Heavy Menstrual Cycle or “heavy flow” for short or “flooding” as it is informally called, is a condition where higher than normal volume of blood is passed by a woman, most times with heavy blood clots. It is common among women aged 14 to 21 and 40 to 50 and women who have experienced a miscarriage.
Heavy menstrual periods are normal once in a while, depending on diet and stress levels, but where this goes on for a prolonged period, say 6 to 12 months, it is a bleeding disorder requiring urgent medical attention.
While heavy flow is a painful condition, it is usually a pointer to a more serious health challenge like endometrial polyps, uterine cancer or an infection of one or more reproductive organs.
It usually requires an unusual frequency in the change of pads, tampons or menstrual cloths, usually one to two hours and can trigger stress, thus interfering with the woman’s way of life.
Causes
The major culprit here is hormones. Hormonal imbalance is normal for women especially during ovulation and pregnancy when the hormones “fly”, thus causing mood swings. However, where the imbalance results in a reproductive anomaly, medical assistance becomes imperative.
Teenage girls, women approaching menopause, women suffering thyroid problems and persons using a particular category of birth control can experience abnormally heavy bleeding.
Other possible causes of heavy flow are; infection, restricted diet, uterine fibroids, pregnancy related conditions, uterine Adenomyosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), weight fluctuations, uterine cancer, high stress levels, ovulatory dysfunction, endometrial polyps, etc.
While some women deal with this and manage the condition, this is highly unadvisable because by the time they realize the damage done, it may be too great to manage. It is thus pertinent to seek medical expertise as soon as practicable. Progressive Women’s Health PLLC steps in here, to provide you with the best heath service.
Diagnosis
Before seeing a doctor (preferably, a gynecologist), the patient should take note of her period pattern and past medications, it would be better if one had a period calendar to guide her. This is to make studying the menstrual pattern and health history easier for the doctor and also help them determine what tests to prescribe thereby saving time and cost.
However, this does not necessarily inhibit the process. The tests will take pace anyway.
Tests
In addition to pelvic examination, the doctor may order blood tests, pregnancy test (where the heavy menstrual bleeding occurs before menopause), pelvic ultrasound and a hysteroscopy.
Treatment
Treatment is not complete until the heavy bleeding and its underlying cause are treated fully. Treatment may include oral medication, injections and surgery, depending on the cause of the heavy flow.
Heavy bleeding can cause anemia (iron deficiency) and hence tiredness, dizziness and shortness of breath. This will cause more strain on the heart and lead to a heart condition. This is just one of the many situations that could occur when heavy bleeding is ignored.
It is therefore imperative to consult a doctor today. Visit us at Progressive Women’s Health, PLLC to get diagnosed and treated now.
