It’s that time of the month again….that DREADED time of the month! The time of month I have not missed in the year and a half I’ve been pregnant/nursing. But why do we dread it so much? The cramping and pain? The messiness? The inconvenience? Have you ever thought about the significance of a women’s menstrual cycle? It is the window to a women’s fertility and hormonal balance.
During perimenopause, that time of transition in a women’s life, her cycles often become irregular due to inconsistent ovulation. Many women experience menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) to such a degree that it impairs their quality of life. Heavy menstrual bleeding remains the leading reason for gynecologic office visits and approximately 10 million women in the US alone experience heavy periods (NWHRC).
There are many reasons why a woman may experience heavy bleeding and it is important to seek medical attention if you feel that what you are experiencing is abnormal.
So…how do I know whether or not the amount I am bleeding is too much?
A typical menstrual cycle lasts 21-35 days with an average bleeding time of 7 days. Bleeding that persists beyond 7 days defines menorrhagia. Concurrent complaints may include the presence of clots, increased frequency of menstrual cycles (more often than every 21 days), and disruption in normal activities.
What are the possible causes of menorrhagia?
Infection, bleeding disorders, hormonal imbalances, fibroids/polyps, and endometriosis are common causes of menorrhagia. Do not wait! If you find that your are consistently experiencing heavy, prolonged, or frequent menstrual bleeding, seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out more serious problems.
If you are experiencing heavy periods, you can take this quiz to determine whether or not you should make an appointment with your doctor. I also encourage you to visit Dare to Wear White if you’d like to read or share experiences with menorrhagia.
Conventional treatment for menorrhagia includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Advil/Motrin), oral contraceptives, dilatation and curettage (D & C), endometrial ablation, and hysterectomy.
I’d like to tell you about a minimally invasive procedure that won’t make you more hormonal than you already are while still preserving your reproductive organs. Novasure endometrial ablation is a quick, safe, one-time procedure used to control heavy menstrual bleeding (and possibly eliminate your period altogether). This 5 minute office procedure, where you doctor removes the lining of your uterus, can be done without anesthesia. A woman can usually resume her normal activities 24-48 hours after the procedure.
How do I know if I am a candidate for Novasure?
Any woman who is experiencing menorrhagia should discuss all treatment options, weighing the risks and benefits. In general, this procedure is recommended for perimenopausal women who have completed childbearing.
If you’d like more information about the Novasure procedure, visit their website. You can also request a brochure here. As with all medical procedures, there are both benefits and risks. Be sure to consult your physician to determine if this procedure is appropriate for you.
Mom Central and Dare to Wear White want to hear from you about your experiences with menorrhagia. They have joined together to offer the first 250 eligible women (those who experience menorrhagia and do not wish to become pregnant again) who complete their survey a $10 Amazon gift certificate.
Sources: emedicine.com
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