Heavy Periods

This is a very common but under recognised problem. Women should not have to put up with bleeding which they find unacceptable. Mostly heavy bleeding is due to the effect of hormones on the lining of the womb, but there are other causes, such as fibroids and rarely cancer. If your bleeding is heavy, then seek advice as regular heavy bleeding can result in anaemia and depression, which can be avoided. There are a number of different treatment options available, depending on the cause of the bleeding. Some women following, a medical history, will require investigation, prior to treatment. Transvaginal ultrasound is a frequently used investigation and can be helpful in diagnosing the cause of abnormal bleeding. Sometimes it is necessary to look directly at the lining of the womb, using a camera, called a hysteroscope. This procedure can be done either awake in an out patient setting or asleep (under general anaesthetic).

Treatment options for heavy periods include intrauterine systems, with Mirena® being the most well known brand, contraception for its non-contraceptive benefits and non-hormonal medication.These choices are all reversible. Endometrial ablation (permanent destruction of the lining of the womb) and hysterectomy (surgical removal of the womb) are options for women who do not wish to retain their fertility.

Normal practice involves offering the least invasive, most reversible, options first.