If you’re dealing with heavy periods it might feel normal for you, but excessively heavy periods aren’t normal. Your menstrual cycle shouldn’t feel like a tsunami.
Yet, many women cope with significantly heavy periods that interrupt their life, causing them to limit social engagements, lose work productivity, and miss out on things a few days a month.
At the Center for Women's Health in Wichita, Kansas, we don't just provide medical care. We offer an empowering space where your concerns are heard, your struggles are validated, and solutions are tailored to your individual needs.
Board-certified OB/GYN Sharon Breit, MD, and the rest of our team want you to know that you don’t have to struggle with heavy periods. Treatment is available to guide you from murky waters and into calmer seas.
It can be hard to define what a normal period is, since every woman's menstrual cycle is unique. But there are some clear signs that suggest your period might be heavier than usual.
These include soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour, needing to use double protection to control your menstrual flow, or having menstrual periods that last longer than a week.
Closely monitoring your period helps you understand your cycle better so you know exactly what’s going on.
There are numerous reasons your periods could be excessively heavy each month. Some of the most common include:
In some cases, heavy periods could be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.
Sometimes, we can find no apparent cause. Regardless of the reason for your excessively heavy periods, you can count on us at the Center for Women’s Health to find the most appropriate solution for you.
The treatment for heavy periods depends largely on the underlying cause. Nonsurgical treatments can range from hormonal contraceptives, like birth control pills or hormonal IUDs, to certain medications that help to regulate your menstrual cycle or reduce bleeding.
If polyps or fibroids are responsible for your heavy periods, surgery to remove them can help to restore a more normal flow. Endometrial ablation is an effective surgical option that involves removing the lining of the uterus (endometrium), thereby reducing menstrual flow.
In some cases, endometrial ablation can stop menstrual flow entirely. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be done under local or general anesthesia.
At the Center for Women's Health, Dr. Breit is experienced in performing endometrial ablations, helping our patients find relief from the exhaustive cycle of heavy bleeding.
Rest assured, we're dedicated to exploring all suitable options to provide you with the best possible care.
In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can also help manage heavy periods. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper hydration are all essential. Iron-rich foods are particularly beneficial, as they can help compensate for the iron lost during heavy bleeding.
Seek medical attention if heavy periods are affecting your quality of life, causing issues like anemia, or if you're concerned about your menstrual health. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent potential complications.
You don’t have to suffer through heavy periods. Reach out to our team at the Center for Women's Health in Wichita, Kansas, by calling 316-202-1690 or requesting an appointment online to explore the available options and find a solution that works best for you.
New and existing patients can also inquire about telehealth appointments. Give our scheduling coordinator a call to determine if your visit is eligible for a telemedicine appointment. Get control of your heavy periods and get back to your life.
