menstrual monsoon-need new pad options

RWayne48

Ok, hitting the big 50 soon and the menstrual cycle is going crazy - MIA one month and like Niagara Falls the next - the problem is the pads I've used in the past - Kotex AllNighter Ultra Thin - don't absorb fast enough and I've had messy bed linens and close calls at work. I hate to waste money on pads that won't work, so are there any suggestions for fast and heavy flow absorbancy (I'm in the US if that matters)?
Thanks

SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage

Did you mean to post this on your personal page instead of a public forum?

Unknown

This content has been removed.

MsAmandaNJ

Diva Cup all the way, my flow is heavy. Like v_h said, it holds a lot. Plus it doesn't feel like you're wearing a diaper. It's not cheap at first ($40), but becomes quite economical quickly if you're blowing through pads.

Fuzzipeg

Regardless of intent of where to post, this is a very real problem which many women can have at any age. I would try to discover the cause of the fluctuations general medicine is not much help, they tend to have one radical option and that is not right for every person who would probably benefit from keeping their ovaries. Could you perhaps visit a functional practitioners in your area, they see the body as a whole not just fragmented parts. (Yours may not be thyroid related issue but STTM, stop the thyroid madness, site has a list of US doctors who have been supportive for thyroid patients one of them may be more approachable). I did heard of some kind of cap which may help but I can't remember any details like possible volume, sorry. The only option I came up with was to go uncomfortably thick. I know this is not what you want to hear.

Escloflowne

kshama2001

I am your age and dealing with a large fibroid that causes excessive bleeding.

I use a moon cup on my lighter days, but they are not as effective as the OB Ultra, or the European OB Ultra, which is what I use at night. Yes, they are expensive to get from Europe. Yes, it's worth it. (I haven't used that seller before - might verify with them that the 224 count is accurate. If it is, that's an excellent price.)

I also use Walgreen's Maxi with Flex-Wings over Glad Rags. And I put down two thick towels over my sheets.

I can't imagine managing my monthly Niagara Falls with just pads. I can't use other brands of tampons, but OB are shorter and wider, which works well for me.

jenovatrix

You could also try wearing Depends along with your pad. I don't have this problem but I have heard of people trying that. And also laying down on puppy piddle pads at night but that may be a bridge too far!

Peter_Brady

RWayne48

thanks for all the replies -

SarcasmisMyLoveLanguage- yes, I did intend to put this on the public forum - I thought it would be helpful information for a lot of women

Vinegar-husbands and MsAmandaNJ -unfortunately my cervix angle is wrong for the Diva Cup

Fuzzipeg, I'm at "that age" so both the general practitioner and the gyn jumped right on perimenopause - suck it up and deal for the short term. I've never heard of a functional practitioner - I'll have to look into it further and see if there is someone in my area. A thyroid issue has never been discussed by the doctors so I'll look into that too

Kshama2001 - I was recently diagnosed with a fibroid - but the doctors are all so sure it's perimenopause...maybe I need to push on this a little more-I put towels on the sheets too. If I can find them I'll try the OB, I never knew tampons came in such a large quantity!!

Jenovatrix - I've actually thought of the Depends and pad combo but was hoping for an alternative solution LOL on the puppy pad!

Escoflowne, Peter_Brady - Thanks for the visuals

Thanks again everyone, you've given me more to work with, and things to discuss at my upcoming gyn appointment too
R

mkakids

I agree with using a cup! They are freaking FABULOUS!

MsAmandaNJ

Sorry to hear the cup is not an option for you. Good luck at your appointment, I hope you find something that works.

Fuzzipeg

Wishing you well for your next appointment.

Please read around your subject, possible interrelated causes and options so you know if you are being fobbed off and need to look elsewhere.

Oh! if they say hysterectomy and you agree this is necessary make sure you keep your ovaries because you are still menstruating and they are still performing other functions and producing other essential hormones. After menopause the picture is less clear possibly they become less active. Here policy seems to be if they are gone they can't cause other issues best gone regardless. The likely hood of subsequent ovarian issues are slight but subsequent problems following removal are probable.

RWayne48

thanks again for all the information and support
R

pichiPurinsesu

you should try CSP (cloth sanitary pads) they're so much better than ordinary ones, come in funky patterns and if you're a dab hand at a sewing machine you can make them yourself. Never looked back personally

Fuzzipeg

Gosh, my friends were doing that back in the '60's. Thank heavens for automatic washing machines.

pichiPurinsesu

they're a hell of a lot better for you. no nasty chemicals

RWayne48

Thanks for the tip pichi will look into it

mercy7889

two words: menstrual cup!
I currently use a Diva Cup. I just ordered a Sckoon Cup. Cannot wait to receive it in the mail. I will never go back to tampons. All I used is a panty liner and I am solid.