Heavy Periods

[Looking for answers]

Hi Ladies--

When I was younger, my periods were so heavy and intense that my doctor put me on BCPs at age 15!!! When I say heavy, I mean heavy . . . using both a pad and tampon at the same time, I could only go one to two hours before I would bleed through my clothes. I also had severe cramping and PMS issues.

I'm now 28 and am thinking about getting off BCPs, but I wanted to see if anyone else had similar issues and found relief in going gluten free. Honestly, I'm afraid of getting off BCPs because the last time I tried, I was in so much pain and was bed ridden for a few days.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[tammy]

I have not seen any difference in my period since going gluten-free. However, I would highly recommend looking up the benefits of these three things to support your hormone needs:

A great website is www.womentowomen.com

Flax Seeds

Pro-Gest body cream by Emerita

High quality B vitamins

Best Wishes!!!!

[PennyG]

I'm sorry you are having a hard time! I know how you feel about the needing double coverage. My periods have always been heavy, when I have them, and going gluten free didn't change that. But, that is how my body is & how it tends to run in my family. I did find that as long as I avoid all the foods I am intolerant/allergic to, my PMS symptoms aren't as bad. I would get really bad cramps, nausea/vomiting, migranes, etc.

I don't know what to tell you about getting off BCP that will have to be something you talk over with your doctor. I only took them for a year and had to stop taking them because the side effects were so bad.

[Kaycee]

I am like the two previous answers and by going gluten free my periods did not change at all. They are still light and disappearing as I approach menopause.

Cathy

[AndreaB]

I also had very heavy periods and went on BCP's for about 10 years. I've never had bad PMS or cramping.

It takes awhile for your body to readjust after going off of them. I didn't have as heavy of cycles for probably 6-7 years after that (and 2 children). My cycles started getting heavier again 2 years ago. Another pregnancy and going gluten free since then I've just started cycling again and they have been normal. Don't know whether that will continue or not. I am gluten free, soy free and dairy free.

My mom's cycles were really heavy too.

You could try going off of them to give your body a break. You can always start back up again if they get too heavy again.

[BRUMI1968]

I've always had very light periods - I mean stupid light, which i've always appreciated. since going gluten-free, they've gotten much more "normal", I think since my hormones have been straightening out.

I've done some reading on the subject, and one theory is that women should not eat the reproductive byproducts of other animals: eggs, milk. You might give that a shot. Lots of women, upon quitting those things, can find improvement in PMS, heavy flow, cramps, etc...as well as cysts and the like. I'm sure the gal I'm thinking of also suggested you stay off soy and other estrogenic foods.

Birth control pills can't be good for you, can they?

Which reminds me -- aren't some folks taking BCP and NOT taking the placebos -- in this way they never have their period. Once or twice a year maybe. this started because it has been noted that if you never have children, your chances for reproductive cancer increase. They've decided this is because you have periods all the time -- if you were to have babies, you'd be without your period for various times.

Anyway, I know I just wondered if the BCP were terrible for you, but this might be an option - the periodless lifestyle. It was a couple years ago that this was the rage, so I don't know how it ended up.

[Ann1231]

Mine were extremely heavy, I mean, I could stand up and that alone would cause "sudden flow" and I'd soak thru. I always had to wear larger over shirts just in case, to cover my bum. After going gluten free and low carbing (about the same time) it's made a world of difference. I can now go shopping during that week! It is much MUCH lighter and the pms is pretty much gone. My doctor said it's because the grains/carbs affect your hormones and that of course, affects your monthly cycle.

[corinne]

My periods were very heavy. I used to go through a super-plus tampon in as little as 30 minutes during the first 2 days and my periods lasted for 12 to 14 days. I also had very strong cramps (passed out twice at work). I was on birth control pills for this for about 10 years so that I could get through school and keep my job. I've been gluten free for almost a year (since Jan. 2 last year) and things are SOOO much better. I have taken a naproxen only once for cramps in the last 6 months and my periods are now relatively normal. A super plus will get me through at least 4 hours and my periods now last 5-7 days.

[JenKuz]

Mine were extremely heavy, I mean, I could stand up and that alone would cause "sudden flow" and I'd soak thru. I always had to wear larger over shirts just in case, to cover my bum. After going gluten free and low carbing (about the same time) it's made a world of difference. I can now go shopping during that week! It is much MUCH lighter and the pms is pretty much gone. My doctor said it's because the grains/carbs affect your hormones and that of course, affects your monthly cycle.

I had the same experience, too. When I did the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for four months, my periods went from 6 to 7 days in length with heavy cramping to 3 to 4 days in length with minimal cramping. The flow wasn't affected so much, however. Now that I'm gluten free but eating other carbs (not so much, but occasional rice, potatoes and corn products) it's somewhere in the middle. I think the carbs definitely affect flow. However, I will say that on trying a low-carb diet some time ago, my symptoms actually got *worse,* I think because that was a diet that involved lots of a sugar substitutes, no fruit and few vegetables, and all in all I felt like crap while on it.

[sunshinen]

I used to take BCP to control cramping and bleeding. I could never stand to go off them for more than three months (3mos. seeming to be the time it took my body to adjust back to "normal"). But I quit taking them about the same time that I went gluten free and have had no problems. I have some mild cramping, but nothing near what it used to be. It's great!

[Looking for answers]

I want to thank all of you who posted replies so far . . . it's comferting to know that there are others who have/ had similar issues. I now have hope that I can discontinue using BCPs. And if for some reason this dosen't work, maybe skipping the placebos, and therefore my period, will be an option.

Thanks everyone for the support and help!

[darlindeb25]

I can't really say that going gluten free made a difference for me because as many celiacs do, I went through menopause early, was already going through it when I went gluten-free. I was just as many of you, for the first 3 days of my cycle, I didn't leave home if I didn't have too. Sometimes I feel that my body thinks it has to do every to extremes!

[SpikeMoore]

Hi There

Add another one that soaked through a tampon and pad every hour for 1-2 days with occasional severe cramping. This may be suggestive of endometriosis and I think there may be a link. I have this and am on the bcp for now until I can have a laproscopy to remove the endometrioma on the ovary. I have just gone gluten free for a month and feel great. I suspect that once I get the cyst removed I'll be able to go off the pill. I hope that being gluten free will keep the endo under control.

[Canadian Karen]

Boy oh boy, I hear ya!

I have just discovered a miracle though.....

My periods were so heavy that I was soaking through a super-plus tampon every 1/2 hour for days! Not only that, but (gross here.........) VERY huge clots, alot of them.

The last few years, at each of my annual physicals, my doctor has noticed my uterus was "bulky" and sent me for ultrasounds (internal ). Each year, the wall of the uterus has been getting thicker and thicker. Added to the problem is my severe anemia, so trying to get my blood up while losing so much each month was kind of like trying to swim upriver.....

Well, my doctor recommended something to me and I decided to give it a try. It's called Mirena and it is an IUD that slowly releases Levonorgestrel right into the wall of the uterus. The huge bonus that has everyone raving about this IUD is that it reduces a woman's period by 90% in most cases, and some women lose their period totally!

Now, of course I don't need the IUD for birth control purposes for two reasons:

1) Terry is and probably will be for a very long time still in the doghouse......

and

2) After having the twins and knowing that four children was my limit, I made sure I was sliced, diced, chopped, sautered, burned and anything else they could do with those tubes to make sure I wasn't getting pregant again!

But the doctor thought the added bonus of greatly reducing my period would be a great benefit in treating my anemia. Well, I have to tell ya, I got it put in a couple of weeks ago, and this week got my period. It's barely enough to warrant even a tampon! It's a miracle!!!! AND!!! EVEN BETTER!!! the debillitating cramps that went along with my periods are gone too!

The only drawback is cost: Luckily, mine was covered through insurance, but the actual cost of it was around $350.00 CDN. But the way I look at it, if it helped improve my anemia and tiredness and weakness, it would have been worth the money even if it wasn't covered!

Here is a link about it:

Open Original Shared Link

I know I sure am a happy camper about this!

Hugs.

Karen

[nikki-uk]

Now, of course I don't need the IUD for birth control purposes for two reasons:

1) Terry is and probably will be for a very long time still in the doghouse......

and

2) After having the twins and knowing that four children was my limit, I made sure I was sliced, diced, chopped, sautered, burned and anything else they could do with those tubes to make sure I wasn't getting pregant again!

Hugs.

Karen

Poor old Tel!, It must be getting cold out there!!

But seriously though - great news about the coil. I never realised it could do that....One less thing to have to cope with

[mainesgem]

Hi there!

I have had severely heavy periods for the past couple of years ... along

with the onset of (what I'm pretty sure is) Celiac disease. I just started eating gluten-free

a week ago Monday. So, I can't say for while if I will see a difference.

My periods have been so bad at times that I have literally hemmoraged in this past-

just being on my period. Oh Joy!

Have you been checked for endometriosis? I have always had pms and severe cramping.

I was Dx'ed with endometriosis after years of suffering. If your symptoms of severe

cramping return after going off BCP's-you need to get a "lap" done.

Other's have said with in this post that it's not too good being on BCP's. I would aggree to that!

I don't I know of anyone who has a good experience being on them.

Just my two cents worth...

J.

[Looking for answers]

Boy oh boy, I hear ya!

I have just discovered a miracle though.....

My periods were so heavy that I was soaking through a super-plus tampon every 1/2 hour for days! Not only that, but (gross here.........) VERY huge clots, alot of them.

The last few years, at each of my annual physicals, my doctor has noticed my uterus was "bulky" and sent me for ultrasounds (internal ). Each year, the wall of the uterus has been getting thicker and thicker. Added to the problem is my severe anemia, so trying to get my blood up while losing so much each month was kind of like trying to swim upriver.....

Well, my doctor recommended something to me and I decided to give it a try. It's called Mirena and it is an IUD that slowly releases Levonorgestrel right into the wall of the uterus. The huge bonus that has everyone raving about this IUD is that it reduces a woman's period by 90% in most cases, and some women lose their period totally!

Now, of course I don't need the IUD for birth control purposes for two reasons:

1) Terry is and probably will be for a very long time still in the doghouse......

and

2) After having the twins and knowing that four children was my limit, I made sure I was sliced, diced, chopped, sautered, burned and anything else they could do with those tubes to make sure I wasn't getting pregant again!

But the doctor thought the added bonus of greatly reducing my period would be a great benefit in treating my anemia. Well, I have to tell ya, I got it put in a couple of weeks ago, and this week got my period. It's barely enough to warrant even a tampon! It's a miracle!!!! AND!!! EVEN BETTER!!! the debillitating cramps that went along with my periods are gone too!

The only drawback is cost: Luckily, mine was covered through insurance, but the actual cost of it was around $350.00 CDN. But the way I look at it, if it helped improve my anemia and tiredness and weakness, it would have been worth the money even if it wasn't covered!

Here is a link about it:

Open Original Shared Link

I know I sure am a happy camper about this!

Hugs.

Karen

Very interesting! I will definitely talked to my doctor about this. . . thanks!

[Looking for answers]

Hi There

Add another one that soaked through a tampon and pad every hour for 1-2 days with occasional severe cramping. This may be suggestive of endometriosis and I think there may be a link. I have this and am on the bcp for now until I can have a laproscopy to remove the endometrioma on the ovary. I have just gone gluten free for a month and feel great. I suspect that once I get the cyst removed I'll be able to go off the pill. I hope that being gluten free will keep the endo under control.

I wish the best to you! Thank you for the advice. I haven't been tested for endometriosis, but I think I will now!

[num1habsfan]

Wish I had a good reply for you. My period has gotta worse since going gluten-free. I must be one of the rare ones. I first got mine when I was 14, and it'd follow the cycle nearly perfectly, and it was heavy with cramps (and would last 5 days). Now being gluten-free it'll last 2 to 13 days, sometimes all heavy, sometimes all light, sometimes cramps, sometimes no cramps. And the time in between cycles ranges from less then 2 weeks to almost 3 months Can you tell I have fun?

~ lisa ~

[jebus]

Hi:

I don't know if this will help you, but before being diagnosed with Celiac, but being in the malabsorption of iron, B-12, vitamin D etc. stage, my endocrinologist insisted I take daily iron tablets, which resulted in my getting the "periods from hell" for the first time ever. I stopped taking them one week before my due dates, and voila! normal periods (for me) again. Hopefully, since they've begun to taper off because I'm ancient (49), they'll stop altogether soon. I think menstruating for 37 years is enough (minus the time I was pregnant with our two sons). I'm sure the male Celiacs out there are loving these conversations. They all just went to find a football game on the t.v.

Good Luck,

Jebus (a.k.a. Ruthie)

[mainesgem]

....I'm sure the male Celiacs out there are loving these conversations. They all just went to find a football game on the t.v.

Good Luck,

Jebus (a.k.a. Ruthie)

LOL!!! :0) !!! If they are reading these posts-they probably have their head in a toliet -

preparing to puke! The men in my life (My hubbie, brother, and dad) would run away

screaming/upchucking (at the same time) if they read these posts about heavy periods.

J.

[Canadian Karen]

Okay guys, I spoke too soon......

I am in extreme pain right now with the excruciating cramps that I usually get and although not as heavy, my period is still heavy (to days of spotting came before the real deal......)

So, I guess I have to just be patient and as the website says, it will take a few months before this hormone thing really kicks in......

[jerseyangel]

There is another procedure for heavy bleeding called Endometrial Ablation. I had this done 2 years ago. At that time, I had the very heavy bleeding that you have all described. I had an ultrasound just before that showed nothing but a thickened uterine wall and a small 2cm fibroid which was not in the lining of the uterus.

I had the Nova Sure method--I went in the out-patient center at 6AM, had the procedure (along with a D&C) and was home before noon. There was some cramping for a few days, but nothing that a couple of Tylenol couldn't handle.

It worked well to decrease the bleeding. I actually had none for a few months (probably due to the D&C) and then just very light.

*This is not for any woman who still wants to have children.*

The ironic footnote to this story is that I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy soon. My little fibroid has grown rapidly to over 8cm and there is another issue, unrelated to the ablation. If I had known that this would happen, I would have opted for the surgery then--but I went ahead based on what we knew at the time.

[num1habsfan]

I think mine has suddenly decided to go from messed up to just impossible. I got it again today, meaning I've now had my period twice in not even a month span

~ lisa ~

[Looking for answers]

Hey Ladies--

I've meant to get back here to post my progress, but haven't until now. I stopped taking birth control pills three months ago and am thrilled to report that my period is is light and pain-free since going gluten free. For any women out there who have had the same problems I experienced, you may want to consider getting off the pill if you no longer want to take it to control your periods. Eliminating gluten has done wonders for my health, but I NEVER expected to see such results with my period. It's amazing!