17 and Terrified

When I was 9 years old I had my first period. Really early and no one expected it. It was insanely heavy and I had black blood. Now, at that age when I thought of a heavy period I thought it was normal because no one had taught me what a normal period was. And it was irregular. Now at 17, I've been living with chronic pains, heavy periods 27/31 days a month to the point I'm anemic (a full pad every 3 hours needing to be changed), and it is always black. Brown and black blood. The doctors diagnosed me a few years back with Polycystic ovarian syndrome and all the ladies in my family have had to get hysterectomies. The doctor did multiple hormones, diet changes, ultrasounds, monitoring to try to control it. I had Nexplanon (the implant) put in me back in January and the doctors told me my periods should stop or slow down to a healthy amount. It didn't change it, it made it worse. It's only been 8 weeks so I will be giving it more time but the doctors are scared I can be developing or already have (they haven't tested) cancer because a lot of my family members have had it. I'm terrified of surgery yet my doctors told me it looks to be what I'll need to do. I want children and I want to be like a normal teenager. I don't know what to do anymore. The chronic pain and issues have led me to depression, anxiety, and attempted suicide (went to therapy). I'm at my wits end with my body.

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Originally Posted by Alycia2000 When I was 9 years old I had my first period. Really early and no one expected it. It was insanely heavy and I had black blood. Now, at that age when I thought of a heavy period I thought it was normal because no one had taught me what a normal period was. And it was irregular. Now at 17, I've been living with chronic pains, heavy periods 27/31 days a month to the point I'm anemic (a full pad every 3 hours needing to be changed), and it is always black. Brown and black blood. The doctors diagnosed me a few years back with Polycystic ovarian syndrome and all the ladies in my family have had to get hysterectomies. The doctor did multiple hormones, diet changes, ultrasounds, monitoring to try to control it. I had Nexplanon (the implant) put in me back in January and the doctors told me my periods should stop or slow down to a healthy amount. It didn't change it, it made it worse. It's only been 8 weeks so I will be giving it more time but the doctors are scared I can be developing or already have (they haven't tested) cancer because a lot of my family members have had it. I'm terrified of surgery yet my doctors told me it looks to be what I'll need to do. I want children and I want to be like a normal teenager. I don't know what to do anymore. The chronic pain and issues have led me to depression, anxiety, and attempted suicide (went to therapy). I'm at my wits end with my body.

You poor thing! So much to deal with at such a young age. Have the Dr's taken any kind of biopsy to check for cancer? This is such a drastic thing at your age. Listen to your body and get a second opinion regarding this. I'm sorry you have to go through all of this.

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Originally Posted by Alycia2000 When I was 9 years old I had my first period. Really early and no one expected it. It was insanely heavy and I had black blood. Now, at that age when I thought of a heavy period I thought it was normal because no one had taught me what a normal period was. And it was irregular. Now at 17, I've been living with chronic pains, heavy periods 27/31 days a month to the point I'm anemic (a full pad every 3 hours needing to be changed), and it is always black. ... I want children and I want to be like a normal teenager. I don't know what to do anymore. The chronic pain and issues have led me to depression, anxiety, and attempted suicide (went to therapy). I'm at my wits end with my body.

Dearest Alycia,

You cannot have children or a normal life in the state you are in. Surgery may be the only way to change that - I was terrified too, but now I am 8 weeks post-op and so glad that I did it. Life just keeps getting better and better instead of worse and worse.

Post surgery and recovery (which for me was not as bad as what I dealt with before surgery) will allow you more options in the family department and to be a normal teenager! Actually, it will be better than other teenagers because you will be able to wear white pants and never have to buy tampons/pads!

I waited 10 years to address my issues and only now do I realize how horribly it affected my life. Please focus on getting healthy first. One step at a time... Then your full life can really begin to unfold! You will have energy (and sanity) and be able to prepare for a family sometime in your future - there are so many children that need families!

We are all here to listen and reassure you all the way through! That's what these Hystersisters did for me and it will work for you too! You are NOT alone!

Warmest hugs,
Christina

Welcome that's a lot to be going through so young. I am so glad you found this place where you can get support and learn so much. It has really helped so much. I wish you all the luck and love on you journey!

Hi Alycia2000,

I'm so sorry you have been through so much. I'm just trying to understand your situation a bit better. How many doctors have you seen about your condition, and what kind of doctors were they? Ob/gyn, endocrinologist, oncologist, pelvic pain specialist? You mentioned ultrasounds. What were the findings from them? Have you had a uterine biopsy? How about a CT or MRI? Have they suggested an exploratory laparoscopy? Do you know what type of cancer they are concerned about? I'm hoping the hormones get things under control for you. There are plenty of issues besides PCOS and cancer that may be the root of your problem. I experienced severe bleeding but not for as long as you have had to endure. I know it must be very frustrating and difficult. If you can give us some more information (I don't mean to put you on the spot, and you don't have to answer anything you don't want to) maybe someone will have had a similar experience and can give you some ideas. I'm hoping for the very best for you.

I had extremely heavy periods beginning at age 13. It is terrible to have to deal with that as a teenager (or any age!). Please ask for as many tests as possible before resorting to hysterectomy. At minimum, you should have a uterine biopsy and an MRI as it gives a very good image of what's going on inside.

If your doctors rule out cancer, you might ask if you can try an IUD. Both my sister and I had our periods completely go away or nearly (mine was just spotting after about a year, but it slowed down a lot right away). At least with an IUD you can remove it at any time when you are ready to try to get pregnant.

Hang in there! I'm praying you will get some answers and relief!

I am so sorry you are going through this at such a young age!! Please, please get a second opinion, and a 3rd, 4th if needed! Rule out everything before resorting to such invasive surgery at 17! But also make sure you take care of yourself emotionally and physically as much as possible!!