Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
About Heavy Bleeding
Also known as menorrhagia, heavy bleeding during menstruation may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Typically, heavy bleeding is defined as needing to change their tampon or pad every hour during a period. Along with heavy bleeding, other symptoms may include extreme fatigue, cramps, anemia, or the passing of blood clots. Our team of board-certified OB/GYNs at Women’s Health at Valley View can provide diagnostic testing to identify the cause of heavy bleeding, as well as offer several treatment options. At our locations in Glenwood Springs, Basalt, and Silt, CO, our goal is to help you experience an improved quality of life by effectively treating heavy bleeding and the associated symptoms. Through a comprehensive consultation, we can help you to learn more about your options.
Causes of Heavy Bleeding
In order to identify the cause of problems that may lead to heavy or abnormal bleeding, an endometrial biopsy can be performed. During the biopsy, a small piece of tissue from the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is taken in order to be examined for cancerous cells or other abnormalities. Some common causes of heavy bleeding may also include:
- Unbalanced hormones
- Growths on the uterus
- Endometriosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Kidney or liver conditions
- Precancer or cancer in the uterus, cervix, or ovaries
Treatment Options
- Medication Management: Hormone-releasing medications that administer progesterone that can give the body a signal to not thicken the lining of the uterus and may be useful in treating heavy bleeding. In turn, the uterus will have less lining to shed throughout the menstrual cycle. One of the most common forms of hormone-releasing medications is birth control pills.
- Intrauterine Device: Also known as an intrauterine device, an IUD is a hormone-releasing device that works by releasing progestin. This helps to thin the lining of the uterus, which means there will be less lining to shed during menstruation. Though many women relate IUD to a form of contraception, it is also approved by the FDA as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Ablation Techniques: As an effective treatment for heavy bleeding during menstruation, endometrial ablation requires no surgical incisions. Instead, a small tool is inserted into the vagina in order to remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium). There are several different methods used for endometrial ablation, such as extreme cold, heated fluids, microwave energy, and radiofrequency energy. Endometrial ablation may be performed in the operating room or in the office depending on patient needs.
What to Expect
At Women’s Health at Valley View, we work with patients to understand their existing symptoms and concerns before offering a customized treatment plan. Through proper diagnostic testing, we can also work to identify what may be causing your symptoms in order to better treat you.
Learning About Your Options
Heavy menstrual bleeding can greatly affect a woman’s quality of life. Thankfully, our team of experienced OB/GYNs at Women’s Health at Valley View can offer various solutions to treat women of all ages. Schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Glenwood Springs, Basalt or Silt, CO to learn more about how we can help.