Heavy Menstrual Periods

OVERVIEW

While the amount of blood a woman loses during a menstrual cycle can vary widely depending on the woman and the cycle, some unlucky women experience blood loss and cramping so severe that it interferes with their day-to-day activities. The condition is called menorrhagia, affecting more women than you might expect!

Symptoms of Menorrhagia

Women who have heavy menstrual periods often soak through a pad or tampon for an hour for multiple hours in a row, and they often bleed longer than a week. They may pass large blood clots past the first day of their menstrual cycle, and they may suffer additional complications such as tiredness or shortness of breath. Women who suffer from heavy menstrual periods often must double up on sanitary protection, wake up in the middle of the night to change pads or tampons and miss out on fun activities where they will not have frequent access to a bathroom.

What Causes Menorrhagia?

Heavy menstrual periods can be caused by several different factors, including a hormone imbalance, uterine fibroids, polyps, uterine dysfunction, and cancer. They can also be caused by certain inherited bleeding disorders or medical conditions, pregnancy complications, an intrauterine device, and certain medications. Identifying the cause of excessive bleeding is typically essential in finding the right treatment method.

What Treatments Are Available for Heavy Menstrual Periods?

In many cases, heavy menstrual periods are treatable and reversible. Doctors generally recommend treatments such as oral contraceptives, medications, and hormones. Doctors may also recommend dilation and curettage, focused ultrasound ablation, or hysterectomy for especially serious cases. Doctors also commonly prescribe iron supplements to replenish the iron lost through heavy bleeding. Speak to your doctor about your symptoms to determine which treatment option is best for you.

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither McInerney Cares, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (708) 923-1919.

For your convenience, Please call  one of our gynecologists at (708) 923-1919  or  Fax: (708)923-9922