A menstrual period is a natural part of the body’s cycle as it prepares for a potential pregnancy. The ovaries release an egg during ovulation. If no pregnancy occurs in the egg, then the body sheds the lining of the uterus to start the entire process over again. The shedding of the uterine lining is the cause of your monthly period. While your uterine bleeding may change periodically throughout the year, it should never completely disrupt your life. This is called heavy uterine bleeding, or menorrhagia.
Heavy uterine bleeding is a medical condition that occurs when you experience excessive blood loss during your menstrual period. The most common signs and symptoms of heavy uterine bleeding are soaking through multiple sanitary pads every hour, bleeding lasting longer than one week, passing huge blood clots, severe cramping and needing to change your sanitary pad in the middle of the night. The excessive blood loss will also cause you to become anemic. The fatigue and shortness of breath caused by the anemia will prevent you from performing your daily activities.
There are several things that can cause heavy uterine bleeding including uterine fibroids, polyps or a hormone imbalance. We will have to perform a series of medical tests to find out the root cause of your heavy uterine bleeding before developing a treatment plan.
Once you are diagnosed with heavy uterine bleeding, you will start getting treated as soon as possible. The first step in the treatment plan will most likely be medication. There are several different options that can help reduce your menstrual bleeding. If the medication is successful at reducing your uterine bleeding, then most of your serious symptoms will go away.
There is a chance that medication will not be enough to fix your heavy uterine bleeding. If this is the case, then there are other options available, so have no fear.
All of the treatments for heavy uterine bleeding are outpatient procedures. This means that you will be able to go home shortly after the procedure is finished. You should start to notice an immediate reduction in your uterine bleeding after fully recovering. Once you are having normal menstrual periods, you can live a normal lifestyle without any unwanted interruptions.
Reach out to us at Women’s OB/GYN Center in Pasadena and Webster to learn more information. Contact us today for a consultation.
