Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 11/3/2008

Question
hey,i started menstruating at a very young age (10) and after several months starting to have severe pains from my lower abdomen to my lower back all the way to my legs . i was prescribed buscopan but that didn't help now i am 18 and still suffer with the pains.Also,this past year i noticed change in my days and suddenly it became irregular the longest time i did not bleed was for 2 months and now its alternative months .I have been to a doctor but never given a satisfying answer .Before 3 months i had a uterus scan and the lady doing it immediately told me i had a prolapsed uterus and said the doctor would explain but again the doctor just asked me to ignore it and that was nothing and normal .Lately,I've been bleeding heavily to a degree i feel very weak and my heart rate increases and beats with great force that my chest tends to hurt.I would be very grateful to your reply

Answer
Hello Asya,
Thanks for your question.  It is difficult to assess what might be going on without a full history and exam, so if possible I would recommend seeing a naturopathic doctor in person (www.naturopathic.org).  You will find that we spend more time finding the causes and educating the patient than most conventional doctors, which it sounds like you are looking for.  
Two of the common conditions that are associated with heavy irregular bleeding are endometriosis and uterine fibroids.  Both of these conditions can be managed with more natural methods, but you would need to find out what is going on before treating either.  Also, consider that many women with heavy periods are anemic, and anemia can lead to further blood loss--that can easily be found out with your regular doc & some simple blood tests.  
As for the prolapsed uterus, that's not a typical condition in young women who have not have children (which I assume you have not), but perhaps with prolonged bleeding this may happen.  I think getting a second opinion on this would be reasonable--if this is true, it's not something you would want to ignore, especially at such a young age.  
I hope that gives you some ideas to start with.  Your best course of action would be to find a pracitioner (either new or in addition to your current doctor) who can help you find some answers and then some practical solutions.  
Good luck!
Dr Conner