Heavy Periods
Another name for this is menorrhagia. Typically women may menstruate (bleed) for 2-5 days, and lose around 30-40ml of blood.
Overview
Abnormally heavy bleeding is when:
Your periods last longer than 7 days.
The volume is more than 80ml.
There is flooding or clotting.
You are anaemic.
Possible causes
There are many causes, including fibroids, uterine polyps, hyperplasia, or cancer of the uterus, polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid disease, genital tract infection, endometriosis, and bleeding disorders.
What to do
If you have troublesome heavy bleeding, you should see your GP. The first steps may include an ultrasound of the uterus, an examination, and treatment using non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, oral hormones, and anti-clotting agents.
A specialist in gynaecology has a number of options available to them to aid in treatment. These include a Mirena, ablation of the uterine lining, and hysterectomy.
We can help
If you are experiencing heavy periods and would like to talk to us about how we can help, please feel free to contact us. You can also request an appointment online.
Related conditions
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Adenomyosis occurs when the inside lining of the uterus is found within the muscular wall of the uterus, enlarging it.
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When endometrial tissue, which should only be found in the uterus, also grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain.
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Fibroids are benign tumours of the wall of the uterus. They may put pressure on the bladder or bowel, and can cause pain.
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Hyperplasia occurs when the inside lining of the uterus starts to behave abnormally and is a potential ‘pre-cancer’.
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An infection – the multiplication of microorganisms not normally present within the body – can cause abnormal bleeding.
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Symptoms vary, and can include irregular or absent periods, excess hair, weight gain or difficulty falling pregnant.
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Polyps are benign growths and can occur in the uterus, cervix or vagina. They can cause irregular or unscheduled bleeding.
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A procedure to remove a woman’s uterus. This can be achieved via either abdominal keyhole surgery, abdominal incision, or performed through the vagina.
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A small plastic contraceptive device is placed inside the uterus with strings extending out through the cervix. Can be used to treat adenomyosis and endometriosis.
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This entails keyhole surgery where a camera is placed through the belly button to view the pelvis, enabling abnormal tissue and cysts to be removed.
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Many fibroids do not require treatment. When treatment is required, they may be removed through the cervix or through small incisions on the abdomen.
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A common procedure, placing a thin camera through the cervix to evaluate the inside of the uterus. This may be as an investigation or a treatment.
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Treatment of PCOS depends on what symptoms are causing problems. Women with PCOS may need treatment for issues such as sub fertility, diabetes, and heart disease.
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Controlled cauterisation of the endometrium under general anaesthetic. Used as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding as an alternative to hysterectomy.