Periods that suddenly become heavier or last longer may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. The expert obstetricians and gynecologists at Capital Women’s Care in Laurel and Silver Spring, Maryland, can discover the issue causing your heavy menstrual bleeding and recommend effective treatment. If your periods are unusually heavy or irregular, don’t hesitate to call or book an appointment online.
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.
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.
Menstrual bleeding that’s unusually heavy may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Many conditions can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, such as:
Sometimes, hormone-related issues, such as hypothyroidism, can lead to abnormal 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:
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:
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.
