Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

What is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is common, but can indicate an underlying condition. It's important to speak with your provider if you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding. Spotting or bleeding between periods is also a sign of a possible problem.

Heavy menstrual bleeding means:

Needing to change your pad or tampon every 1-2 hours
Bleeding that lasts more than seven days
Blood clots in menstrual flow

Why do some periods become heavy?

Several conditions may cause heavy bleeding:

Hormonal imbalances (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome—PCOS)
Problems with the lining of the uterus
Von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders
Uterine fibroids or polyps
Cancer
Thyroid, kidney, or liver disease
Pregnancy-related issues or miscarriage
Side effects of birth control or blood-thinning medications

UR Medicine's Treatments for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Diagnosis

To diagnose your condition, UR Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology will ask about your health history and periods. Your physical exam will include a pelvic exam, and you may be asked to keep track of your periods for several months. Additional testing may include:

Blood tests to check for anemia and to see how fast your blood clots
Pap test to examine cells collected from the cervix to check for cancerous changes, infection, or inflammation
Ultrasound to check for fibroids or other problems inside the uterus
Biopsy to check for cancer or other abnormal tissue by examining a tissue sample from the uterine lining

Your provider will then consider treatment options based on your medical history, conditions, age, fertility goals, and symptom severity.

Treatments for Hormone Problems

Prostaglandin inhibitors. These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin or ibuprofen, help reduce cramping and the amount you bleed
Birth control pills, which stop ovulation and result in lighter periods
Progesterone, a type of hormone treatment

Treatments for Problems with the Uterine Lining

Ablation, to destroy the lining of the uterus to stop or reduce bleeding
Dilation and curettage (D&C), to removes excess uterine lining
Resection, to remove the lining of the uterus
Hysterectomy, removing the entire uterus
Iron supplements to address anemia as a result of heavy loss of blood

Living with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding can affect your quality of life, but with comprehensive treatment, it can be manageable. In addition to regularly seeing your provider, consider:

Tracking your period—note duration, flow, clots, fatigue, and impact on life
Using a menstrual cycle tracking app or paper journal
Staying up-to-date with iron-rich foods or supplements

PCOS: So Common, and Commonly Misunderstood

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common but very misunderstood condition. UR Medicine experts clarify some of the most common myths.

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What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology is made up of women’s health experts who actively engage in everything that supports women's health, including patient care, research, and education. Our team provides a full range of services, from annual checkups to gynecologic oncology and prenatal care.

We also partner with our colleagues to help women with depression, heart disease, osteoporosis, breast disease, and dermatologic conditions. We look at the whole patient to ensure that all your needs are addressed.

UR Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology is leading the way both regionally and nationally. Our Gynecology division is on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 50 in the nation. And the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) and the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) has named Strong Memorial Hospital a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. Our care is guided in part by our active and productive research. We're on the leading edge of the latest discoveries.