u/throwawayfroshie

I (24F) have struggled with really heavy periods since I was around 17–18. I got my period at 15, and from ages 15–17 I was a competitive dancer, so my periods were very light. Once I stopped dancing, I don’t know if it was that or just aging/hormonal changes, but my periods became super heavy.

My periods are extremely heavy to the point that they genuinely inconvenience my life. During the first 3–4 days of my cycle, my flow is so heavy that I soak through the heaviest tampon I can find (OB Ultra) within 1–1.5 hours. It makes it really difficult for me to leave the house without constantly being paranoid about leaking. Additionally, i often leak on bedsheets overnight even when wearing period panties and pad, not to mention it’s very uncomfortable sleeping with essentially a diaper

I also deal with brain fog, fatigue, cramps, back pain, and headaches. My mom also had very heavy periods before menopause, so maybe it’s genetic. I also have iron-deficiency anemia and low vitamin D levels. I’m not sure if that’s contributing, but ever since I got the bloodwork back I’ve been taking the supplements my PCP prescribed every day and honestly haven’t noticed much improvement.

My hormone levels came back “normal” (I can post them if it would help). When I went to an OBGYN, she basically said the only thing that would help was birth control. However, I’m really reluctant because I’m worried about side effects (weight gain, migraines, etc.), and some of my friends have had really bad experiences with it.

I also recently started taking an SSRI (Zoloft 25mg) for anxiety/depression, so I’m not sure if birth control would interfere with that. My OBGYN suggested a progesterone-only pill (Jencycla?) since I’ve had migraines before, but I’m still hesitant.

I’ve also heard good things about some hormonal IUDs/implants, but again I’m really worried about side effects. I know weight gain might sound trivial or vain, but I already experienced some weight gain from SSRIs and it affected me mentally. My BMI is currently in the normal range.

I also don’t really work out besides light cardio, so I’m wondering if body recomposition/strength training/exercise could help at all.

Any advice or similar experiences would really be appreciated.

Also, birth control is not necessary for contraception in my case since I’m not sexually active and never have been. It would purely be for helping manage my heavy periods.

Not sure if it helps, but I can share more demographics or lab results if needed for context. I would ideally like to get to the root of this with as little ‘lifelong’ / strong medication as possible - would rather supplant my lifestyle or health.

Thank you for any help in advance 🙏🏼

Edit: forgot to mention my OBGYN did an ultrasound where she said it’s highly likely I have PCOS as she saw cysts on my ovaries. My mom said she has ovarian cysts but she never got a formal diagnosis we don’t really speak about this stuff. Not sure if it factors in?

I (24F) have struggled with really heavy periods since I was around 17–18. I got my period at 15, and from ages 15–17 I was a competitive dancer, so my periods were very light. Once I stopped dancing, I don’t know if it was that or just aging/hormonal changes, but my periods became super heavy.

My periods are extremely heavy to the point that they genuinely inconvenience my life. During the first 3–4 days of my cycle, my flow is so heavy that I soak through the heaviest tampon I can find (OB Ultra) within 1–1.5 hours. It makes it really difficult for me to leave the house without constantly being paranoid about leaking. Additionally, i often leak on bedsheets overnight even when wearing period panties and pad, not to mention it’s very uncomfortable sleeping with essentially a diaper

I also deal with brain fog, fatigue, cramps, back pain, and headaches. My mom also had very heavy periods before menopause, so maybe it’s genetic. I also have iron-deficiency anemia and low vitamin D levels. I’m not sure if that’s contributing, but ever since I got the bloodwork back I’ve been taking the supplements my PCP prescribed every day and honestly haven’t noticed much improvement.

My hormone levels came back “normal” (I can post them if it would help). When I went to an OBGYN, she basically said the only thing that would help was birth control. However, I’m really reluctant because I’m worried about side effects (weight gain, migraines, etc.), and some of my friends have had really bad experiences with it.

I also recently started taking an SSRI for anxiety/depression, so I’m not sure if birth control would interfere with that. My OBGYN suggested a progesterone-only pill (Jencycla?) since I’ve had migraines before, but I’m still hesitant.

I’ve also heard good things about some hormonal IUDs/implants, but again I’m really worried about side effects. I know weight gain might sound trivial or vain, but I already experienced some weight gain from SSRIs and it affected me mentally. My BMI is currently in the normal range.

I also don’t really work out besides light cardio, so I’m wondering if body recomposition/strength training/exercise could help at all.

Any advice or similar experiences would really be appreciated.

Also, birth control is not necessary for contraception in my case since I’m not sexually active and never have been. It would purely be for helping manage my heavy periods.

Not sure if it helps, but I can share more demographics or lab results if needed for context.

Thank you for any help in advance 🙏🏼

Edit: forgot to mention my OBGYN did an ultrasound where she said it’s highly likely I have PCOS as she saw cysts on my ovaries. My mom said she has ovarian cysts but she never got a formal diagnosis we don’t really speak about this stuff. Not sure if it factors in?

I (24F) have struggled with really heavy periods since I was around 17–18. I got my period at 15, and from ages 15–17 I was a competitive dancer, so my periods were very light. Once I stopped dancing, I don’t know if it was that or just aging/hormonal changes, but my periods became super heavy.

My periods are extremely heavy to the point that they genuinely inconvenience my life. During the first 3–4 days of my cycle, my flow is so heavy that I soak through the heaviest tampon I can find (OB Ultra) within 1–1.5 hours. It makes it really difficult for me to leave the house without constantly being paranoid about leaking. Additionally, i often leak on bedsheets overnight even when wearing period panties and pad, not to mention it’s very uncomfortable sleeping with essentially a diaper

I also deal with brain fog, fatigue, cramps, back pain, and headaches. My mom also had very heavy periods before menopause, so maybe it’s genetic. I also have iron-deficiency anemia and low vitamin D levels. I’m not sure if that’s contributing, but ever since I got the bloodwork back I’ve been taking the supplements my PCP prescribed every day and honestly haven’t noticed much improvement.

My hormone levels came back “normal” (I can post them if it would help). When I went to an OBGYN, she basically said the only thing that would help was birth control. However, I’m really reluctant because I’m worried about side effects (weight gain, migraines, etc.), and some of my friends have had really bad experiences with it.

I also recently started taking an SSRI for anxiety/depression, so I’m not sure if birth control would interfere with that. My OBGYN suggested a progesterone-only pill (Jencycla?) since I’ve had migraines before, but I’m still hesitant.

I’ve also heard good things about some hormonal IUDs/implants, but again I’m really worried about side effects. I know weight gain might sound trivial or vain, but I already experienced some weight gain from SSRIs and it affected me mentally. My BMI is currently in the normal range.

I also don’t really work out besides light cardio, so I’m wondering if body recomposition/strength training/exercise could help at all.

Any advice or similar experiences would really be appreciated.

Also, birth control is not necessary for contraception in my case since I’m not sexually active and never have been. It would purely be for helping manage my heavy periods.

Not sure if it helps, but I can share more demographics or lab results if needed for context.

Thank you for any help in advance 🙏🏼