How do you define a heavy period?
An abnormally heavy, disruptive period is called menorrhagia. This condition is characterized by a flow so excessive that you miss school or work because of significant blood loss and exceptionally painful cramping.
Every woman’s menstrual flow is unique, and many women have naturally heavier periods than others. However, sometimes a heavy period is abnormal. Symptoms that indicate an abnormally heavy flow include:
- Periods lasting longer than a week
- Blood clots that exceed the size of a quarter
- Necessary tampon or pad changes every hour for several hours
- Having to get up in the middle of the night to replace your sanitary product
- Having to use a tampon and a pad at the same time
- Bleeding through your clothing
If you’re suffering from abnormally heavy flow, Berks Women’s Health can offer you options that help reduce it or its symptoms.
Why do I have such a heavy period?
Your abnormally heavy flow may be a result of a variety of conditions or problems. Among the most common are:
- Endometriosis
- Uterine or cervical cancer
- Uterine polyps
- Uterine fibroids
- Hormonal issues
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pelvic infections
- Insulin resistance
- Thyroid problems
- Intrauterine devices (IUD)
- Pregnancy complications
You may also experience abnormally heavy periods if you’re obese or overweight.
How can you treat abnormally heavy periods?
To treat your abnormally heavy period, Berks Women’s Health must first determine its cause or causes. Depending on the whole picture of your reproductive health, the practice may offer you any number of solutions.
For example, if your heavy flow stems from imbalanced progesterone and estrogen levels, the practice may prescribe you birth control pills.
Berks Women’s Health can also treat the symptoms of your heavy flow, like anemia, through holistic methods, such as iron supplements.
Modern women have the resources and the power to advocate for their own health and wellness. If you have abnormally heavy periods that are affecting your quality of life, take action today. To schedule an appointment at Berks Women’s Health, call the office.
