Heavy periods are uncomfortable; they can also be a sign that you have an underlying condition that could affect your reproductive health. Heavy periods affect up to 14 in every 100 women.
Having to change your tampon or pad after less than two hours is an indicator of heavy bleeding. If your period suddenly becomes heavy, this may be a cause for concern. Women who experience heavy bleeding that lasts more than seven days should also be concerned.
Some women simply have heavy periods, but you should make an appointment with your gynecologist to ensure you are in good health.
At Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology in Rochester Hills, Lenox, and Troy, Michigan, our team of highly qualified OB/GYNs and medical professionals are equipped to manage heavy bleeding and the conditions associated with it.
Read on to learn more about what causes heavy bleeding and why you should see your doctor about it.
There are some telltale signs of heavy bleeding. Some of the most common include:
Heavy bleeding may occur for one of several reasons. In many cases, it’s associated with a reproductive health condition. In some cases, some types of birth control, like IUDs, could be the culprit. Certain medications, such as aspirin, can temporarily cause heavy menstrual flow.
The possibility that your heavy periods could be connected to an underlying condition is what makes checking in with your doctor crucial. Conditions linked to heavy periods include:
All of these conditions are best managed by early detection and intervention. Late diagnosis of any of these conditions can lead to complications and, in some cases, even be fatal.
See our team at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology to get to the root of your heavy bleeding, whether you’ve lived with it all your life or it developed suddenly. Treatment for heavy bleeding depends on the underlying cause.
In some cases, we might prescribe medication like iron supplements to help prevent or treat anemia resulting from the blood loss. We might also recommend over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen to help you manage pain.
In severe cases, we may recommend surgery, especially if all other treatment options have proven ineffective.
Heavy bleeding might be no cause for concern, but it could also be a sign of an underlying condition. Early detection and management of the condition are crucial to protecting your reproductive health. Make an appointment with us today by filling out our contact form online or calling us to get to the root of your heavy bleeding.