Heavy Periods Specialist

What are heavy periods? 

Heavy periods, medically known as menorrhagia, refer to very heavy or lengthy bleeding during menstrual periods. In some cases, heavy periods are accompanied by pain. 

Women with heavy periods may have regular or unpredictable menstrual cycles, but the periods are much more difficult than normal due to the high volume of blood or the length of bleeding.

While the average menstrual period lasts 3-5 days for a woman, heavy periods last more than seven days and sometimes even weeks. If you have heavy periods, you typically need to change your tampon or pad more frequently, as it'll often soak the pad approximately every two hours.

Why do heavy periods occur?

To begin the treatment for heavy periods, it is first important to identify any possible causes.  The team at Orange County OBGYN, are experts in diagnosing causes of heavy periods.  In office ultrasound is offered. Certain medications can cause heavy periods, so it's important to discuss all current and past medications with your doctor so they can make an accurate diagnosis. The cause of menorrhagia can vary widely, but the most common causes include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometrial polyps
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Hormone imbalance
• Adenomyosis

Less common causes of menorrhagia can include blood clotting disorders, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometrial or cervical cancers.

What is the treatment for heavy periods?

The treatment for menorrhagia varies from patient to patient. The team works with you to customize a treatment plan specific to your individual needs. In many cases, the use of oral supplements or medications is helpful, but sometimes a surgical treatment is best. Some treatment options include:

Iron supplements

Iron supplements are often used for patients who've become anemic or borderline anemic due to blood loss.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

NSAIDs, which include drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen, can help with pain relief and also reduce blood loss during menstruation

Tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid (brand name Lysteda) reduces the amount of menstrual blood loss.

Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives provide birth control as well as regulating cycles, reducing the quantity of blood lost, and reducing the length of periods.

Progesterone supplements

Progesterone supplements can correct heavy periods that result from a hormone imbalance.

IUD

The hormonal IUD contains levonorgestrel, a progestin which helps thin out the lining of the uterus and helps reduce blood loss and cramps.

Surgical treatments

For heavy bleeding that cannot be corrected via medication, the doctors at Orange County OBGYN are also specialists in performing minimally invasive surgical procedures.  These include hysteroscopy, endometrial ablation, D+C, myomectomy and hysterectomy. 

To learn more about treatment for heavy periods, call Orange County OBGYN or book an appointment online today.