Heavy menstrual bleeding, also called menorrhagia, is more than an inconvenience. It can disrupt daily routines, cause fatigue, and even lead to anemia if untreated. If your periods are consistently heavy or difficult to manage, medical evaluation can help identify the cause and restore balance.

At MyOBGYN in Las Vegas, we provide compassionate, personalized care to diagnose and treat heavy bleeding so you can regain comfort and confidence in your cycle.

What Is Considered Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Your period may be classified as heavy if you experience:

  • Bleeding lasting longer than seven days
  • Needing to change pads or tampons every one to two hours
  • Passing large blood clots larger than a quarter
  • Waking at night to change protection
  • Bleeding that soaks through clothing or bedding
  • Fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness from possible anemia

If these symptoms sound familiar, schedule an evaluation to discuss your options.

Common Causes of Heavy Bleeding

Heavy periods can result from a range of hormonal, structural, or medical factors.

Hormonal causes:

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Perimenopause or irregular ovulation

Structural causes:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometrial polyps
  • Adenomyosis (thickening of the uterine lining)
  • Endometriosis

Other factors:

  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Certain medications such as blood thinners
  • Recent IUD placement or removal
  • Pregnancy complications such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy

Understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

When to Seek Medical Care

You should see a provider if you:

  • Have heavy bleeding every month
  • Change pads or tampons more often than every one to two hours
  • Pass multiple or large clots
  • Feel dizzy, weak, or short of breath
  • Miss work or sleep because of your period
  • Are worried about fertility or planning a pregnancy

Early evaluation helps prevent complications and improves quality of life.

Diagnosis

Your provider will review your menstrual history, symptoms, and overall health. Diagnostic testing may include:

  • Pelvic exam
  • Blood tests to check thyroid function, hormone levels, or anemia
  • Pelvic ultrasound to detect fibroids or other uterine changes
  • Endometrial biopsy to assess the uterine lining
  • Hysteroscopy for a closer look inside the uterus if needed

These tools help determine the cause of heavy bleeding and guide your care plan.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and your reproductive goals.

Nonsurgical treatments:

  • Hormonal birth control (pill, patch, ring, or IUD) to regulate bleeding
  • Tranexamic acid or NSAIDs to reduce blood loss
  • Hormone or thyroid therapy to address imbalances
  • Iron supplements or nutrition changes to treat anemia

Minimally invasive procedures:

  • Polyp or fibroid removal
  • Endometrial ablation to reduce or stop periods
  • Uterine artery embolization to shrink fibroids

Surgical options:

  • Myomectomy to remove fibroids while preserving fertility
  • Hysterectomy for patients whose childbearing is complete and other treatments are ineffective

Your provider will discuss all available options and help you choose the best plan for your needs.

Take Control of Your Menstrual Health

Heavy bleeding may be common, but it is not something you have to live with. With compassionate care and effective treatment, you can regain comfort, energy, and control over your cycle.

📞 Call (702) 463-2981 or visit https://myobgynvegas.com/ to schedule your appointment.