Are My Periods Heavy or Abnormal?

During the course of a menstrual cycle, the level of bleeding will change throughout the cycle. At the beginning and end of the cycle, most women have light bleeding, while the days between might be heavier. However, when the bleeding is abnormally heavy or lasts longer than your normal cycle, it may be menorrhagia, also referred to as AUB/HMB, a serious condition that requires medical attention and can impact not only your quality of life but your overall health.

What Is Menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is the clinical term for heavy bleeding during a menstrual cycle. It is more than just a typical heavy flow day; it is enough bleeding to keep you from being able to enjoy your regular activities and may be accompanied by painful cramping or passing large clots. Symptoms of menorrhagia include:

• Having to replace pads more than once in an hour
• Having to use more than one form of control, such as a tampon and pad, to control the flow
• Soaking through pads during the night
• A menstrual cycle that lasts longer than seven days
• Passing large blood clots
• Inability to go about your normal daily activities

To diagnose menorrhagia, your OB/Gyn will perform a physical, review your medical history, ask questions about your menstrual cycle, and may order additional testing such as an ultrasound, bloodwork, or pap smear. 

Treatments for Menorrhagia

Seeking treatment for menorrhagia is important because it can result in severe anemia. Treatments range from oral contraceptives to minimally invasive surgery to hysterectomy. The treatment depends on the cause of the menorrhagia, the impact it is having on your health, and how it is impacting your quality of life.

If you are experiencing signs of abnormal bleeding during your menstrual cycle, schedule an appointment today with an Ob/Gyn specialist at Huey & Weprin Ob/Gyn. With specialized care and cutting-edge treatments in obstetrics and gynecology, Huey & Weprin Ob/Gyn offers a wide variety of gynecologic and obstetric services from leaders in Ob/Gyn research development. Call 937.771.5100 or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment.