Menstrual Cycle Relief?

My cycles were like yours with extreme bleeding, pain, and debilitating fatigue. I got to having 11-14 day periods with two weeks off in between. I decided to skip pills and all that and tried an ablation. It was a breeze to have done but did nothing whatsoever for me. I had a hysterectomy 6 months later with everything out but one ovary. I had to have the abdominal incision because my uterus was super large. The recovery was tough especially the first couple of weeks. By six weeks I could pretty much do everything. I feel infinitely better now and wish I had done it sooner. I'm 50 now and had it done almost two years ago, and my quality of life has increased a lot. I am so thrilled not to have to worry about periods. Since I still have the ovary, I still would get other symptoms during my "cycle", but I think that ovary is shutting down now and I am going into menopause. I am glad I had this done. I hope you find your answer and feel better!

I had an ablation almost two years ago and it was the best decision ever! No more periods, cramps, NOTHING and no side effects. My periods were heavy, random and unreasonable and now I don't even need to keep tampons or pads in the house.
If that's an option for you GO FOR IT I'm so happy I did (I'm 49 btw, had the procedure at 47.)

I have been taking the pill straight through, skipping the placebo week, on my OB's advice since my 20s. I can tell you it took a few tries with brands to get the right combination of hormones, but once I did, it was terrific! I wouldn't give up after try #1. My IBS used to go x1,000 with my period and now I avoid all of that. In my late 40s now with hormones going haywire, I do have to do the fake period week a few times a year (otherwise I get breakthrough bleeding), but it's when I choose it and it's not a big deal like it used to be.

I have a mirena IUD for this exact issue (like you, no need for birth control). It is a lower level of hormone than birth control pills, and it's constant release so less 'up and down' of levels that happens when you take a pill every day. Some people stop getting their period all together. I am not so lucky - I still do get periods but they are very light with little cramping.

A female relative of mine is having similar issues, and her Ob-Gyn is recommending mirena to her as well, so I think this is becoming a common treatment option for this issue.

Good luck.

I had similar symptoms.that worsens over time. Eventually, I had exploritoey surgery. They found endometrium. With another surgery they cleaned out as much as they could. That helped some for awhile. When I was back to having pain that kept me from work, I had a hysterectomy. What a relief! If I were to do it over, I'd have the hysterectomy at the beginning.

As I remember when this happened with me, surgery was the only way to diagnose endometriosis. Or they suspected it and surgery was needed to assess the extent. I think that medical science has more knowledge and it's easier to diagnose.

I have several friends who went on the IUD for this exact reason and had great results.

You can PM if you like :)

Well, if you are done having kids - a hysterectomy will end it once and for all.
They can leave your ovaries in - so menopause will come on it's own when they shut down on their own.
An ablation will work for some - but for many the issues come back and they end up having the hysterectomy anyway.
There is a site called Hyster Sisters that has a lot of good information.
You might want to check it out.