Heavy Periods Explained: Causes, Treatments & Ultrasound Services
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common concern for most women. Trying to maintain your usual activities when you have your period because you have so much blood loss and cramping. If you dread your period because you have such heavy menstrual bleeding, talk with your doctor. There are many effective treatments.
Painful and heavy periods are a common reason to request a gynaecology ultrasound. Your doctor might be worried about fibroids, endometriosis, or other conditions visible to ultrasound.
Painful periods are a common reason to request a gynaecology ultrasound. Your doctor might be worried about fibroids, endometriosis, or other conditions visible to ultrasound.
Heavy periods can also be caused by these conditions, as well as by changes in the lining of the uterus, such as polyp growths or abnormal thickening. Some women have more than one purpose for the request: apart from heavy or painful periods, they might also be experiencing bleeding between periods, pelvic pain or other symptoms.
The visual information from an abdominal and/or vaginal ultrasound will help your referring doctor diagnose any abnormality, linked to heavy or painful periods.
If you have been requested to get an ultrasound in regards to painful or heavy periods, and you are menstruating regularly, the best time of the cycle for the ultrasound is usually from day 5 to day 11 (counting from the first day of your period).
If endometriosis is the specific concern, later in the cycle is sometimes more helpful. During the period is a good time to avoid as this is likely to be a more uncomfortable time to be scanned. When preparing for your ultrasound, please make note of the first day of your last menstrual period as closely as you can, so you can let us know.
If there is bleeding between your periods, the timing can be difficult to work out. If you are bleeding all or most of the time, do not delay your ultrasound appointment. If you are using the oral contraceptive pill, the stage of the cycle is not important for your scan. It is recommended to bring the packet or provide the name of the pill you use.
A gynaecological ultrasound may consist of 2 different scans: an abdominal ultrasound and a vaginal ultrasound.
If you expect to be having a vaginal ultrasound, two glasses of any liquid is enough to drink, ideally 3/4 of an hour before. A brief abdominal scan will be done first, but then the bladder can be emptied.
With a vaginal ultrasound, a narrow probe is inserted after bladder emptying. Most of the scan information comes from the vaginal pictures, so it’s not necessary for the bladder to be over-full beforehand.
If you only want to have an abdominal ultrasound, bladder filling is even more important because it adds clarity to the scan. Usually 3 large glasses of fluid 3/4 of an hour before your appointment is realistic.
Also allow for extra time at your visit: if the bladder is not full enough, we may require you to wait and fill your bladder more. It can take a long time, and for this reason young girls and adolescents are not booked late in the day.
If using hormone therapy or vaginal estrogen, do not cease purely for the ultrasound. If anything, they make the ultrasound easier for you.
A gynecologist will most likely ask about your medical history and menstrual cycles to investigate the causes of your heavy periods. Based on your symptoms and age a gynecologist might reccommend one or more of the following tests: Ultrasound exam; Hysteroscopy; Endometrial biopsy; Sonohysterography; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor may be able to treat your heavy period with medical treatments, such as: – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which help reduce menstrual blood loss and related pain, and oral contraceptives (birth control pills) which by stopping ovulation will make your period lighter. Should medical treatment be unsuccesful, surgical options incude: Dilation and curettage (D&C). In this procedure your doctor opens (dilates) your cervix and then scrapes or suctions tissue from the lining of your uterus to reduce menstrual bleeding.
Tranvaginal ultrasounds are safe and painless procedures that can be performed whether you’re pregnant, going through the menopause or menstruating. If you are menstruating and wearing a tampon, you will need to remove the tampon before the test.
Altough there is no common definition of heavy period, as it varies from woman to woman, a sign that your periods are heavy is if you: -have to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours – are passing blood clots larger than 2.5cm (about the size of a 10p coin) – are bleeding through to your clothes or bedding – need to use 2 types of sanitary product together (for example, tampons and pads) – feeling very tired and short of breath.
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Understanding Heavy Periods
Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, is a common issue that many women face. It can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort and emotional distress. Understanding what constitutes a heavy period can help women recognize when to seek medical assistance.
Typically, a heavy period is defined as bleeding that requires changing a pad or tampon every two hours or less, passing large blood clots, or experiencing periods that last longer than seven days. Women may also feel fatigued or short of breath due to excessive blood loss, indicating the need for evaluation and potential treatment.
Common Causes of Heavy Periods
Heavy periods can stem from various underlying conditions, including hormonal imbalances, uterine abnormalities, and other medical issues. Identifying the cause is crucial for effective treatment and management of symptoms.
Common causes include uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, endometriosis, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, and polyps, which can develop on the uterine lining. Other factors such as age, obesity, and certain medications can also contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding.
Diagnostic Tests for Heavy Periods
To determine the cause of heavy periods, healthcare providers may recommend a series of diagnostic tests. These tests help in identifying any underlying conditions that may require treatment.
Common diagnostic procedures include pelvic ultrasounds to visualize the uterus, hysteroscopy to examine the inside of the uterus, and blood tests to check for anemia or hormonal imbalances. These tests provide valuable insights, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans effectively.
When to Seek Medical Help
Recognizing when to consult a healthcare professional is essential for managing heavy periods effectively. If menstrual bleeding disrupts daily activities or leads to significant discomfort, it may be time to seek medical advice.
Women should consider scheduling an appointment if they experience symptoms such as soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours, passing large clots, or experiencing severe fatigue. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
best time to do ultrasound for endometriosis, life imaging umina, best time in cycle for pelvic ultrasound, imaging umina
Understanding Heavy Periods
Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, is a common issue that many women face. It can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort and emotional distress. Understanding what constitutes a heavy period can help women recognize when to seek medical assistance.
Typically, a heavy period is defined as bleeding that requires changing a pad or tampon every two hours or less, passing large blood clots, or experiencing periods that last longer than seven days. Women may also feel fatigued or short of breath due to excessive blood loss, indicating the need for evaluation and potential treatment.
Common Causes of Heavy Periods
Heavy periods can stem from various underlying conditions, including hormonal imbalances, uterine abnormalities, and other medical issues. Identifying the cause is crucial for effective treatment and management of symptoms.
Common causes include uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, endometriosis, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, and polyps, which can develop on the uterine lining. Other factors such as age, obesity, and certain medications can also contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding.
Diagnostic Tests for Heavy Periods
To determine the cause of heavy periods, healthcare providers may recommend a series of diagnostic tests. These tests help in identifying any underlying conditions that may require treatment.
Common diagnostic procedures include pelvic ultrasounds to visualize the uterus, hysteroscopy to examine the inside of the uterus, and blood tests to check for anemia or hormonal imbalances. These tests provide valuable insights, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans effectively.
When to Seek Medical Help
Recognizing when to consult a healthcare professional is essential for managing heavy periods effectively. If menstrual bleeding disrupts daily activities or leads to significant discomfort, it may be time to seek medical advice.
Women should consider scheduling an appointment if they experience symptoms such as soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours, passing large clots, or experiencing severe fatigue. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
