evening.  It is not normal.  I was told for years that it would straighten out on its own.  I ended up on the pill at 21 and that put it on hold until I started trying to get pregnant.  It was a hormonal imbalance and there were meds to help control it after I had my son.  Unfortunately they stopped working by my last 30's and I finally had a hysterectomy at 37.  Get help and get the meds.  I bet there are better ones out there now.  It really leaves you unable to function when it is like that.

[Gatsby]

Welcome!  Try to get your sister an appt. with a gyn/onc.  They are specialists in the female reproductive area and should be of great help.  It is not normal to bleed like that!  You and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha