Heavy periods are not usually a medical emergency. However, if a person is losing a lot of blood, and it is making them feel weak, dizzy, or sick, emergency room (ER) treatment may include medications to slow the bleeding. Doctors may also give fluids, and in some cases, they may consider a blood transfusion.
You may need surgical treatment for menorrhagia if medical therapy is unsuccessful. Treatment options include: Dilation and curettage (D&C). In this procedure, your doctor opens (dilates) your cervix and then scrapes or suctions tissue from the lining of your uterus to reduce menstrual bleeding.
Tranexamic acid is used to treat heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle (monthly periods) in women. Tranexamic acid is in a class of medications called antifibrinolytics.
Endometrial ablation is a surgery that destroys the lining of the uterus. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. The goal of endometrial ablation is to reduce how much you bleed during periods, also called menstrual flow. In some people, menstrual flow may stop completely.
Most women are able to return to most normal activities in 3-5 days. Having sex (intercourse) and doing very strenuous activities should be avoided for around two weeks following this type of surgery. It is normal to have an increased vaginal discharge for 2-4 weeks after the operation.
If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can stop you from living your life to the fullest.
Conditions affecting the ovaries, womb, or hormone levels can cause sudden heavy periods. These include uterine polyps, endometriosis, and more. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , heavy periods are among the most common health issues that females report to doctors.
A person is losing too much blood during their period if they: soak through a pad or tampon once an hour for several hours. pass large clots the size of a quarter or bigger. have to use two pads at a time to prevent leaks.
Hormonal intrauterine device — There are IUDs that slowly release a hormone, progestin, into the uterus. They do not contain estrogen. Two progestin-containing IUDs (brand names: Mirena, Liletta) can be used to both prevent pregnancy and reduce menstrual bleeding for up to eight years (figure 1).
Should I go to the hospital if my period cramps are unbearable? Painful cramps are not usually a medical emergency. However, a person should seek emergency care if they experience new, intense pain following a pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion, or if they have signs of an infection such as a fever.
When a girl is standing up, gravity helps blood flow out the vagina. But if she's lying down, blood doesn't flow out as easily, especially on lighter flow days. It's like when you hold a bottle of water upside down: Gravity makes the water pour out much faster than it does when you hold the bottle on its side.
Heavy periods are one cause of feeling dizzy because excessive blood loss can bring temporary changes in the blood pressure.
Menorrhagia is unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Possible causes include fibroids, polyps, a tumor, or a bleeding disorder. It is one of the most common gynecological complaints, affecting more than 10 million people in the United States each year.
You've probably heard that pain with your period is part of being a woman. It's not true. Painful periods that impact your daily functioning aren't normal.
It's not unusual to have changes in your flow. However, your period is a heavy period if it lasts for more than seven days or you need to change your pad or tampon after two hours. Some women actually have to “double-up” on pads. If this happens to you, please contact our office for an appointment.
Endometriosis blood clots may appear as dark or bright red clumps or blobs in menstrual flow. The clots can vary in size and texture, ranging from small and grainy to larger and more jelly-like in consistency.
The amount of blood loss deemed to be life-threatening is equal to half a can of soda in an adult. Bleeding in children and infants can be proportionately less and still life-threatening. If blood is flowing continuously, squirting or pooling, take action immediately and follow these steps: Call 911.
Heavy menstrual bleeding may be a sign of an underlying health problem that needs treatment. Blood loss from heavy periods also can lead to a condition called iron-deficiency anemia. Severe anemia can cause shortness of breath and increase the risk of heart problems.
If emergency treatment is not needed, bleeding can usually be stopped by applying steady, direct pressure and elevating the wound.
Hysterectomy as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding
We can often treat heavy menstrual bleeding at the menorrhagia level. Before we consider hysterectomy as the treatment, which removes the uterus and makes pregnancy impossible, we make sure to consider or try other options.
Hysterectomy is effective in permanently stopping HMB, but it halts fertility and is associated with all the risks of major surgery, including infection and blood loss. These risks are smaller with endometrial resection/ablation.