Nearly every woman experiences monthly menstrual cycles during her childbearing years. For most women, their monthly period lasts about two to seven days. The first day of bleeding marks the first day of a new menstrual cycle, and the cycle generally lasts 21-35 days.

The duration of your period, menstrual cycle, and any symptoms you experience with it can vary from month to month and from woman to woman. While every woman’s menstrual cycle is different, there are some things that aren’t normal.

Heavy or excessive bleeding is a common issue that many women face, but you shouldn’t ignore it. What’s considered heavy bleeding? And when should you make and appointment with your doctor about it?

Our general OB/GYN providers at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine in Manhattan, New York, are experts in diagnosing and treating excessive bleeding and heavy menstrual periods. Find out if you’re living with excessive bleeding and book an appointment at one of our six convenient locations to find a treatment option that’s right for you.

Risks of ignoring heavy bleeding

Most women dread their periods. From irritability to bloating and cramps, periods can bring plenty of negative side effects. But one symptom that has the power to significantly disrupt your life is excessive menstrual bleeding.

You may suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding if you:

• Have periods that last longer than seven days
• Need to change pads or tampons hourly
• Need to change pads or tampons during the night
• Need to wear more than one pad at a time
• Pass blood clots larger than a quarter

Heavy periods can disrupt your life, but they can also be a sign of an underlying health issue. Ignoring heavy bleeding may mean ignoring another condition that could impact your fertility, reproductive health, and overall well-being.

Common causes of heavy bleeding include:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids and polyps
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

In some cases, heavy periods are an early sign of endometrial cancer. Excessive bleeding can also indicate polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage.

What to expect with treatment for heavy periods

Only about a third of women living with excessive menstrual bleeding actually seek treatment. If you think you might have abnormal bleeding, don’t suffer through it. Visit your OB/GYN, because we can help.

At Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine, our team begins by reviewing your symptoms and medical history with you. If possible, track your menstrual cycles and periods before coming in for your appointment. We perform a pelvic exam and may recommend additional testing, such as an ultrasound or hysteroscopy to see your uterus and other reproductive organs.

Depending on your diagnosis, there are a number of different treatments we may recommend. If you have heavy bleeding caused by endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOS, we may prescribe hormonal birth control to help regulate ovulation. Other medications like hormone therapy or tranexamic acid have been shown to help regulate menstrual flow as well.

In more serious cases, we may recommend procedures to treat heavy bleeding, but the chances of getting pregnant after these procedures is greatly reduced. Endometrial ablation permanently destroys the lining of the uterus to stop menstrual bleeding. For severe fibroids, we  may suggest uterine artery embolization, myomectomy, or hysterectomy.

Ignoring heavy bleeding during your period could lead to serious health complications. For expert diagnosis and care to help you get back to enjoying your life, book an appointment at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine online or by phone today.