Heavy Periods: Causes and Treatment Options
A very heavy period is characterized by frequent or heavy bleeding that may lead to the need to change menstrual products frequently.
Signs of a very heavy period include:
- having to change menstrual products every three hours or less
- experiencing more than 3 oz of blood loss per period, having a period lasting more than eight days
- having a cycle shorter than 24 days
- experiencing unexpected periods
- passing large blood clots during menstruation
Anemia can result from heavy menstrual bleeding.
With longstanding bleeding, iron deficiency anemia can also result. Symptoms of anemia may include:
- feelings of weakness
- fatigue
- cold hands and feet
- pale skin
In extreme cases, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fainting may occur.
Heavy menstruation may also be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Doctors may divide the causes of heavy menstruation into two groups structural disorders, which can be diagnosed with imaging or tissue samples, and non-structural disorders, where this is not the case.
Structural disorders include things like:
- polyps
- fibroids
- cancerous tumors
Non-structural disorders include:
- bleeding disorders
- ovulation disorders
- endometrial pathologies
If you suspect that you are experiencing excessive menstruation, it is advisable to consult a doctor to identify the cause of your condition. Proper preparation for your doctor's appointment can be helpful.
Important Safety Information The Sonata System is intended for diagnostic intrauterine imaging and transcervical treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids, including those associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. Common Side Effects include bleeding, spotting, cramping, post-ablation inflammatory symptoms, and/or discharge. There are potential risks with this treatment such as skin burn and infection. Women who are pregnant, have a pelvic infection, are known to have gynecologic cancer, or have intratubal implants for sterilization should not have this procedure. For full safety information visit, https://sonatatreatment.com/safety-information/. Talk to your doctor to see if Sonata Treatment is right for you.
PF-550-EN.1