Heavy Periods
Evaluation and Treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
What Is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)?
Abnormal uterine bleeding can be referred to in a number of ways – heavy bleeding, heavy periods, and menorrhagia. Essentially, all of these terms are encompassed under the technical term “abnormal uterine bleeding” or AUB.
Many women experience heavy menstrual bleeding at some point in their lives. But for one in four women, every cycle is heavy—and that’s not normal. OB/GYN providers call this condition “abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)” or “menorrhagia.” We understand this can be a frustrating or painful condition, and aim to deliver premium care by empowering our patients to ask and receive answers to all of their concerns and questions.
When is heavy menstrual bleeding too heavy?
Although every woman experiences her period differently, most doctors define a normal, healthy period by a few standard criteria.
Questions to ask your gynecologist
New guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest that if heavy periods and irregular menstrual cycles negatively impact your life and you believe they are a problem, you should talk to your gynecologist.
Based on your condition, there are questions you might want to ask your healthcare provider or surgeon. The following questions are designed to help you find out more information about your particular condition and the kinds of treatment that may be right for you. The more informed you are, the more comfortable you’ll be with the decision you, your family and your medical provider make together.
- What is the cause of my heavy periods?
- What course of treatment do you recommend for me?
- If I take hormones, will my condition improve?
- What are the least invasive treatment options for heavy periods?
- Will treatment affect my ability to have children?
- What are the potential risks associated with our treatment options?
- How soon after treatment can I resume normal activities?
- Can this treatment be performed in the office?
- Will I need to continue to use contraception after treatment?
- Can you take care of this problem or can you refer me to a doctor specializing in treating heavy periods?
- If I need a hysterectomy, is there a minimally invasive option?
Treatment options for abnormal uterine bleeding
There are a variety of different treatment methods that the OB/GYN providers of Elite Women’s Health offer our patients.
- Hormone Therapy
- IUD
- Dilation & Curettage (D&C)
- Global Endometrial Ablation
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