Update re: heavy periods, perimenopause

[wendibird22]

I posted last month about dealing with years of heavy periods, perimenopause symptoms etc. https://windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/sh...92#post4387292

I had my sonohystergram last week and my doctor followed up with me today (via nurse message). My uterine lining is fine and of normal thickness. I do have one fibroid that could be pushing on the uterus, which the doctor said could cause heavier bleeding (pushing on uterus causes more uterine surface area, cause more surface to shed). She also said it could just simply be perimenopause. They did biopsy the endometrium (that's required in order to be considered for more invasive solutions such as ablation) and that came back fine.

So, the voicemail message I had from the nurse said the doctor is suggesting either going back on BPC or try Liletta IUD. I tried a BCP about a year and a half ago and immediately gained 10lbs and just didn't feel myself on it so I discontinued it after a few months. I had the Mirena IUD about 10yrs ago, after the birth of DD2, but had it removed after about 9 months because I was constantly spotting and I had a host of other symptoms like headaches, bloating, etc. Now, that was before I was diagnosed as gluten intolerant and I had the Mirena removed before going GF, so while the spotting likely wouldn't have gone away the other symptoms likely we not caused by the IUD (though I do wonder if the sensitivity was sparked by the IUD as I didn't have symptoms before having it placed).

So, now I have to decide...BCP or Liletta. What would you do?

[gymnbomb]

Personally I would probably try the pill first, in part because if you don't like it you just stop taking it vs. having to have something removed. And I'd talk to the doctor about previous experience on it and see if they could recommend a different pill.

[JBaxter]

Did you discuss ablation ?

[SnuggleBuggles]

I'd definitely pick the IUD. I really don't like the pill and the typical side effects. Plus, I am terrible about remembering to take meds. I know that there are many versions of the pill now so I guess I shouldn't give a blanket no...but for me it is always going to be a no.
I have had 3 IUDs now and the process was no biggie. I watched the most traumatic step by step account of someone getting an IUD on Buzzfeed and it was absolutely nothing like my experience! I had no numbing meds. Totally unnecessary. No ultrasound. Nothing really more involved than a pap. But if I didn't know any differently and just saw that Buzzfeed, I would be a "never!" on the IUD front too. Sorry, just rambling. I really like the convenience of IUDs but I can see the hesitation if there's no guarantee that it'll help.

[gatorsmom]

I vote BCP. I love the mini pill. I always take it right before bed with my vitamins and since it’s only for controlling bleeding, it doesn’t matter when exactly that I take it, as long as I don’t skip a day. I take them everyday and don’t stop for a period, per my doc’s directions. I particularly love them though for regulating my moods. I don’t have any ups and down days anymore. It’s wonderful. I take Norlyda which is norethindrone.

Like pp said, if you don’t like them, you can stop easily and try something else.

[wendibird22]

Did you discuss ablation ?

She said it was an option but wasn't keen to recommend it as a first step.

[wendibird22]

I'd definitely pick the IUD. I really don't like the pill and the typical side effects. Plus, I am terrible about remembering to take meds. I know that there are many versions of the pill now so I guess I shouldn't give a blanket no...but for me it is always going to be a no.
I have had 3 IUDs now and the process was no biggie. I watched the most traumatic step by step account of someone getting an IUD on Buzzfeed and it was absolutely nothing like my experience! I had no numbing meds. Totally unnecessary. No ultrasound. Nothing really more involved than a pap. But if I didn't know any differently and just saw that Buzzfeed, I would be a "never!" on the IUD front too. Sorry, just rambling. I really like the convenience of IUDs but I can see the hesitation if there's no guarantee that it'll help.

Yes, my Mirena was an easy process, just like yours.

[pinkmomagain]

I've had a wonderful experience with Mirena, truly. So my vote is IUD.

[JBaxter]

She said it was an option but wasn't keen to recommend it as a first step.

But you have had negative reactions to both methods they recommended

[AngB]

But you have had negative reactions to both methods they recommended

This. Neither. I'd get an ablation. At most, I'd tell her I was going on BCP and let her order the rx and then tell her it wasn't working. But really I would tell her neither of those have been good options for you in the past and I want an ablation.