Every fertile woman of her reproductive age experiences menstrual flow every month. The flow usually lasts for three to seven days, and everything returns to normal. During this period, you are expected to have to change your pad or tampon twice or thrice a day unless you are experiencing heavy bleeding. Heavy bleeding or periods make you need to change your pad or tampon every two hours because they are fully soaked. Heavy periods indicate a gynecological problem. You are advised to seek immediate help when experiencing heavy menstrual flow. Therefore, if you are having heavy periods and seek treatment, Capital Women’s Care heavy period specialists are here to your rescue. They offer advanced treatments to control bleeding or do away with your period. And if you want to learn more about heavy periods, read on.
What is a heavy period?
Usually, a heavy menstrual period refers to either being heavier than usual or one that lasts for more than seven days. Heavy bleeding should be seriously taken because it can result in iron deficiency anemia. It can also restrict your daily chores because you will keep changing your pad or tampon. If you pass blood clots at least the size of a clot or keep changing your pad or tampon after less than two hours, you are encouraged to consult your gynecologists for evaluations and investigations.
What are the causes of heavy periods?
Generally, several factors can cause heavy periods, including adenomyosis, certain medications, uterine fibroids, ovary dysfunction, hormone imbalance, bleeding disorders, cancer, uterine polyps, pregnancy complications, or intrauterine devices. Similarly, liver disease, thyroid disorders, kidney disease, and other medical problems can also be associated with heavy periods. That is why you are advised to consult your specialist to help determine the cause of your heavy menses.
How is heavy menstrual bleeding diagnosed?
Your health care providers perform blood tests, endometrial biopsy, pap smear, or ultrasound to help determine the cause of your heavy periods. Other additional tests may also be recommended depending on your initial results.
What is the treatment for heavy periods?
The symptoms and cause of your heavy menstrual periods typically determine if you need treatment or not. However, the treatment options available include;
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Medications
Your care provider may recommend hormonal or other medications to help control menstrual bleeding. Hormonal IUDs may also be used to alleviate the symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding.
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Minimally invasive procedures
Some minimally invasive gynecological procedures include uterine artery embolization, dilation, and curettage, surgical uterine fibroid removal, ultrasound surgery, and hysterectomy may also be performed to eliminate heavy bleeding. Most of the above procedures reduce your uterine lining and remove fibroids associated with heavy bleeding. Removal of your uterus, also called hysterectomy, can be performed. And of importance to note is that all these procedures require minimal downtime.
What treatment option is right for you?
Your health care provider reviews the pros and cons of the treatment options available to determine which one suits your individual needs. Usually, the right treatment for your heavy periods depends on its cause, symptoms, and whether you would like to have kids in the future.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a serious medical condition that warrants immediate medical care. Therefore, if you are experiencing heavy menses and seek treatment, you can start by booking your appointment at Capital Women’s Care today.
