Posted 4/21/2009 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm new around here, but recently was diagnosed with Lyme/Bart that I've probably had for 25 years. I have had extremely long and heavy periods for years. My gyn told me last night that the way she understands it, Lyme interferes with our adrenal function, which then throws our hormones all off, thus messing up our cycles. (She's not an LLMD, but she has a very open mind) In fact, I'm considering a hysterectomy because I had my fourth endometrial biopsy last night (for irregular bleeding), and at 52, I don't exactly need that organ anymore.
I also developed some other symptoms in the past year--bladder prolapse, etc. My diagnosing doctor thinks that Lyme may have contributed to this as it can weaken fascia, etc... The prolapse stuff could be repaired at the same time as the hyst.
I hope this post is not too heavy. My advice to you in this regard is to stay on top of the heavy bleeding by getting monitored for anemia, maybe getting to a holistically minded doctor who will help you balance your hormones, and so forth. Take care of yourself. I accepted the "you're getting older" (in my 30's) and "premenopause" (in my 40's) excuses for too long and looking back, should have been more proactive. Also, to be on the safe side, prolapse-wise, if I had it to do over, I would not engage in any heavy lifting. It is also good not to smoke or keep much extra weight on, but neither of those were issues for me. Pregnancies with large birthweight babies are a risk factor, (mine were both well over 9 pounds) but what can you really do about that??
I wish you all the best. Long, heavy periods = no fun at all.