Author: McLaren Flint
It is important to seek medical care when heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, start to interfere with your daily life. Heavy periods are a common experience, affecting about one in three women. The worry about heavy bleeding and the discomfort it brings can take a toll, making it difficult to focus at work or school, enjoy social events, or even get a good night's sleep.
Heavy bleeding is characterized as severe bleeding or cramping that hinders your ability to carry out everyday tasks. Another sign is soaking through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several consecutive hours. Many women also need to use more than one menstrual product to manage the flow. Waking up during the night to change menstrual products is another disruptive symptom. If you're finding yourself limiting your activities because of heavy bleeding, a health care professional can help.
Dr. Nida Khalid an OB/GYN from McLaren Flint Women’s Health South, points out several factors that can contribute to menorrhagia. “Hormonal imbalances, underlying medical conditions, or even certain medications can contribute to heavy menstruation,” says Khalid. “To get a clear understanding of your situation, tracking details of your period can be beneficial. The date your last period started, the typical duration of your period, and the average time between your periods (from the end of one period to the start of the next) can provide valuable information during your appointment.”
There are various treatment options available for menorrhagia. The approach your provider recommends will depend on several factors, including the underlying cause of your heavy bleeding, your overall health, your age, and your reproductive health goals.
Hormonal medications:
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): These can help regulate your menstrual cycle and often reduce the amount of bleeding during your periods by thinning the uterine lining.
- Hormonal IUD (Intrauterine Device): This small device is inserted into the uterus and releases a type of progestin, which can significantly reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping. It can be effective for several years.
- Progestin therapy: Progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone, can be prescribed in pill form or as an injection to help regulate periods and reduce heavy bleeding.
Non-hormonal medications:
- Tranexamic acid: This medication helps to promote blood clotting and can significantly reduce heavy menstrual bleeding when taken during your period.
- Surgical procedures: In some cases, surgical interventions may be considered, especially if other treatments haven't been effective.
It's crucial to speak with your health care provider about your symptoms and your treatment goals. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a pelvic exam, blood tests, or imaging studies like an ultrasound, to determine the underlying cause of your heavy periods and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you. Visit mclaren.org/womenshcsouth to schedule an appointment with one of our women’s health providers.