Heavy Periods

Many women aren’t sure if their periods are too heavy, and they figure the bleeding is just something they have to deal with. However, excessive bleeding is not normal and puts you at risk for anemia and fatigue. Clinton Ashford, MD, FACOG, Rebecca Ashford, MD, and Brookes Vaughan, NP, at The Ashford Center in Athens, Georgia, specialize in the one procedure that can permanently eliminate heavy periods: endometrial ablation. To learn how this procedure can help you, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

How do I know if my periods are heavy?

Your menstrual periods are considered abnormal when they’re different from the average cycle. On average, periods last up to eight days, and you should go about 24-38 days between periods.

Your periods are too heavy if you:

• Have bleeding that lasts more than a week
• Have bleeding that soaks through one or more pads or tampons per hour
• Need to wear more than one pad
• Need to change pads or tampons while you sleep
• Pass blood clots the size of a quarter or larger

If you meet any of these criteria, it’s time to schedule a gynecological exam for treatment that stops your abnormal bleeding. If you’ve reached menopause or you’re sure you don’t want children in the future, you can permanently stop heavy bleeding with endometrial ablation.

What causes heavy periods?

Several gynecological conditions cause heavy menstrual bleeding, including:

Uterine fibroids

Noncancerous growths that develop in your uterine wall.

Uterine polyps

Small growths that develop in your uterine lining.

Endometriosis

A condition in which cells from your uterine lining grow outside your uterus on the surrounding organs.

Adenomyosis

A condition in which cells from your uterine lining grow into your uterine wall.

Many women develop heavy periods due to hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation, often because of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or a thyroid problem.

How does an endometrial ablation stop heavy periods?

During your monthly hormone cycles, your uterine lining builds up so that it’s prepared to nurture a fertilized egg. If a fertilized egg doesn’t reach the uterus, the lining breaks down and sheds, causing menstrual bleeding.

An endometrial ablation is the only long-lasting procedure, other than a hysterectomy, to treat heavy periods. The procedure is quick and done in-office under light sedation so you can get back to your normal activities the next day. 

As experts in endometrial ablation, the team has extensive experience using a variety of FDA-approved techniques, including heated fluids, cryotherapy (freezing), radiofrequency energy, and microwave energy to safely eliminate the endometrium. 

Once the lining is removed, most patients never have another period, while a smaller number have significantly lighter periods. With either result, your heavy periods are gone.

An endometrial ablation is extremely effective, but once the endometrium is removed, you’re not likely to get pregnant. As a result, the procedure is only for women who don’t want children. 

If you suffer from heavy periods, call The Ashford Center or book an appointment online today.