Abnormal or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding - Menorrhagia
Regain control: expert care for abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding with Dr Randall Hammond
Are you experiencing abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding that disrupts your daily life? Do you find yourself changing pads or tampons frequently, dealing with prolonged periods, or experiencing severe pain during menstruation? Dr Randall Hammond, a highly experienced gynaecologist, understands the impact that these menstrual abnormalities can have on your overall well-being. With his expertise and compassionate approach, Dr Hammond is here to help you find answers, relief and regain control over your menstrual health.
Understanding heavy menstrual bleeding or Menorrhagia
Abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is a condition characterised by excessive or prolonged bleeding during menstruation. If you are experiencing heavy periods that interfere with your daily activities, it’s important to seek professional care to address the underlying causes and find appropriate treatment options. Dr Randall Hammond specialises in providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding, helping women find relief and improve their quality of life.
Diagnosis & Symptoms of abnormal menstrual bleeding
When you consult with Dr Hammond, he will conduct a thorough evaluation to understand the root causes of your abnormal menstrual bleeding. This may include:
- Medical history and symptoms: Dr Hammond will inquire about your medical history and menstrual cycle patterns. It is important to share details such as the duration, frequency and severity of your bleeding, as well as any associated symptoms like pain, clotting or fatigue.
- Physical examination: Dr Hammond may perform a physical examination to assess your pelvic health and check for any visible abnormalities or signs of underlying conditions.
- Diagnostic tests: To further evaluate your condition, Dr Hammond may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as blood tests to check hormone levels, imaging tests like ultrasounds to examine the uterus and ovaries, or an endometrial biopsy to analyse the uterine lining.
Menorrhagia Symptoms
- Excessive bleeding that requires changing pads or tampons every hour or two
- Prolonged periods lasting longer than seven days
- Passing large blood clots during menstruation
- Fatigue and weakness due to blood loss
- Anaemia symptoms, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or pale skin
- Severe menstrual cramps or pelvic pain
Menorrhagia Symptoms
Dr Hammond offers comprehensive care for women experiencing abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding, providing personalised treatment plans to address the specific causes and alleviate symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Medication: Dr Hammond may prescribe medications to regulate hormonal imbalances, reduce excessive bleeding, or manage underlying conditions such as fibroids or polyps.
- Non-hormonal Therapies: In cases where hormonal treatment is not suitable, non-hormonal therapies such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or tranexamic acid may be recommended to control bleeding and reduce pain.
Hormonal Therapies: Hormonal therapies, including birth control pills, hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), or hormonal patches, can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce heavy bleeding.
Surgical Interventions
For severe cases or when conservative treatments are ineffective, Dr Hammond may discuss surgical options such as endometrial ablation, myomectomy to remove fibroids, or hysterectomy in certain situations.
Lifestyle modifications
Dr Hammond may recommend certain lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and dietary adjustments, to support overall menstrual health.
Compassionate and Understanding Care with Dr. Randall Hammond
Dr. Randall Hammond understands that abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding can significantly impact your physical and emotional well-being. With his extensive experience and compassionate approach, he is committed to providing personalised care to address your unique concerns and help you find relief from your symptoms.
Dr Hammond believes in fostering a supportive and trusting doctor-patient relationship. He will take the time to listen to your symptoms, understand your concerns, and answer any questions you may have. With his expertise in gynaecology and menstrual health, he will guide you through the diagnostic process, explain the underlying causes of your abnormal bleeding, and outline the available treatment options.
It’s important to note that abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding can have various causes, including hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids or polyps, endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or certain medical conditions or medications. Dr Hammond will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify the specific cause of your symptoms and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Dr Hammond’s approach to treatment is individualised and patient-centered. He will discuss the various treatment options available to you, taking into consideration your medical history, future reproductive plans, and personal preferences. His goal is to provide you with the most effective and appropriate treatment to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Throughout your treatment journey, Dr Hammond will provide on-going support and monitoring. He will schedule regular follow-up appointments to assess your progress, adjust your treatment plan if needed, and address any concerns or new symptoms that may arise. Your well-being and satisfaction are his top priorities.
If you are experiencing abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding, Dr Randall Hammond is here to help. Take the first step towards finding relief and regaining control over your menstrual health by scheduling a consultation today. Contact us to book an appointment and experience the compassionate care of Dr Hammond, a trusted and experienced Hilton gynaecologist dedicated to helping women like you achieve optimal menstrual health.
Feel free to call us on 033 492 0254 or drop us an email at . We are located at Suite 7, Hilton Health, 3 Monzali Drive, Hilton, 3245. Your health matters to us.
FAQ
Hormonal imbalances can lead to an excessively thick uterine lining, resulting in heavy menstrual bleeding or unexpected bleeding between periods. Various conditions can disrupt hormone levels, such as obesity, insulin resistance, thyroid disorders, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Menstrual periods lasting more than 7 days are classified as heavy. Additionally, periods that necessitate changing a tampon or pad every 2 hours or involve passing large clots are also considered heavy. If you experience these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider to determine if further testing for a potential bleeding disorder is necessary.
Menstrual periods extending beyond seven days, or passing blood clots larger than a quarter more than once or twice, are indicative of heavy bleeding. The blood may vary in colour, including red, pink, brown, or rust-like hues. Additionally, if you find yourself needing to change one or more tampons or pads each hour for more than two consecutive hours, it may be a sign of excessive bleeding.
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) is used to decrease menstrual blood loss and should be taken only during periods of bleeding. Oral contraceptives, while primarily used for birth control, can also regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
If you notice that your menstrual blood becomes thinner or more watery, or if you experience a watery discharge of any colour, it could indicate anaemia or a tumour. If this thinning occurs over two or three menstrual cycles, consult your doctor about the possibility of testing for nutritional deficiencies or a fallopian tumour.
Menstrual periods typically have varying flow volumes and usually last between 4 to 6 days. It can be challenging to determine what constitutes a normal number of pads or tampons used per day. Generally, using between one and seven standard-sized pads or tampons throughout the entire period is considered normal.
A menstrual period is considered heavy if you are passing blood clots larger than a 50-cent coin, experiencing bleeding that requires changing your pad or tampon every hour, or needing to get up frequently during the night to change your pad or tampon.
Heavy periods can result in significant blood loss, potentially doubling the usual amount. If tampons or pads frequently become soaked in under two hours or if large clots are commonly passed, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Heavy menstrual bleeding should not be accepted as normal, as it may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring treatment.
Blood clots associated with endometriosis may appear as dark or bright red clumps or blobs within menstrual flow. These clots can vary in size and texture, ranging from small and grainy to larger and jelly-like in consistency.
In approximately half of women experiencing heavy periods, investigations often reveal no clear cause for the bleeding. This issue can occur at any age but is more frequently observed in women in their late thirties, possibly due to hormonal changes associated with aging.
Symptoms of excessive blood loss may include headaches, irritability, dizziness, weakness or fatigue, loss of appetite, and tingling in the fingers and toes. If you experience a fever exceeding 104°F along with chills and heavy bleeding, it is important to seek immediate medical attention at the emergency room.
Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to a reduction in iron levels and red blood cells, resulting in iron deficiency and anaemia. Common symptoms of anaemia include fatigue and dizziness when standing up.
Psychological or mental stress refers to the mental strain caused by challenging circumstances. This type of stress can disrupt menstrual cycles, leading to symptoms such as skipped or irregular periods and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Cervical mucus may have a somewhat jelly-like appearance. If the blood appears orange, it could indicate an untreated infection. If you frequently notice orange blood or have grey or green discharge, it is important to consult your doctor or midwife, as these could be signs of an infection.
Vaginal bleeding occurring outside of the normal menstrual cycle may signal underlying health issues, such as sexually transmitted infections, cervicitis, vaginitis, or an ectopic pregnancy. It may also be a sign of more serious conditions, including cancers of the reproductive system.