Dr. Craig Ranch of Craig Ranch OB/GYN describes a heave period that often requires women to change their pad or tampon every hour for a period of 24 hours. Additionally, these women often experience cramps that are so severe that it impacts their ability to work, go to school, or function in any of their favorite and usual activities.
What are the symptoms of menorrhagia?
The primary symptom of a heavy period is a continued, heavy flow during menstruation. This heavy flow can impact a patient’s quality of life. Some women may always have a heavy flow, and that may be “normal” for their body. However, women who notice a change in their periods, including a heavy period that is different than normal or develops without warning, may want to book an appointment with their doctor to determine the cause. In some cases, heavy periods can become so severe that they can lead to anemia. This is a low level of red blood cells that can cause women to feel tired, out of breath, or weak overall.
Other symptoms of this condition include:
- Passing very large blood clots
- Experiencing bleeding between periods and after menopause
- Periods that may last longer than seven days
- Severe cramps that impact their daily activities
What causes menorrhagia?
There are many reasons why a patient may deal with this condition:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Fibroids or polyps in the uterus
- The use of IUDs for birth control
- Complications related to pregnancy such as ectopic pregnancy
- Female cancers including cancer of the ovaries, uterus, or cervix
- Bleeding disorders
- The use of certain medications such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories
- Liver or kidney disease
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Thyroid problems
- Endometriosis
Are you dealing with heavy periods?
Now is the time to contact a team of professionals to determine the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment. Call Craig Ranch OB/GYN of McKinney, TX today to book an appointment. The practice can be reached by calling (214) 544-6600 and is located at 7900 Henneman Way, Ste. 100.
