What are heavy periods?
It’s not unusual for women to experience a heavier-than-usual flow from time to time. But if your period is consistently heavy and impacting your daily life, then you may have menorrhagia, which is a medical term used to describe an abnormal menstrual flow.
Signs of menorrhagia include any of the following symptoms:
- Periods lasting longer than seven days
- Bleeding through a tampon or pad in an hour several hours in a row
- Getting up in the middle of the night to change your tampon or pad
- Having flow that keeps you from doing the things you enjoy
- Having abdominal cramps
- Feeling unusually fatigued and having difficulty concentrating (signs of anemia)
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Senchani and her team at Women’s Health Specialists of Central Florida can help.
What causes heavy periods?
You may be experiencing heavy periods for any number of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Fibroids
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pregnancy problems
- Cancer
- Side effect of an intrauterine device (IUD)
When you come in with concerns about a heavy period, Dr. Senchani and her team conduct a comprehensive examination to identify the underlying cause. This may include a physical and pelvic exam, Pap smear, blood test, and/or diagnostic imaging such as an ultrasound.
Dr. Senchani may also recommend a hysteroscopy, which is a procedure where an instrument is inserted through your vagina to your uterus to give the doctor a better view of your reproductive organs.
How are heavy periods treated?
Treatment for your heavy period may depend on the underlying cause. Dr. Senchani is an experienced gynecologist who can provide the most effective treatment to help you get relief.
Initially, she may recommend various forms of birth control to regulate ovulation and your menstrual flow. If this fails to control your symptoms, she may recommend additional treatments, such as:
Endometrial ablation
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that removes the inner lining of your uterus to help slow down the blood flow.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes your uterus and stops your menstruation altogether.
You can’t bear children after an endometrial ablation or hysterectomy, so these techniques are only recommended if you have no future pregnancy plans.
For experienced gynecological care to meet all of your health needs, call Women’s Health Specialists of Central Florida today or book online.
