If you are worried about your periods being too heavy, you are not alone. Many women ask themselves the same question. Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, happens when you lose too much blood during your period, or bleed for too long. Women with menorrhagia often lose twice as much blood as women with a normal period. One of the biggest immediate risks associated with this kind of blood loss is anemia. Anemia occurs when your body cannot replace lost red blood cells fast enough.
Symptoms of Heavy Bleeding: What to Look For
You should see your nurse practitioner if you have any of the following symptoms:
- If you bleed for more than seven days
- If you pass clots or clumps of blood that are larger than a quarter
- If you need to change your tampon and/or pad more than every two hours
There are a variety of possible causes for heavy menstrual bleeding, ranging from hormonal issues (including thyroid problems), to clotting disorders, to uterine fibroids or polyps and at times complications from birth control. Uterine cancer can also increase menstrual bleeding and bleeding between periods.
If you have noticed heavier than normal bleeding, pelvic pain, fever with heavy bleeding and or abdominal pain, bleeding between periods or after sex, irregular menstrual cycles, or any other unusual signs and symptoms during your period, you should contact our office to schedule an appointment within the next week. However, if you have pain in the lower part of your abdomen, have a positive pregnancy test or feel that you are pregnant please call for a same day appointment. Additionally, if you have extremely heavy bleeding and feel light-headed, call us so we can see you urgently.
Many women tend to put off care because they feel embarrassed, or feel as though they should suck it up and deal with it. The truth is that you live in your body and you know what feels normal and what does not. You should never put off care out of self-consciousness. If you are concerned about something so out of the ordinary, that is reason enough to seek care.
At FamilyCare of Kent, we believe in your right to safe and effective medical treatment. We treat our patients with the same compassion we would want for our loved ones. If you would like more information on heavy periods, menstrual bleeding or any other women’s health or contraceptive issue, we are here to help. We will sit down, discuss your needs and develop a treatment plan that works for you. Call (253) 859-2273 today or request an appointment online, to meet with any of our exceptional nurse practitioners at FamilyCare of Kent.