Long Heavy Period & Ovarian Cyst(s)? - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Message Board

hukleberrie · 03-10-2008, 04:34 AM

I am having some health problems, but am not sure if this is related to my other illness or if this is something altogether different.

I have always had regular periods, every 28 days, lasting for 3-5 days. First 1-2 days are normally heavy with minor clotting & minor cramping.

Things recently have changed. My last period lasted & lasted & lasted & was super heavy â€” the heaviest longest period I had ever had in my 22+ years of periods (I am 33 & started at age 11). It would not stop so I called my pcp & she said to take ibuprofen. I took it a couple times & it did seem to slow it down. Then less than a week later, it started back up again. So I called again & was put on Provera (progesterone) for 10 days. I stopped bleeding 2 days into the medication, and I was relieved. Then 2 days later, it started again. This time, it is mostly all dark poop-colored brown and a bit thicker than usual. (There is no weird smell or burning or itching or pain or anything like that.) It is not like a normal period at all. And it is still happening. This morning, it's more red, and heavier.

I have been on my period for the last 27 of the last 33 days. It's nuts!

I do have a couple minor ovarian cysts that I was told would not really cause me pain or problems, but likely go away. I have had 2 positive ultrasounds, one back in August & one in February. I don't know if this could be the culprit?

I am also on prednisone & azulfidine for IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). I am not sure if the prednisone or IBD could be causing all these problems with my cycle?

Any ideas? Anyone ever have this too? Why won't the progesterone (provera) stop it? (Years ago when I went on Depo for birth control, I had a period that wouldn't go away & I went on Provera for a short time & it worked great.) Should I worry?

hukleberrie · 03-11-2008, 04:08 AM

Well, my PCP called me yesterday, now I am being referred to a GYN. More bills, great (I don't have insurance).

I will post when I know more....

hukleberrie · 03-11-2008, 04:37 PM

Update: pcp called & told me the pelvic pain I am getting is probably due to the cysts. Seems the cyst(s) are bigger now & she told me the size: one is 4cm & one is 5cm (or it's one big 9cm? one!?!). She said something about getting in to the gyno & they will probably want to do endometrial biopsy (I think she said?). I am bummed. I thought these were no big deal, that's what I was told. I don't want to do this. It's bad enough I have the IBD stuff going on & have to have another scope up my bum, let alone this (I am a private person).

I would love any input from anyone who has gone through this before....

cmpgirl · 03-11-2008, 10:44 PM

Hi Hukleberrie: Ovarian cysts can be painful. It depends on the person. Some women have terrible pain and some women have none. It doesn't mean the cysts are bad or good. It's just a matter of size of the cyst, a person's tolerance to pain, where on the ovary the cyst sits, etc.

Most OB/GYN's just "watch" cysts under 9 or 10 cms. They will have you come in for an ultra-sound about every 6 weeks for a while to see if they are growing or shrinking.

Provera, or progesterone, usually only works short term to regulate your cycle. You may need to take it on and off throughout the rest of your child bearing years.

I know you said you were a private person, but trust me, if you have PCOS you will get used to going to the GYN pretty quickly. I'm not saying it's a joyful experience, but you do get used to it.

The reason she thought they might do the biopsy, is because of the heavy bleeding. They may want to check for endometriosis.

Good luck with everything and keep us posted. cmpgirl

hukleberrie · 03-12-2008, 03:02 AM

My doc seemed to think that since there were 2 medium sized cysts or 1 9cm cyst that they would want it out. I am nervous and scared about any surgery. Do they normally grow like this? In August it was just one 2.2cm cyst.

I am having a lot of pelvic/hip/low back pain that my pcp says is due probably to my cysts and compounded by my inflamed bowels. The constant period (which is worse now that I am off progesterone) is a problem too.

I was originally told this was no big deal & they just watch it, but now they are talking about other treatments. I would love any input from anyone who may have had similar problems or a 9cm cyst.