Understanding Irregular & Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Causes & What to Do

Question
I am 25 w/ 2 children delivered vaginally @ age 20 and 21.  My last menstrual cycle began Sept 8(and ended 24 hrs later)which used an entire 18 pack of super tampons.  Today(Sept 23) I have had light spotting w/ no cramps-just headache and breast soreness.I have never had "regular" predictable cycles. This year (at least) I have had a cycle start around the 1st of a month...be extremely heavy(using a Super tampon every hour-and often bleeding so heavy at night it wakes me up) for 5 days, then have a lighter period around the 20th of the same month.  I usually feel extremely fatigued,and burdened w/exteme headaches(regardless of pain medication-best results=Orudis KT at least gets me thru the day) the week before and the week of a cycle...leaving me 1/2 a mo.to feel partially normal.  Cramping is often unbearable during the heaviest bleeding.  Also, the past few months my breasts have been very tender. It is very hard for me to take a day off work, so am needing to know if I do need to be seen or if this is just something I'll have to deal with.  I am not on birth control and am not pregnant(My husband has had a vasectomy-3 1/2 yrs ago.)
Any knowledge you have on these symptoms would be greatly appreciated.  thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Amanda Walters

Answer
Any time that you bleed for longer than 14 days at a time, you have to be evaluated by a gynecologist. YOu may nedd to be placed on hormonal therapy to regulate your cycle. You may only need one course of Provera (10mg twice a day for five days). Your period appears to be irregular and should be evaluated. I would suggest that you see your gynecologist and straighten everything out.