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Austin Babies
those with a heavy AF (tmi alert)
So, for the past 5.5 years I have either been pregnant or breastfeeding and have enjoyed the absence of AF. Even though I am still nursing, it has returned it's ugly head and now it's back to super heavy. They have always been heavy but what I don't remember is the dizziness. Is that because it's so heavy or something else completely different?
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Re: those with a heavy AF (tmi alert)
My first cycle after Jackson was very heavy, and I did experience some dizziness. Every cycle since that I haven't, though. If it continues I would definitely talk to your doc.
:-)
The only thing that made mine any lighter (I've never had kids, so take this FWIW) is BCP. Now that I am TTC and off BC, they are back to wretched. When I told my doctor about it last year, she ordered an ultrasound and it just turns out that I produce mega follicles and mega ute lining. Joy. God bless Stayfree for still making the big mammajamma pads for backup.
ETA: sorry, I am not sure about the dizziness. I'd ask your doctor about that. GL!
My periods are ridiculously heavy. I have to do an overnight pad with a super tampon most of the time.
I do get dizzy, but I don't think it's a good thing. I try to up my iron and protein intake when I'm on my period, but it's hard because I am mostly vegetarian (I eat fish). I try to do a lot of spinach, iron, and tuna. Taking a vitamin helps too.
I know that the guideline is that if you are soaking a pad in less than an hour that you should call your dr, but I've talked with mine and we agree that it's not practical in my case given my history. (My period is heavier than that every cycle.) You might want to call your dr though. I have called when it was every 10-20 minutes and they wanted me to come in right away. That was scary. They have also told me that when it is super heavy that I need to lay down and elevate my feet. This is pretty hard to do when chasing a toddler, but I do try as it helps quite a bit.
I actually started taking a new medication called Ly ste da (one word) maybe? It's not hormonal, it's actually some kind of clotting something, but it reduces my bleeding by about 75%. Sadly you can only take it for 5 days in a row and I've been on my period for 3 1/2 weeks, but it might be something to ask your dr about. I don't know how heavy your period has to be before they recommend something like that.
Dizziness is one of the first signs of severe anemia
. Usually starts with a vague but persistant fatigue. Then dizzy when you first stand up, then just sort of swimmy dizzy feeling all the time unless sitting, then sitting with your legs up. Does it feel like your heart is pounding all the time? Ever hear it in your ears? Even when laying down?
Staying well hydrated will help a little so try to go easy on the caffiene and drink plenty of hydrating fluids. It increases your blood volume but not your red blood cells which are what carry oxygen, most importantly to your brain. When your brain isn't getting enough oxygen, that's when you feel dizzy. (Also happens with low blood sugar as glucose is brain food) Make sense?
A quick blood draw at your doctors office should tell you everything you need to know. Sounds like it's time to go in! On a scary note... a sudden change in cycles can be an early warning sign for many "lady cancers" as one patient put it. Cervical, Uterine and Ovarian. I know you haven't had a cycle in a long time so it's hard to say what's normal anymore but my point is, don't wait. You almost never regret seeing a doctor. You only regret NOT having seen one sooner.