Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding Treatment

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Overview

What Is Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)?

Abnormal or heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding is called menorrhagia. With menorrhagia, you may find it difficult to maintain your normal activities and lifestyle due to the large amount of blood loss and cramping. There are several causes for abnormal menstrual bleeding including:

Fibroids or polyps
An infection
Hormonal imbalance
Cancer
Medications
Intrauterine device (IUD)

If you experience menorrhagia, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your St. John’s Physician Partners gynecologist to find out the cause and develop a treatment plan.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding

Abnormal menstrual bleeding can vary in presentation, which is why seeing your gynecologist is important. Many women with menorrhagia or abnormal uterine bleeding experience disruptive symptoms that may indicate an underlying gynecologic condition.

Common signs and symptoms of abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding include:

Changing your pad or tampon every hour or two for several consecutive hours
Having to double your sanitary napkins or tampons to absorb the flow
Bleeding longer than a week
Needing to wake up to change your pad or tampon during the night
Passing blood clots
Symptoms of anemia such as tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding

Accurately diagnosing the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding begins with taking a thorough history about your periods. Your gynecologist at St. John’s Physician Partners may begin by asking you to track your menstrual periods, noting:

Cycle length and frequency

Volume of bleeding (e.g., number of pads or tampons used)

Presence of blood clots or spotting between periods

Your gynecologist may order the following diagnostic tests:

Blood tests

to check for anemia and how fast your blood clots

Pelvic Ultrasound

looking for any uterine structural abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps

Pap test

can help diagnose or rule out cervical cancer

Biopsy of the uterine lining

checking for any abnormal buildup of tissue or precancerous tissue

Treatments

Treatment Options for Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding

Treatment for abnormal menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) depends upon several factors such as the cause and severity of your condition, your overall medical and menstrual history, your age and lifestyle or your plans for children in the future. There are a range of treatments options that can relieve the symptoms of most menstrual problems. Don’t wait in discomfort and uncertainty; your St. John’s Physician Partners gynecologist will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.