Heavy Periods & Bleeding
Heavy or prolonged periods are very common, but you do not have to live with them. Dr. Ria Katwala Solanki, gynaecologist and gynaecological oncosurgeon in Andheri East and Vile Parle West, Mumbai, first finds out why you are bleeding heavily, then plans treatment around your age, your symptoms and whether you want children in the future. Most women get better with medicines or a hormone coil; surgery is advised only when it is the right choice.
Signs Your Periods Are Too Heavy
Changing a pad every
few hours
Periods lasting
more than 7 days
Passing large clots
Feeling tired, dizzy or breathless
Treatment Options
Depends on the cause, your age and whether you want children in the future
Medicines and hormone coil :
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Tranexamic acid during periods, hormonal tablets, iron for anaemia, or a hormone coil (Mirena) that reduces bleeding for up to 5 years.
Hysteroscopy, myomectomy or adenomyomectomy :
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Treats the cause while keeping the uterus: polyps and small fibroids are removed by hysteroscopy with no cuts; larger fibroids or adenomyosis are removed by laparoscopic or robotic surgery.
Hysterectomy (laparoscopic / robotic) :
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A permanent solution when your family is complete and other treatments have not worked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my periods are too heavy?
If you need to change a pad every 1-2 hours, bleed for more than 7 days, pass large clots, or feel tired and breathless during your periods, it is worth seeing a gynaecologist.
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Q: What causes heavy periods?
Common causes are fibroids, adenomyosis, uterine polyps, hormonal imbalance (including PCOD/PCOS), thyroid problems and the Copper-T. Less often, heavy bleeding is due to thickening of the uterine lining or cancer, which is why it should be checked.
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Q: Can heavy bleeding be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most women improve with medicines or a hormone coil. Surgery is advised only when there is a clear cause, such as large fibroids or polyps, or when other treatment has not helped.
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Q: Is heavy bleeding after 40 something to worry about?
It is often due to hormone changes, fibroids or adenomyosis, but heavy or irregular bleeding after 40, and any bleeding after menopause, should be checked to rule out a more serious cause.
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Q: Will I need a hysterectomy?
Usually not. A hysterectomy is considered only when your family is complete and other options have not worked. When it is needed, it can be done by laparoscopic or robotic surgery.
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Q: Where can I consult Dr. Ria for heavy periods?
At Amardeep Nursing Home, Andheri East (Monday to Saturday, 10am-2pm and 5pm-8pm) and Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital, Vile Parle West (by appointment). Teleconsultation is also available.
