Is it common to be on your menstral for three weeks out the month? With on/off again heavy clot spotting? No it is not normal to be bleeding for three weeks or having clots. As for having a fibroid, only your doctor can diagnose that.
Several years ago I had a uterine fibroid that caused heavy bleeding and clots. When the doctor did a pelvic exam, she said my uterus seemed enlarged and sent me for an ultrasound. The image was showed that I had a fibroid tumor.
To make my story short, the doctor I was going to did a couple surgeries on me and claimed I was fine, but every month I was still bleeding half to death. When he told me I had to have a hysterectomy (I was only 24 years old), I went for a second opinion. It was the best thing I ever did. My new doctor was able to remove the fibroid (the procedure is called a myomectomy) and left everything intact. He said he doesn't see any reason I couldn't have children in the future. I'm happy to say it's almost 4 years since my surgery and haven't had any major problems since.
The only way you'll find out what's wrong is if you go see your doctor. And just remember if you don't like the options your doctor gives you, you can always get a second opinion.
If you have any other questions, just ask. I'm always willing to give my advice and share my experiences. This seems to be a fairly common problem for women today, but it is not normal. Have you consulted with your gynecologist to get their opinion of your problem? There can be numerous reasons for the heavy bleeding and clotting.
I experienced the same thing back in 1997. I was miserable most days of the month and could not go on. The doctor told me I had Uterine Fibroids and Endometriosis and the only answer was to have a hysterectomy. I was not ready for that, so I began an in depth study of fibroids and alternative ways to deal with my pain. I started using a natural progesterone cream & I also changed my diet dramatically. Within one month I was much improved and within another 6 months my periods were manageable. You can read my entire story at the source listed below (go to Donna's story).
If you are looking for a quick fix, then this is not for you. For me, a change in diet and using the natural progesterone cream was the solution. I am happy to report that I still have all my innards and have now begun the journey of menopause naturally. The typical woman bleeds for two to seven days at the beginning of each menstrual cycle. Prolonged bleeding (metrorrhagia, also meno-metrorrhagia) no longer shows a clear interval pattern. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding refers to hormonally caused bleeding abnormalities, typically anovulation. All these bleeding abnormalities need medical attention; they may indicate hormone imbalances, uterine fibroids, or other problems. As pregnant patients may bleed, a pregnancy test forms part of the evaluation of abnormal bleeding.
Uterine fibroids are benign uterine tumors of smooth muscle origin. Fibroids frequently cause abnormal vaginal bleeding (eg, menorrhagia, menometrorrhagia), pelvic pain and pressure, urinary and intestinal symptoms, and pregnancy complications. Diagnosis is by pelvic examination and imaging. Treatment of symptomatic patients depends on the patient's desire for fertility and desire to keep her uterus and may include oral contraceptives, brief presurgical gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy to shrink fibroids, and more definitive surgical procedures (eg, myomectomy, hysterectomy, endometrial ablation). |
