Heavy periods/Period problems
In about half of women with heavy menstrual bleeding, no
underlying reason is found. But there are several conditions and
some treatments that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
Some conditions of the womb and ovaries can cause heavy
bleeding, including:
- fibroids –
non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb and can
cause heavy or painful periods
- endometriosis – where the tissue that lines the womb
(endometrium) is found outside the womb, such as in the ovaries
and fallopian tubes (although this is more likely to cause
painful periods)
- adenomyosis
– when tissue from the womb lining becomes embedded in the wall
of the womb; this can also cause painful periods
- pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID) – an infection in the upper genital
tract (the womb, fallopian tubes or ovaries) that can cause
symptoms like pelvic or abdominal pain, bleeding after sex or
between periods, vaginal discharge and fever
- endometrial
polyps – non-cancerous growths in the lining of the womb or
cervix (neck of the womb)
- cancer of
the womb – the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding,
especially after the menopause
polycystic
ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a common condition that affects how the
ovaries work; it causes irregular periods, and periods can be
heavy when they start again
These conditions are very common and various treatment
options can be discussed with you. Treatment options for heavy
periods depend on what's causing your heavy periods, your
general health and your preferences.
Treatment options include:
- Non-hormonal tablets
- Hormonal tablets (such as contraceptive pills)
- Mirena IUS (a small device that contains progestogen and
is inserted into the womb)
- Uterine artery embolization
- Endometrial ablation (day case surgery to remove the
lining of the womb)
- Myomectomy surgery to remove the fibroids
- Keyhole hysterectomy to remove the womb (read
leaflet)
At your consultation these options will be discussed in more
detail enabling you to tailor the choice to your specific needs.
For further information on heavy menstrual bleeding:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Periods-heavy/Pages/Introduction.aspx
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