Have you ever changed your plans because you were afraid you couldn’t change your sanitary protection during your period? Do you suspect you may have heavier-than-normal bleeding? Heavy periods can be a symptom of an underlying problem and can end up causing health issues as well.
Our OB/GYNs, Dr. Radoslav Jovanovic and Dr. Kevin Jovanovic, understand that heavy menstrual bleeding can degrade your overall quality of life. You don’t have to live with the pain, worry, and potential complications of heavy periods. Treatments are available.
The medical name for heavy menstrual bleeding is menorrhagia, and it’s defined as soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several hours, using double protection, waking up to change your protection during the night, bleeding for more than a week, or having to restrict your activities because of your menstrual flow.
It’s important to talk to us about your specific situation because there are several possible causes of menorrhagia. Here are a few of them.
Most women have uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths), and never even know it. They can be inside or outside your uterus, and in some cases they cause painful, heavy periods.
Cancer of the cervix or uterus can cause heavy bleeding.
Anti-inflammatory medications, some anticoagulants, and some hormonal medications can cause heavy bleeding.
If your ovaries aren’t releasing eggs as they should, you may not be producing the hormones your body needs, and this can lead to heavy periods.
There are several conditions that can cause hormone imbalances, which in turn can cause menorrhagia. Identifying any underlying conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or a thyroid problem, is an important first step in treating heavy periods.
If you have an underlying problem causing your heavy periods, you may experience complications related to that condition. For example, insulin resistance is a hormone issue that can lead to obesity. Many conditions that cause heavy bleeding have other health impacts, as well.
However, heavy bleeding itself can cause other health complications. You may develop anemia due to blood loss, which can leave you exhausted, weak, and pale.
Additionally, heavy bleeding is often associated with very painful camping. Cramping can disrupt your life by making it difficult, or even impossible, to perform your usual activities or participate in things you enjoy.
The best treatment for your menorrhagia depends on whether or not you have an underlying condition causing it. Treating that problem often solves the issue of menorrhagia.
In some cases, treating both the underlying issue and the menorrhagia is the appropriate approach. We may recommend medication, endometrial ablation, or even a surgical procedure.
When you come to Dr. Jovanovic, you can be certain he’ll make recommendations for treatment based on your medical history and your current symptoms. Heavy periods are a complex problem, with many potential contributing factors. Schedule your appointment at our office in New York City to begin investigating why you’re experiencing menorrhagia.
