Hi A.,
My menstrual flows have become increasingly heavier after the birth of each child. I have 3. I soak a regular tampon in less than an hour, so I can totally relate to the heavy flows. However, at night, I seem to bleed less, perhaps because I'm not as active and I seem to think lying down has something to do with it because the moment I sit up, it feels like the flood gates open. I have spoken to my OB about the heavy flows and he has stated time and again that the heavy bleeding is a hormonal issue. I've had 3 c-sections and I do not have fibroids, as heavy bleeding can sometimes be associated with fibroids. I would not suggest taking estrogen (1) without the advice of YOUR physician and (2) without thoroughly researching your options. My doctor gave me estrogen many years ago when I was on birth control pills due to break-through bleeding. After reading the fine print, I decided that was not the route I wanted for myself. I do not have clotting issues, but the heavy bleeding I do. I would say this doesn't sound like a life threatening issue to warrant a visit to the E.R., but I am not a qualified medical person to instruct what you should or should not do. You have indicated that you are not in any pain, or you were at some point but not so much anymore if I understood you correctly, so it sounds like it's just a matter of keeping enough supplies on hand. Could you place a call to your doctor's office to speak to the nurse about your situation with your health and benefits? It never hurts to ask and in my experience, doctor's are willing to give information, as well as nurses, over the phone. If he felt that it was a life threatening emergency, he would most certainly instruct you to visit the E.R.