Personal stories about treating dysfunctional uterine bleeding with hormone therapy

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Personal stories about treating dysfunctional uterine bleeding with hormone therapy

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Jean, age 29: I was surprised when my doctor called my heavy periods "dysfunctional uterine bleeding." I had never heard of dysfunctional uterine bleeding before. He told me that it isn't serious but that I could try a treatment that would lighten the bleeding. First, I tried taking ibuprofen during my periods, but I didn't notice a big difference. When he said that a special IUD with hormones might control the bleeding, I thought I might as well try it, because it also keeps me from getting pregnant. The IUD worked. My periods are normal now, and I feel great.

Megan, age 38: My periods were so unpredictable. They drove me crazy! One month, my period might start 3 weeks after the last one and be light, and next time it wouldn't start until 6 weeks later. Then, it would be very heavy and last a long time. When I had heavy bleeding, it was so bad I could not exercise. I am an active person, so this was really getting me down. My doctor checked me over, reassured me that I don't have cancer or anything, and said maybe it was time for surgery. I asked if there were any other options, since the last time I had surgery it took me months to recover. I didn't want to go through that again. My doctor said a medication called high-dose progestin might help me, because tests showed that I don't have enough progesterone. After starting the medication, I did have some water retention and weight gain, but my periods are normal. I think taking this medication works well for me.

Melissa, age 15: I had such bad, heavy periods that one day my mom had to take me to the emergency room, I was losing so much blood. They gave me some blood and gave me something that stopped the bleeding after a couple of hours. Then I took some hormone pills for a few days, had a heavy period, and then started taking a birth control pill every day. That has really helped!

Carlotta, age 45: I'd heard that I could take the Pill for my crazy periods, mood swings, and hot flashes. My nurse practitioner wanted to be sure I didn't have anything like uterine cancer, so I had tests and a biopsy first, because at my age cancer risk is a concern. Anyway, I checked out fine and started the Pill. It didn't really help. In fact, I got kind of depressed. Then I tried another kind of Pill, and the hormones seemed to be better for me. My mood is better, and the bleeding is at least more regular, and it's gotten less and less over the past few months.

Credits

Last updated:	February 12, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Terrina Vail