If you experience prolonged bleeding than the usual 3 to 5 days, you may need to see your gynecologist. According to studies, about 3% of women in America suffer from heavy bleeding. The health condition may be uncomfortable, affecting your quality of life. It may result from various health concerns, and you may need the help of a health provider to determine the cause and get treatment. The Lake Mary heavy bleeding specialist Christopher K Quinsey, MD, provides comprehensive care to help you deal with heavy bleeding and better your living. This article will help you understand more about heavy bleeding.
How to tell whether you have heavy bleeding?
It might be hard to tell if you have heavy bleeding. But you should know that the usual period lasts from at least two days up to five days and seven days at the longest. Usually, it’s easy to manage the menstrual periods with sanitary products such as tampons or pads every two hours.
If your bleeding needs you to change your sanitary product every hour or less, you may have heavy bleeding.
Usually, the average menstrual cycle occurs within 28 days; however, there are also cycles with 21 and 40 days, which is normal. When you bleed outside your regular cycle, it may indicate an existing health condition. It is always advisable to seek medical attention when you experience abnormal bleeding to prevent complications and find treatments.
The following signs may indicate heavy bleeding.
- Large blood clots
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding while pregnant
- Bleeding between periods
- Dizziness or fatigue during bleeding
- Periods that last longer than your usual monthly cycle
- Unexplained bleeding between periods
You can rule out heavy bleeding by tracking how many sanitary products you use in a day.
What causes heavy bleeding?
There may be many reasons behind heavy bleeding, including:
Uterine fibroids:
These are noncancerous growths that grow in the uterus. Uterine fibroids are more common in women who are in their childbearing years.
IUD problems:
You may also develop heavy bleeding due to an IUD. The intrauterine device is a birth control placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. When the IUD moves out of place, it may lead to heavy bleeding.
Miscarriage:
One of the most common signs of miscarriage is heavy bleeding. It occurs when a pregnancy is lost before 20 weeks.
Cancer:
Cancers of the reproductive organs, including ovarian, uterine, and cervical, may also cause heavy bleeding when not treated.
What are your treatment options for heavy bleeding?
There are surgical and hormonal treatments for heavy bleeding at Christopher K. Quinsey MD. Your provider will recommend your treatment depending on the cause of your problem.
Dr. Quinsey offers hormonal treatment to help restore your hormonal balance. For instance, he may recommend birth control pills to reduce blood loss and menstrual cramping.
You may need a minimally invasive surgical procedure if your heavy bleeding results from cancer, uterine fibroids, or ectopic pregnancy.
Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you have heavy bleeding. Contact Christopher K. Quinsey, MD to schedule your consultation.
