Woman experiencing heavy period pain, highlighting the services of Total Woman at Norton Women's Care for menorrhagia treatment.
Heavy periods, clinically known as menorrhagia, are a common health concern affecting approximately one in five women across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recognizing the symptoms of menorrhagia is crucial for women’s health. These symptoms include needing to change super absorbency pads or tampons every hour for several hours consecutively, experiencing menstrual bleeding for more than seven days, and the passage of blood clots larger than the size of a quarter.
Women who experience menorrhagia face an increased risk of developing anemia, a condition that requires prompt medical attention. It is essential for women to discern between what constitutes a normal menstrual flow and what is considered abnormally heavy. Dr. Sara F. Evans, an experienced OB/GYN with Total Woman, a Part of Norton Women’s Care, emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing heavy periods.
“A common misconception is that women simply have to endure heavy periods as a part of life,” Dr. Evans explains. “However, there are effective strategies to manage heavy menstrual flow. Heavy periods should not negatively impact a woman’s overall quality of life.”
Effective treatment options are available for women suffering from menorrhagia. Hormonal contraception, including pills, patches, and injections, is frequently recommended to regulate menstrual and ovulation cycles. These methods help stabilize the uterine lining, which is shed monthly during menstruation, as Dr. Evans notes.
While birth control can be beneficial in managing heavy bleeding associated with fibroids, minimally invasive surgical procedures to remove fibroids often provide the most effective solution. For women who are past their childbearing years, procedures like hysterectomy or endometrial ablation may be considered as optimal solutions to stop excessive bleeding.
“It’s important to recognize that treatment approaches for heavy periods are not one-size-fits-all,” Dr. Evans states. “At Total Woman, a Part of Norton Women’s Care, we conduct thorough evaluations for each patient to ensure personalized care plans that align with their individual health goals and preferences.”
To access expert care for heavy periods, or to refer a patient to Dr. Evans or any of the specialists at Norton Women’s Care, please visit Norton Women’s Care Referral for the online referral form or contact (502) 629-1234, option 3.
