Perimenopause, horrid periods and the mini pill :(

Hi all, I hope someone can relate and offer some info/reassurance on this.

I am 45 and my symptoms started about 8 months ago with spotting between periods. I used to run and exercise 4-5 times a week and this would happen only after a heavy run. It really freaked me out and I eventually saw my GP (female in her late 40s/early 50s I'd say). She straight away said peri and reluctantly gave me a blood test which showed slightly low iron. She also took the most painful swabs and when these came back clear, referred me for an ultrasound, telling me to man up and brace myself as these would hurt too! So I spent the next 6 weeks worried sick about the procedure which (after reading some reassuring info on here) turned out to be fine. They found a small polyp and/or fibroid and referred me to see a specialist for a hysteroscopy and removal of the offending polyp. 

In the meantime, my periods got even worse. They have always been heavy but completely painless all my life (lucky, I know) but have recently got even heavier which they blamed either on peri or the polyp/fibroid. The hysteroscopy wasn't successful as my cervix is pointing backwards and she couldn't get to the area but managed to take a biopsy which came back fine. I was offered to either try again with a different, more experienced gynecologist or get it done under general. As I am scared of general, I opted for the first option. During the procedure, he again, couldn't get all of what he said was a fibroid now but took a second biopsy and that came back fine too. So he said he was sure it wasn't anything sinister and probably just hormone related or my lining shedding a little from the running, etc and advised me to see if I can put up with the spotting during exercise and also go on the pill.

So I went to see my GP again and she reluctantly prescribed the minipill after I refused the coil (she also told me I'd be back asking for it!). I am wondering if they are on commission to 'sell' you the coil lol, everyone I saw, tried to get me to have it but I'm not that keen so went for the mini progestin only pill. 

I started this on the first day of my period and bled longer than usual. My periods are normally 7 days now and very heavy but I bled for about 11 days, with the last days light. A quick search on the internet showed that this is a common side effect of Cerazette and should/could settle within a few months.

I have just about had enough of this. My periods are soooo heavy, I have to get up in the night, twice, because otherwise I will leak. I am a teacher and dread this time of month as I don't think I will last an hour even with double protection (sorry if TMI). It's really getting me down. I've stopped exercising, have put on some weight and find myself constantly worrying about my periods. I have missed social events and trips because of that and it's just ruling my life at the moment.

Just wanted to hear from someone in a similar situation, especially if you have any experience with the Cerazette pill. 

Sorry for long post and looking forward to your replies x

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