Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

What is heavy menstrual bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also called menorrhagia, is a common gynecological condition that may affect your physical and emotional health and well-being. 

The team at The Women's Center considers menstrual bleeding heavy when:

• Your period lasts longer than seven days
• You soak through several tampons or pads throughout the day
• You need to double up with tampons or menstrual pads to prevent bleeding through
• You need to change your tampon or pad during the night 
• You have large menstrual blood clots

When left untreated, heavy menstrual bleeding may affect your personal and professional life. It may also increase your risk of developing anemia. 

What causes heavy menstrual bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding may develop from a number of causes. Some of the most common include:

• Fibroids
• Polyps
• Hormonal birth control
• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Adenomyosis
• Uterine or cervical cancer

You may also develop heavy menstrual bleeding if you have a bleeding disorder, such as von Willebrand disease, or you take medication that thins your blood. 

In some women, there is no known cause to explain the heavy periods. 

What happens during an evaluation for heavy menstrual bleeding?

When you visit The Women's Center for a heavy menstrual bleeding consultation, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation.

During your exam, the team reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history, and asks about your typical menstrual cycle. They also perform a physical and pelvic exam and run diagnostic tests, such as blood work or ultrasound testing. 

The goal of the evaluation is to find the root cause of your heavy menstrual bleeding so they can develop the most effective treatment plan. 

How is heavy menstrual bleeding treated?

The team at The Women's Center takes a personalized approach to your care, and they develop an individualized treatment plan to help you manage your heavy menstrual bleeding and improve your quality of life.

They offer both medical and surgical management options for menstrual bleeding. Medical management may include birth control pills, iron supplements, or an intrauterine device (IUD).

For women with no future pregnancy plans, the women’s health experts may recommend an in-office endometrial ablation. During the two-minute procedure, your doctor uses a special device that ablates (destroys) the endometrial lining of your uterus. 

For help managing your heavy menstrual bleeding, call The Women's Center, PC, or request an appointment online today.