HEAVY MENSTRUAL BLEEDING

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is common among women. While some cases are just annoying and inconvenient, heavy bleeding can be severe enough to interfere with everyday activities and cause pain and other physical issues. Fortunately, there are ways to manage heavy bleeding so that it no longer interrupts your day-to-day activities.

SIGNS OF HEAVY MENSTRUAL BLEEDING

• Bleeding for more than seven days.
• Passing blood clots larger than the size of a quarter.
• Soaking through a sanitary pad or tampon every hour throughout the day, or the need to double up on sanitary pads.
• Inability to perform regular day-to-day activities including exercise, going to work/school, social events due to fear of bleeding or heaviness of bleeding.
• Symptoms of anemia including fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness and sometimes shortness of breath due.

CAUSES OF HEAVY MENSTRUAL BLEEDING

• Uterine Fibroids.
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Uterine polyps: small, benign growths on the uterus lining.
• Bleeding disorder that prevent normal clotting of blood.
• Uterine or cervical pre-cancer.
• Uterine, cervical or vaginal malignancy.

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR

If you’re experiencing any of the signs of heavy menstrual bleeding, call us for an appointment.

Depending upon your symptoms the evaluation may include:

• Pelvic Exam.
• Pelvic Ultrasound.
• Blood tests: Pregnancy test, blood count, hormone levels, tests for clotting function.
• Pap Smear.
• Biopsy of the lining of your uterus (endometrial biopsy).
• If needed, we will order additional tests.

TREATMENT

Once we determine the cause of your bleeding, we will tailor your treatment plan. It may consist of:

Medications

• Iron
• Tranexamic Acid
• Birth Control Pills
• Birth Control Shot
• Intrauterine Device
• GnRH Agonist also known as Lupron
• GnRH Antagonist (Oriahnn)

Surgery

• Hysteroscopy: A look inside the uterus with a camera
• Dilation and Curettage: Evacuation of tissue in uterine cavity
• Myomectomy: Removal of fibroids
• Endometrial Ablation: Scarring the lining of uterus to prevent periods
• Hysterectomy