Heavy Periods

Heavy periods are common, but they can disrupt a woman’s life considerably. In some cases, heavy periods can also signify a more serious problem. The Healthy Woman ObGyn offers diagnosis and treatment to patients with heavy periods in Snellville, Lawrenceville and Atlanta East, Georgia. Patients can make an appointment for treatment by contacting The Healthy Woman.

What makes a period too heavy?

A patient’s period may be too heavy if she:

• Bleeds for more than a week
• Needs to use more than one form of protection to control the flow
• Soaks through 1 or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row
• Needs to change protection during the night
• Passes blood clots for more than a single day during menstruation
• Has symptoms of anemia, such as shortness of breath and fatigue

What causes a heavy period?

A heavy period can occur for several different reasons. Some of the most common causes of a heavy period include:

• Polyps in the uterus
• Fibroid tumors in the uterus
• Ovarian dysfunction
• Hormonal imbalances
• Complications during pregnancy
• Having an intrauterine device
• Certain medications
• Inherited bleeding disorders
• Certain cancers

Are heavy periods dangerous?

In many cases, heavy periods aren’t dangerous for the patient, even if they’re inconvenient. However, if a period is heavy enough to cause significant blood loss, serious complications may occur. Patients who are experiencing heavy bleeding should seek treatment as soon as possible.

How does my provider determine the cause of a heavy period?

Your provider at The Healthy Woman can determine the cause of a heavy period by ordering a variety of tests and performing a physical exam. Some of the tests your provider may order include an ultrasound, pap smear, endometrial biopsy, and blood work. Depending on the results of these initial tests, further testing may be required.

What treatments are available?

After your provider at The Healthy Woman has identified the cause of a heavy period, they can recommend treatment options to the patient. Treatment options depend on the specifics of the patient’s condition. For example, if your provider determines that your heavy bleeding is related to a hormonal imbalance, oral birth control pills may resolve the issue. If the bleeding is related to an underlying condition like uterine fibroids, cancer, or polyps, treating the condition may eliminate heavy bleeding. If the bleeding is occurring because of a medication or intrauterine device, changing the medication or removing the device will often solve the problem.