QuestionMy periods have become irregular over the past few months. Very heavy and lasting a month. I'm passing large clots and going through overnight pads every few hours. The first couple of weeks are light, I can wear an overnight pad all day and then it changes, becomes heavy, bright red flow, with large clots passing continuously. I'll gradually stop, but then after about a week or 10 days I start again, light at first then progressing until very heavy and lasting about a month. It's like my cycle has reversed itself, one week off and 3-4 weeks on...I don't have insurance and can't afford lots of tests and such, but I'm scared. I've been very tired, which I'm assuming is loss of iron and have headaches regularly (but I also look at a computer screen all day at work). I'm almost 36, have 2 children, and my last pap was about 2 years ago, normal. After my second child, they recommended I have a hysterectomy because my uterus had dropped and he said if I didn't have it removed I would have problems later. I don't have any menstrual pain, just some light cramps every now and then, but nothing that is too noticeable. I thought about going to the health department, but if I do need further tests, how am I going to pay for it? I know I should put my health above my budget, but I have 2 kids to shelter and feed, rent, car payment, etc etc...everyone says I need to go get checked out, but how, no one will see me since i don't have insurance and will think I'm just trying to get attention or something.
AnswerDear Brandy
I clearly understand how difficult is your situation of having to feed and shelter 2 kids. On the other hand, you should think what could happen if these 2 kids found you in an extremely bad health or incapable to support them for a longer period of time.
It is not clear from your words whether you experience this problem every month or only it happened now for the first time. From the medical point of view and concering your age and if this happened now for the first time, the first possibility would be a complication of pregnany such as a miscarriage. If this is a recurrent problem, then there is no other alternative to some tests and may even require a hysteroscope (endoscope inside the uterine cavity) to make a proper diagnosis. DnC remains a possibility.
I hope that my words are not disappointing but think of yourself to keep your health for the sake of the kids. If you continue neglecting yourself, they may lose the person who support them forever.
I wish you the best of luck.
