Is Your Heavy Period Actually Abnormal Bleeding? Here's When to See a Doctor

Many women dread their monthly cycle because of heavy bleeding. You might wonder whether your flow is normal or points to a deeper issue.

At Prestige Healthcare OBGYN in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Charis Trench-Simmons and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating abnormal uterine bleeding to help women regain control of their lives. If your period is so heavy that it disrupts your routine, seek professional care. 

Let's look at what defines abnormal bleeding and when you should schedule a visit.

What makes a period abnormal?

It can be hard to measure exactly how much blood you lose during a cycle. Because of this, doctors look at how your period affects your daily life. Bleeding is considered heavy if you change your pad or tampon every hour or two.

Another sign is needing to double up on pads to prevent leaks. Regularly bleeding for longer than seven days, or passing blood clots larger than a quarter, is also abnormal. These symptoms can leave you feeling exhausted and may lead to anemia.

Our team in Atlanta can evaluate these signs to find the root cause.

What causes abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding often results from benign (noncancerous) growths in the uterus. Structural issues such as fibroids (leiomyomas) are primary drivers of heavy bleeding.

Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the uterine wall. Polyps are small growths on the lining of the uterus. While these growths generally aren’t cancerous, they can significantly increase your menstrual flow. 

We offer comprehensive gynecology exams and imaging to identify these structural causes.

How we help you find relief

At Prestige Healthcare OBGYN, we tailor your treatment to your needs and health goals. We offer a range of medical and minimally invasive options to manage your symptoms.

For some women, nonhormonal medications are highly effective. A study found that oral tranexamic acid during active bleeding days can reduce blood loss by 40%-50%. This medication can stabilize blood clots in the uterus and naturally slow the flow.

We also offer other advanced treatments, including hormone therapies and minimally invasive procedures. Our goal is to find the safest, most effective solution so you can live without the constant worry of heavy bleeding. 

Don’t let heavy periods control your schedule, your energy, or your peace of mind. If you experience signs of abnormal bleeding, our compassionate team is here to support you. Schedule a visit at Prestige Healthcare OBGYN today to start on the path toward relief.