Managing Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: From Diagnosis to Treatment Options

At Complete Healthcare for Women, we are dedicated to providing effective solutions for managing heavy periods. In this article, we will discuss the causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, how it is diagnosed, and the various treatment options available.

What is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding is characterized by periods that last longer than seven days or involve excessive blood loss. Symptoms include:

• Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours
• Needing to use double sanitary protection to control menstrual flow
• Needing to wake up to change sanitary protection during the night
• Bleeding for more than a week
• Passing large blood clots during menstrual flow
• Restricting daily activities due to heavy menstrual flow
• Symptoms of anemia, such as tiredness, fatigue, or shortness of breath

Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Hormonal Imbalance: Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone can lead to excessive endometrial growth, resulting in heavy bleeding.
• Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual periods.
• Polyps: Small benign growths on the lining of the uterus can also cause heavy bleeding.
• Adenomyosis: A condition where the endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing heavy bleeding and pain.
• Bleeding Disorders: Conditions such as von Willebrand’s disease can cause abnormal bleeding.
• Medications: Certain medications, including anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs, can contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), thyroid problems, and liver or kidney disease can also lead to heavy menstrual bleeding.

Diagnosing Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

To diagnose the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding, your healthcare provider may recommend several tests, including:

• Medical History and Physical Exam: A detailed history and physical examination can help identify any underlying conditions or contributing factors.
• Blood Tests: These can help detect anemia and other potential disorders, such as thyroid problems or clotting disorders.
• Pap Test: This test screens for cervical cancer and other conditions.
• Endometrial Biopsy: A sample of the uterine lining is taken to check for abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Imaging tests can help visualize the uterus, ovaries, and pelvis to identify fibroids, polyps, or other abnormalities.
• Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscope, a thin, lighted instrument, is used to view the inside of the uterus and perform a biopsy if needed.

Treatment Options for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

There are various treatment options available for managing heavy menstrual bleeding, tailored to the underlying cause and the patient’s preferences. These include:

1. Medications:

• Hormonal Therapies: Birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and other hormonal treatments can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce bleeding.
• Non-Hormonal Treatments: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce menstrual blood loss and alleviate pain.
• Tranexamic Acid: This medication helps reduce bleeding by promoting blood clotting.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures:

• Endometrial Ablation: Procedures like NovaSure® endometrial ablation can remove or destroy the lining of the uterus, reducing or stopping bleeding.
• Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: This procedure removes fibroids from the uterus using a hysteroscope.
• Uterine Artery Embolization: This procedure blocks the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.

3. Surgical Options:

• Hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus may be recommended for severe cases where other treatments have failed.

Conclusion

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be managed effectively with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. At Complete Healthcare for Women, we are committed to providing personalized care to help you regain control of your menstrual health. If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice and explore your treatment options.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us:

Complete Healthcare for Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology
509-392-6700
Richard Lorenzo, D.O.
Kortney Jones ARNP

Author

Kortney Jones, ARNP Kortney Jones is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She provides OB/GYN services, including birth control, pregnancy and prenatal care, and infertility, as well as gynecological services, such as women’s health and wellness, abnormal uterine bleeding, weight loss, pellet hormone therapy, and menopause.