Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

What is Considered Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, is bleeding that lasts more than seven days or is abnormally excessive in volume. Bleeding is considered abnormally heavy if you need to change your pad or tampon after less than two hours, or if you pass blood clots larger than the size of a quarter.

If left untreated, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding can prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. Heavy bleeding can also cause anemia, a blood problem that makes you feel tired and weak.

How Common is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding affects more than 10 million women and is one of the most common reasons for seeking gynecological treatment. The compassionate team at Capital Women’s Care can diagnose and treat heavy menstrual bleeding so you can return to the activities you love.

What Causes Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Menstrual bleeding that’s unusually heavy may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Many conditions can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, such as:

• Fibroids and polyps
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Perimenopause, which is the transition to menopause
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Endometrial cancer

Sometimes, hormone-related issues, such as hypothyroidism, can lead to abnormal menstrual bleeding.

How Do You Diagnose and Treat Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Your provider at Capital Women’s Care will perform a thorough exam, including a pelvic exam, and review of your medical history. Based on your symptoms, they may perform one or more tests, such as:

• Pregnancy test
• Ultrasound imaging test to evaluate blood flow
• Blood tests to check for bleeding disorders
• Hormone level tests to check for hormonal imbalances
• Pap test to check for infection or changes to your cervical cells
• Hysteroscopy procedure to look inside your uterus

Then, they’ll recommend the best treatment for your unique needs. Based on the cause and severity of your heavy menstrual bleeding, the team at Capital Women’s Care may recommend:

• Pain-relieving medications
• Birth control pills or an IUD
• Hormone therapy
• Iron supplements for anemia

Some conditions, such as cancer or severe fibroids, may require surgery. The expert surgeons at Capital Women’s Care offer minimally invasive surgical procedures, including laparoscopic hysterectomies, whenever possible.

If your period is excessively heavy or lasts longer than seven days, call Capital Women’s Care or book an appointment online for treatment.

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