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Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods) – Should I Be Concerned?

Author: Andrew Adamson, D.O.

Menorrhagia is a medical term used to describe excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. This is the most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding, affecting many women – especially adolescents and women going through perimenopause.

Should You See Your Mesa Gynecologist?

There are several warning signs that your menstrual bleeding may be abnormal. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may wish to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist near you at Arizona Associates for Women’s Health. These guidelines are general in nature and should not be used to self-diagnose.

  • Do you experience heavy periods that require you to change at least one pad or tampon per hour for several hours in a row?
  • Do you bleed between periods?
  • Have you noticed vaginal bleeding that’s different from regular menstrual bleeding?
  • Have you experienced any vaginal bleeding after going through menopause?

If you answer, “yes,” to any of these questions, you may have abnormal bleeding (which may or may not be diagnosed as “menorrhagia”). Talk to your Mesa gynecologist to learn more.

What Treatments Are Available for Heavy Periods?

If you are diagnosed with menorrhagia, you should know that there are a number of treatments that may be available to you. Treatments for heavy periods may include:

  • Iron supplements (to prevent anemia)
  • NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen (to reduce blood loss and relieve pain)
  • Oral contraceptives, i.e. “the birth control pill” (to regulate menstrual cycle and reduce bleeding)
  • Oral progesterone (which may correct imbalanced hormone levels)
  • Some women may also benefit from intrauterine devices that release hormones to help regulate the menstrual cycle.

Various surgical therapies may also be available to you at Arizona Associates for Women’s Health. These options may include da Vinci hysterectomy, myomectomy (if bleeding is caused by uterine fibroids), endometrial ablation, and other procedures. Your Mesa gynecologist can tell you more.

Schedule An Appointment With a Mesa Gynecologist

You don’t have to live in dread of your next menstrual cycle. There are options for managing prolonged and heavy periods. To schedule an appointment with a gynecologist in Mesa, call 480-844-4702. You can also schedule online.
Please consult with your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

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