Worsening PMS, spotting, heavy periods. Perimenopause

[wendibird22]

Update in #35

I'm about to turn 46. I've had heavy periods for the past few years, intermittent spotting in the week leading up to the start of my period (usually old, brown blood), and just recently worsening PMS (bloating, achy/heavy lower abdomen). Today I'm spotting and feel crampy and bloated like a whale and my period is due any day now. I'm also having bouts of restless sleep and night sweats (these seem to happen mid-cycle). Ugh, I'm over it already! But honestly I'm most bothered by the heavy bleeding (I can fill up a Diva cup in 1-2hrs all.day.long on days 2 and 3 of my period) and spotting. I mentioned the heavy bleeding 2 years ago to my OBGYN who put me on low dose BCP but I instantly gained 10lbs and after several months on it I just didn't like being on hormones again, having to take something daily at the same time, etc...when you don't need a BCP then it's such a pain to have to take one! I've read about using ibuprofen or acetaminophen to lessen bleeding and that works a tiny bit, but isn't a game changer. I HATE that for 1-2 days a month I cannot be out and about without a bathroom for more than an hour. Heck, at work I have to time bathroom trips strategically as sometimes I'm in a 2-3hr meeting. Forget sightseeing, concerts, outdoor activities like hiking or camping, or distance running (I run half marathons), etc when I'm starting my period. I dread my period each month.

Any advice?