Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem that affects many women.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem that affects many women. It can interfere with your daily activities, cause anemia, and lower your quality of life. 

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is defined as losing more than 80 milliliters of blood per menstrual cycle or bleeding for more than 7 days.

Some signs that you may have heavy menstrual bleeding are:

- You need to change your pad or tampon every hour or less.
- You need to use double protection (pad and tampon) to prevent leaks.
- You pass large blood clots (bigger than a quarter) during your period.
- You have to wake up at night to change your pad or tampon.
- You feel tired, dizzy, or short of breath during your period.

There are many possible causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, such as hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, endometriosis, infection, bleeding disorders, or cancer.

Some medications, such as anticoagulants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also increase your bleeding. Sometimes, the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding is unknown.

To diagnose heavy menstrual bleeding, we will ask you about your medical history, menstrual cycle, and symptoms. You may also need to undergo some tests, such as:

- A blood test to check for anemia, thyroid problems, or bleeding disorders.
- A pelvic exam to look for signs of infection, fibroids, polyps, or cancer.
- An ultrasound to see the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries.
- A hysteroscopy to examine the inside of your uterus with a thin camera.
- An endometrial biopsy to take a sample of the lining of your uterus for testing.

The treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding depends on the cause, your age, your desire to have children, and your personal preferences. Some of the common treatment options are:

- Hormonal therapy: This includes birth control pills, injections, implants, patches, rings, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) that contain hormones. They can help regulate your cycle and reduce your bleeding by thinning the lining of your uterus.
- Non-hormonal medication: This includes tranexamic acid or NSAIDs that can help reduce your bleeding by preventing blood clots from breaking down.
- Surgery: This includes procedures that remove or destroy the lining of your uterus (endometrial ablation), remove the uterus (hysterectomy), or remove the fibroids or polyps (myomectomy or polypectomy). These are usually reserved for cases where other treatments have failed or are not suitable.
- Other treatments: These include iron supplements to treat anemia, vitamin K injections to help with clotting, or progesterone-releasing IUDs to treat adenomyosis.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be a challenging condition to live with, but there are effective ways to manage it. If you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, talk to us about the best treatment option for you. You don't have to suffer in silence.

There is help available.  Call today to schedule a consultation.

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, endometriosis, pellet hormone therapy, and menopause.