Heavy periods don’t have to be a fact of your life

Are you experiencing heavy periods that impact your quality of life? You don’t have to grin and bear it every month—treatment options can help you find relief.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, heavy periods are common, with one-third of women seeking treatment for excessive menstrual bleeding. Still, heavy periods are something you should discuss with a medical provider.

There are many reasons for seeking medical care, but first and foremost, providers at West Jefferson Medical Center can treat the underlying causes of heavy menstrual bleeding. That means saying goodbye to excessive bleeding and hello to an improved quality of life.

What it means to have heavy periods

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines heavy menstrual bleeding as bleeding lasting longer than seven days. While cycles are different for every woman, menstrual periods usually last 4 to 5 days and include only a small amount of blood loss.

Other signs you’re experiencing heavy periods (also known as menorrhagia) include:

• Bleeding that contains clots quarter-size or larger
• Bleeding that requires you to change a pad or tampon overnight
• Bleeding that requires you to wear multiple pads at one time
• Bleeding that soaks through multiple pads or tampons every hour for several hours

Along with these signs related to bleeding during your menstrual period, you may also be tired or short of breath, both indicators of excessive blood loss.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, the first step is determining the underlying cause. Your provider may use several tools to find a diagnosis, including blood tests, a Pap test to examine cells from your cervix, hysteroscopy to examine the uterus and endometrial biopsy to examine cells from the uterine lining.

Blood tests can confirm or rule out many different causes, including anemia, hormone imbalances, thyroid disease and bleeding disorders.

Finding the solution for heavy periods

The best treatment to alleviate heavy periods depends on what causes heavy menstrual bleeding, including:

• Adenomyosis
• Bleeding disorders
• Certain medications, including blood thinners
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Irregular ovulation due to hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome
• Miscarriage
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Use of a copper intrauterine device
• Uterine fibroids or polyps

Less commonly, cancer of the uterus—specifically, cancer of the endometrial lining—can lead to excessive period-like bleeding, most often among women who have gone through menopause. You should discuss any bleeding after menopause with a medical provider.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is treated differently depending on the underlying cause, but in most cases, medications are the first option. Hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills, can manage heavy periods related to irregular ovulation or conditions such as endometriosis effectively.

Other options for treating menorrhagia include using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, tranexamic acid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often called NSAIDs. While you might be familiar with NSAIDs for relieving period pain, they can also help control heavy bleeding in some cases.

Your provider may recommend a surgical procedure if medications don't offer relief. Endometrial ablation destroys the uterine lining, which usually dramatically reduces menstrual bleeding. Pregnancy is dangerous after ablation, so your provider will suggest some type of permanent birth control.

Several procedures treat uterine fibroids, including uterine artery embolization, which stops blood flow to fibroids, and myomectomy, which removes fibroids. Hysterectomy, a surgery to remove the uterus, may also be used to treat women who no longer wish to become pregnant.

Your provider can help you determine the best treatment plan to alleviate heavy periods based on your specific needs. The bottom line? Help is available.

West Jefferson Medical Center offers specialized care for women at every age and stage of life. Schedule an appointment to get the care you need.