FAQs About Heavy Periods

If you suffer from frequent heavy periods, you could have an underlying condition causing the problem. Our OBGYN doctor can help. Dr. Anya Rose and Dr. Megan Gau at Rose Women’s Health in Arcadia, CA, offer a wide range of OBGYN and women’s health services, including diagnosis and treatment of fibroids. 

You may have a few questions about heavy periods. Your OBGYN doctor has the answers. These are just a few frequently asked questions and answers about heavy periods: 

What Are Heavy Periods?

Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, are frequent periods during which you lose so much blood that your daily life is impacted. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Heavy Periods?

Signs and symptoms of heavy periods include: 

• Needing one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours 
• Needing to use double pads to avoid bleeding onto your clothing 
• Having to change your pads or tampons during the night 
• Continuous bleeding which lasts longer than one week 
• Passing blood clots which are bigger than a quarter 
• Inability to complete daily activities due to bleeding and cramping 
• Fatigue, feeling anemic, and being short of breath 

What Can Cause Heavy Periods?

There are several factors which can cause heavy periods, including: 

• A hormonal imbalance of estrogen and progesterone 
• Polycystic ovary syndrome 
• Abnormalities in your ovaries 
• Uterine fibroids or polyps 
• An intrauterine device or IUD 
• Uterine or cervical cancer  
• A genetic bleeding disorder 
• Medications including blood thinning and hormonal medications 

How are heavy periods treated? 

Our OBGYN doctor will perform a comprehensive examination, which may include laboratory testing and imaging studies to determine the cause of heavy periods. Depending on the cause, our OBGYN doctor may recommend: 

• Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce blood loss and reduce pain 
• Birth control medication to regulate periods and reduce blood loss 
• Oral progesterone to correct a hormonal imbalance and reduce episodes of heavy bleeding 
• Hormonal IUD to thin the uterine lining and reduce episodes of heavy bleeding 

Want To Know More? 

To find out more about the causes and treatments of heavy periods, talk with the experts. Call Dr. Anya Rose and Dr. Megan Gau at Rose Women’s Health in Arcadia, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (626) 461-7071, so call today.