Most women get monthly menstrual periods throughout their childbearing years, and few look forward to it. Irritability, bloating, cramps, and more all make periods unpleasant, but are your symptoms a sign of something more serious?
Menstrual symptoms vary, so it’s not always easy to know what’s “normal” when it comes to your period. But heavy periods are very common, and bleeding and cramps that interfere with your daily life shouldn’t be ignored.
Only about a third of women seek treatment for heavy periods, but there’s no reason to continue dealing with abnormally heavy bleeding each month. Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our team at Solace Women's Care specialize in identifying, diagnosing, and treating heavy periods.
The average menstrual cycle is anywhere from 21-35 days long. The first day of your period marks the first day of a new cycle, and most menstrual periods last 2-7 days.
Your body prepares for pregnancy during your menstrual cycle. If you don’t get pregnant, you have your period. Menstrual bleeding occurs when your uterus contracts to shed its lining, and the process starts over again.
It’s not unusual for your period to vary from month to month, but it’s important to recognize the signs of heavy bleeding. You could have abnormally heavy periods if:
Heavy bleeding is often accompanied by severe menstrual cramps, and both can affect your ability to perform your daily tasks. When you find yourself missing work, school, or other obligations during your period, it’s a sign that your symptoms aren’t normal.
Heavy periods not only make your life more uncomfortable, but excessive menstrual bleeding could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Seeking treatment for heavy periods is the first step toward improving and protecting your overall well-being.
Heavy periods can disrupt your life, but you don’t have to live with them. If you think you have abnormal menstrual symptoms, schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN, because we’re here to help.
Dr. Sejour and our team work with you to identify the root cause of your heavy periods and develop an effective treatment plan. If possible, track your menstrual cycles and periods for a few months before your appointment.
We start by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. We do a pelvic exam and other testing, like ultrasound or hysteroscopy, as needed. Some possible causes of heavy periods are endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, or simply genetics.
Once we identify the cause of your symptoms, we recommend treatment options. Hormonal birth control can regulate ovulation and reduce heavy menstrual bleeding for many women.
Minimally invasive surgery, such as endometrial ablation, may be an option in more severe cases. However, this type of treatment greatly reduces your chances of getting pregnant, so we typically recommend trying other options first if you want to have children in the future.
You don’t have to suffer abnormally heavy periods. Schedule an appointment at Solace Women's Care to learn more about your treatment options. Contact us online or call our Conroe, Texas office at 936-441-7100.
