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Month long heavy bleeding and clots

by Mo-D

Hi Wray, I'm so glad that I stumbled upon this site, it is the most informative one that I have found to date.

No sooner than I turned 31, my periods began to become increasingly heavier. It eventually got to the point that I was going through 100 super absorbancy tampons a week!!!

Since I started my period at 12, I always had incapacitating cramps, but after doing research on the web when my periods became heavier, I read about the awful side effects of tampons and how they contributed to my pain.

I stopped using tampons as of last Dec. and my cramps completely disappeared. I haven't had cramps in over 7 months, WHATSOEVER.

HOWEVER, although my periods became painless, by mid January, they got heavier and heavier and were now accompanied by palm sized clots and tissue that came at frequent rates. In addition, there were certain times that I would GUSH blood and clots for hours on end to the point of anemia.

Long story short, between suggestions from friends and research on the web, I found that the most likely cause of my bleeding was a hormonal imbalance/low progesterone. I purchased Nature's Precise Cream from one of Dr. Lee's websites and started applying 1/4 tspn. twice daily as of this Monday. I am already seeing results; the heels of my feet were badly cracked and started to heel, my complexion is clearing, my moods seem more balanced and during heavy flow times, applying the cream stops the flow.

My last period started June 17th and was very heavy. By the time I got the cream on July 12th, I was still bleeding but I went ahead and started the treatment. The bleeding stopped for 2 days and then I started my normal cycle again (this wed.,) but I am still using the cream.

My question i... should I continue using the cream since I am on my period again and should I increase the dosage to re-regulate my cycle? I assumed that I should use it for the next 21 days and then stop for the last 7, to reset. Is this a correct assumption? My goal is to stop the month long, heavy, clot-filled periods and regain normalcy.

Comments for Month long heavy bleeding and clots

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Jul 21, 2010
 Month long heavy bleeding and clots
by: Wray

Hi Mo-D Thanks for the kind words! Interesting you say your periods became heavier when you turned 31. Round about the average age of 35 we start having anovulatory cycles, in other words we make no progesterone that cycle. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, vital once a month to stimulate the endometrium each month to grow and thicken ready for a possible fertilised egg. But too much and the lining builds excessively. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP?s) are enzymes that break down protein. They play a role in the breakdown of endometrial tissues at the end of the menstrual cycle. If they are over active, as would be the case with an excess of oestrogen in the body, (oestrogen stimulates it?s production), the result is a pathological reaction such as inflammation and excessive bleeding. Progesterone suppresses MMP's. It?s only when progesterone levels drop at the end of the cycle that the MMP?s can get to work and breakdown the lining causing our monthly bleed. But with oestrogen continually stimulating more lining, and low progesterone, bleeding continues. The pain that is experienced is caused by prostaglandins, these cause uterine muscles to cramp. The same cramps we get with child birth. Oestrogen is a pro-inflammatory hormone, progesterone is an anti-inflammatory. It suppresses oestrogen, MMP's and prostaglandins, which is why we don't bleed or have uterine contractions during pregnancy. Interesting too that you found your pain disappeared when stopping the tampons. It could be you were having an allergic reaction to them, or your body reacting to something foreign inside. An alternative would be organic cotton tampons, readily available now. Or something like the Mooncup which many now use. The NPC contains 16mg progesterone per ml, so the 1/2 tsp you're using is giving you 40mg/day. To my mind not enough, although you say it has helped. I've found 10 times the amount is usually needed to stop the flow! There are two routes you can take. Either use the cream throughout your cycle, not stopping for your period, and do this for 2-3 months. This will give your uterus time to heal. Or follow your cycle, but the cream should only be used from ovulation, which in every woman is 12-14 days before they bleed. It's only during the luteal phase we make progesterone, so the cream is normally used then too. For more info please see our page How to use progesterone cream. I usually recommend 100-200mg/day progesterone, so I suggest you increase the amount till you find the optimum. Not forgetting stress drops progesterone levels sharply, so use more. Take care Wray
Jul 21, 2010
 Question
by: Mo-D

Hello again, Wray...

I suppose that my last post was a bit long-winded, as you didn't seem to catch my question.

Based on what I have read throughout this site according to my problem of heavy bleeding, I upped my usage of the Progesterone Cream. Originally, I only used it as directed (1/4 tsp./2 x/day.) However, after realizing that I was only getting about 40mg a day, I upped my dosage to 1/2 tsp./4 x day (which I am assuming would be more like 160 mg/day.) Since increasing the dosage, in only a week's time, I am already seeing results.

Would you suggest I continue this dosage and for how long? I have now been using it for 8 days.

After a year of suffering, in only a week, my period has been more normal than ever. I have been on for 7 days now, but the flow has been reduced by at least 60% and the clots have reduced in size by at least 80%. Although oddly, mild cramps have returned, I actually feel that it is my uterus finally working normally. I am amazed and relieved by the changes in such a short amount of time.

What do you think?
Jul 22, 2010
 Messages Crossed
by: Mo-D

Hi Wray...

Seems like our messages crossed. Thank you for the response. As you can see from my last post, the amount I have been using has really shown definite improvement.

I know that my periods start like clockwork, as even despite the length of bleeding, I will get at least a small break. However, they always start up again at the 23-28 day mark. I have never missed a period, regardless of how long or heavy the previous.

Like I mentioned last, since using the cream, the amount of clotting has drastically reduced. This period has been off and on, more bleeding first thing in the morning and sometimes at night. This will be day 8, with light days in between. Thankfully though, I have not experienced the gushing as I have for the past 8 months.

I do want to ask though, on light days and in between periods, I experience a frequent liquid trickle that is sometimes blood tinged, but mostly clear. It feels as if I am constantly secreting water and it often times comes out like urination. I have experienced this since my periods went haywire. It is almost like the fluid from a blister. Is this because of the excess buildup of lining? It does not seem like any kind of infection.
Jul 23, 2010
 Question
by: Wray

Hi Mo-D I thought I had, but I can be very obtuse in my answers! I said I found 10 times the 40mg you were using is needed to stop the flow, ie 400mg/day. In some very severe cases 600mg/day has been needed. You say you've upped it to 160mg and it seems to be helping, I'm very thrilled about that. But I feel it's taking too long to stop. You shouldn't be bleeding heavily for 7 days, although you say the flow has reduced considerably. It's impossible to tell what each of us needs, except by trial and error, but I really feel you need to use more. Unless you're happy with the way things are going. If you increase to the 400mg/day it should stop very quickly, but again it's impossible to tell. All I can say is this amount has helped many women, others needed more. Then once it has stopped, begin reducing the amount very slowly, i.e. 350mg for a few days, then 300mg for a few more and so on. If you stop suddenly it could cause bleeding to occur again. If you find this option too costly I can only suggest you keep using the amount you are until it stops. But I can't even begin to guess when the bleeding will stop. 160mg is slightly less than the amount I still use after 14 years. If you follow the 400mg/day route it should take about 2-3 weeks to reduce to the amount you're using now. Including the ±10 days you've been bleeding, this will cover a month, then stop the cream, you should bleed again. Count the first day of bleeding as day 1 and start using the cream again on day 15 for the next 14 days. You don't seem to have a cycle as such, so I suggest you follow the average of 28 days to begin with, your own cycle should assert itself in time. I prefer to use the 14 days, as it gives time for the endometrium to stabilise. It's evident that progesterone is still low, as you're still bleeding. The MMP's need to be suppressed before this stops. I wish I could be more specific about how long it will all take, but I can't. The amount I've suggested is also a guide line. Finally it could take 2-3 months or longer to get your cycle 'normal' again. Take care Wray
Jul 25, 2010
 Messages Crossed
by: Wray

Hi Mo-D They are crossing! Yes I did notice the ±160mg has helped you, it is a good amount and within the range I suggest. Although I really feel you should increase further to stop the long periods. Evidently your uterine wall is weakened with all the bleeding and serum is now leaking out, sometimes blood tinged as you say. Please try a higher amount for your next cycle and see that how that goes. 23-28 days is a 5 day gap, do you find on the 23 day cycle that you start spotting before you bleed heavily? If so your progesterone level is dropping before it should. Please try the higher amount and let me know how you fare. Take care Wray
Jul 26, 2010
 Major Improvement!
by: Mo-D

Hi Wray,

I haven't been this happy in a long time! I haven't bled in about 5 days now. My last period was far shorter than any that I've had in several months. By day 5 of using the cream and day 3 of my period, the clots virtually disappeared. I am starting week 3 of the cream, at about 200 mg a day and this seems to be working quite well. I apply it about every 4 hrs and whenever I either get stressed or feel a little bit of a slump. While I was on my period, I would use it the same way, but apply extra during heavy flow times. This seemed to lessen my flow significantly within 30 min. of application.

As you suggested, I think that I will go ahead and use the cream straight through for the next 3 months, to allow my uterus to heal. Then, providing that everything continues normally, I will gradually reduce the amount and follow my cycle. With this kind of relief, the cost is worth it. I plan on purchasing 6 more tubes within the next few days!!! =)

I can't thank you enough for all of your advice, it has helped tremendously. I am ever grateful!!!!!
Jul 30, 2010
 Major Improvement!
by: Wray

Bless you Mo-D! You've given me goose bumps and a prickly nose! I get this when I hear something like this. Thank you for trusting me, it's something to trust a complete stranger, never mind one you have never met and over the internet too. I can't tell you how delighted I am, I know it's costly, but in the long run cheaper and more effective than the route you were on. I'm so pleased you're using it as and when needed too, this is how it should be used. I still use it like this, and that's after 14 years on the stuff. Very pleased you're going with my suggestion of daily use for a few months to allow your uterus to recover. Let me know how you get on when you have the time. Take care Wray
Aug 03, 2010
 Your answers
by: Mo-D

Hello Wray... Bless you!!! You have been a Godsend and I wish I had found you sooner!

I think I'm figuring out the slight delay in posting here, so I'm waiting longer in between posts as to avoid the crossed messages..=)

Okay... your response about the fluid makes complete sense. For months, I assumed that it could be a leaking cyst. However, it only happens after every period for several days. It is quite annoying, as I am constantly having to wear some type of liner and wake up several times in the middle of the night because of the trickle. I assume that with continued use of the cream, this should subside as well with healing?

I am now on week 4 of the cream without stopping. I went 10 days with nothing more than the liquid trickle after my last period. However, at day 18 I started to spot after intercourse (no pain though). I have spotted off and on since then, with another period that is supposed to start sometime next week. I have upped the dosage a bit due to slight stresses and the spotting. It seems to help as usual.

To answer your question, yes, I do spot prior to a full period at or before the 23 day mark. I can also tell that my levels are dropping around that time because I suffer severe mood swings.

I also noticed that when I initially started the cream that I felt a sort of euphoric feeling at each application (which I loved). That feeling went away after about a week of usage, however, it has returned recently. I am assuming that this means that my levels are dropping again.

I ordered 6 more tubes yesterday and I can't wait until they get here. I am going through a 2oz. tube about every 6-7 days. I used more once I started spotting, so this last tube might not make it past Thursday. Do you think this dosage is adequate?
Aug 05, 2010
 Your answers
by: Wray

Hi Mo-D Thanks for the kind words, it makes me so happy you are at last being helped! And thank you for waiting before sending a reply! Yes given time, the uterus will heal, particularly now you are using progesterone with it's anti-inflammatory properties. Speaking of Inflammation, you might like to read our page on it, as there's no doubt your uterus has been inflamed for many months. Pleased you upped the amount again, as spotting only means progesterone is dropping again. Don't forget your uterus is weak after all the bleeding it's been doing, the lining will be very fragile still. Progesterone can give a euphoric feeling. Pity I don't feel it anymore, but then I keep my level well topped up! You shouldn't spot at all prior to a period, the luteal phase should always be 12-14 days long, with a proper bleed afterwards. If spotting does occur it's known as a defective luteal phase. So keep a look out for this, better still increase the amount when you know you are about to spot to prevent it occurring, rather than when you start. Then reduce back to the level you were using once bleeding occurs. I'm not sure which cream you are using, as you mentioned NPC originally. If you're using our cream then it will be giving you between 285-333mg/day which is a very good dose. It seems to be working which is the main thing. Keep using it as and when you need it, adjusting the amount to suit symptoms. And please let me know how you get on. Take care Wray
Aug 08, 2010
 ER and Fibroid Found
by: Mo-D

Hi Wray,

Things turned for the worse for me yesterday (Sat.) My period started again early (5 days earlier than normal) on Friday, this time heavier than it was the time before and the clots returned. Although I wasn't especially concerned b/c I've experienced far worse in the past and the week prior was particularly stressful and hot.

Regardless, Sat. my flow continued heavily throughout the day and the blood clots were large and frequent. My husband left to run an errand and while he was away, the bleeding became more profuse and then a mass crowned at the entrance of my vagina. It was hard and flesh colored.

Horrified and afraid to manipulate it, I called 911. After bloodwork and ultrasound, they discovered a 4cm fibroid in my cervix.

Obviously from all of the past bleeding, my blood count was at 6.9 and they wanted to perform a blood transfusion, which I refused. I refused for obvious fear and because I've been much worse for wear with anemia than I was that day. My colors were good and I experienced no tachycardia or labored breathing.

Incidentally, because the bleeding was heavier, I used more cream that day than ever before. I would say between 280-300 mg. It seems to me, that this dosage triggered the mass to react.

I read your info on fibroids and elsewhere on the web. Again, estrogen dominance plays a large role based on what I've read.

My family and the doctors are trying to push me to have it surgically removed or to have a hysterectomy, based on the advice of the hospital. I am supposed to schedule an appointment Monday to see the OB/GYN as I refused hospital admission.

I still feel in my gut that the cream can help me and I would really like to get your take and advice regarding my decision before I allow someone to cut into me. At this point, I feel cornered and pressured to make a rash decision (something I never like to make.)

I will continue to use 280-300mg of the cream today, to keep my levels up.

Please advise...
Aug 11, 2010
 ER and Fibroid Found
by: Wray

Hi Mo-D I'm so sorry you've had this set back. Evidently it was the fibroid causing the bleeding in the first place. When you first wrote to me it didn't occur to me you might have one. My mind sometimes goes blank with all the varied queries I answer! And yes you are right, fibroids are stimulated by oestrogen, and reversed by progesterone, but they take far longer to resolve than just heavy bleeding. But we have had success with others who've had them, unless so large they fill the abdomen, as one woman I know had. If you can get the bleeding under control with the progesterone, this will be the first step. How long it will take for the fibroid to start shrinking is impossible to know. A hyst is such a life changing procedure for most women, please avoid it if you can. For more info on what happens and how to avoid one, please see this excellent site on Hysterectomies. Dr West also has a page on fibroids which gives you the full picture. One thing he stresses they are always benign, and that surgery is not normally needed, certainly not a hyst. He explains the role of oestrogen in stimulating them and the role progesterone plays. Please read it all, it's so reassuring. The only concern is heavy bleeding causing anaemia, but if the progesterone helped you in the last few weeks, I see no reason why it still can't. But if you find it impossible to control, ie sometimes the fibroid blocks the arteries in the endometrium so they can't close up, as would happen at the end of a normal period, then removing the fibroid would be a good option. Don't feel cornered, please read everything he has to say, then at least you can make an informed decision. Take care Wray
Aug 16, 2010
 Pendunculated Fibroid Removed!
by: Mo-D

Hi Wray,

It's been a life changing week. Turns out that I had a Pendunculated Fibroid that was almost the size of a tennis ball. This menace made it's way past my cervix and parked itself in my vaginal canal! I was actually dialated to a 3, by the time I saw my doctor.

Luckily, this doctor only considered hysterectomy as a last resort. She was privvy to the Progesterone cream and actually used it herself. In my case, because of the Fibroid's location, she told me that she could perform a vaginal Myomectomy and simply remove this alien that was causing my year of suffering.

Interestingly, when I asked the cause of the Fibroid, like I had been warned, she simply said "we really don't know." I mentioned the possibility of oestrogen dominance, but she stated that I didn't fit the profile because I am a petite 5'3", 120lb. woman. Hmmm...

Either way, my surgery was Thurs., Aug 12th and it was a success. After a 4 unit blood transfusion and removal of the Fibroid, I feel like a new woman. My uterus is completely clear and healthy.

I will continue to use the Progesterone cream once my cycle resets itself. Based on the many months of research regarding Progesterone and hormonal imbalances reeking havoc on women, I am still convinced of its benefits. Perhaps if I had found it sooner, I could have avoided the suffering.

Since I am a freelance writer, I plan on spreading the word in many articles to come and I plan on starting a new blog in the upcoming weeks to reach out to as many women as possible. It's so tragic that so many women are left to feel alone and afraid and unable to get the real answers when they need them the most.

I am still grateful I found this site and will definitely refer it to anyone who is willing to listen. Thank you, Wray!
Aug 20, 2010
 Pendunculated Fibroid Removed!
by: Wray

Hi Mo-D Well I'm releived it's been resolved without a hyst, wonderful doctor, don't loose her! The lesson I've learnt from you is to ask the person to make sure no fibroids are present if heavy bleeding occurs, so thanks for all the info you've given me. Pity the vagueness about oestrogen casuing fibroids, seems Dr West is convinced by it's influence. After all it is a mitogen, stimulating cells to divide, progesterone and testosterone don't have this ability. Interesting you mentioned in an earlier comment that you've had tachycardia. Well oestrogen can cause this, as it prolongs the QT interval, resulting in this and arrhythmia. Progesterone shortens the QT interval which stops it. Please see here, here, here and here So although small, the same height as I am in fact, size means nothing when it comes to excess oestrogen. It's the ratio of the two hormones which is the critical factor, was this ever checked? Both could be in 'normal' range, but I've found to feel really well the progesterone to oestrogen ratio should be well over 300:1, better still if it's 600:1. Keep an eye out for any symptoms you don't like, it could mean your progesterone is dropping! And bless you for your willingness to spread the word, there are far too many women suffering needlessly. When your blog is up and running please let us have the link, the more we link to each other the better! Take care Wray
Sep 01, 2010
 My Blog
by: Mo-D

Greetings Wray,

I haven't forgotten about you! In fact, I have been working on my blog. It is still in the beginning stages as I have so much to share, but I wrote a post about you and this site today. Here is the link:

http://thejourneyelainawicks.blogspot.com/2010/09/low-progesterone.html

I will continue to spread the word about your wonderful site.

Hoping all is well!

Elaina Wicks (Mo-D)
Sep 02, 2010
 My Blog by: Mo-D
by: Wray

Hi Mo-D (you are still that to me!). Bless you for what you wrote on your blog! I've taken a look through it and I wish you many blessings for it's success. I hope many come to read about and use progesterone and all the wonderful nutrients that abound. It's so interesting you found progesterone through Hormone Healthy, as Beryn who's site it is, is someone I actually know. Thanks once again for spreading the word! Take care Wray

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