How Menopause Can Affect Bone Health
Each year in the United States, about 1.3 million women begin the transition through menopause. Among the many changes that come with menopause, bone loss and osteoporosis are some of the more concerning.
5 Signs That Your Heavy Periods Need Expert Evaluation
You look at the calendar, and dread hits when you realize you’re about to get your period. Unlike many of your friends who sail through their menstrual cycles with relative ease, your periods come roaring in and disrupt your life thanks to heavy bleeding.
It might provide you with some comfort to know that this is a fairly common problem — heavy menstrual bleeding affects about one in 10 women, if not more.
The team of women’s health experts at Kinwest OBGYN, under the direction of Dr. Jose De Leon, is using this month’s blog to take a closer look at heavy bleeding and when you should come in to have us evaluate the issue.
The fact is that heavy bleeding can signal a larger problem, so it’s important that you don’t ignore the issue, especially if you’re dealing with any of the following:
1. Prolonged bleeding
One characteristic of heavy bleeding, which is medically known as menorrhagia, are periods that last longer than seven days. Most periods should last around three to five days, seven days at the most. If your periods extend beyond a week, don’t consider it normal bleeding.
2. Soaking through your protection
Most periods are heaviest during the first day or two, but if you need to change tampons or pads every hour or two for several hours in a row at any point during your period, this is potentially problematic and constitutes heavy bleeding.
3. Needing to double up on protection
If you find that the only way to manage your periods is by doubling up on your protection — using a pad and a tampon or two pads at the same time — this isn’t what we consider a normal amount of menstrual bleeding.
4. Bleeding through your protection at night
Your periods should be lighter at night, but if you find that you need to get up to change your tampon or pad, this is a sign that you should schedule an evaluation.
5. Large blood clots
Menstrual bleeding often contains blood clots, but if they’re larger than the size of a quarter, we want you to come in and see us.
Why we’re concerned about heavy bleeding
There are several reasons why we want you to set up an evaluation for heavy bleeding. First, we want to get to the bottom of the problem so that we can improve your quality of life.
Second, heavy bleeding can signal a larger reproductive issue, such as:
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Ovulation disorders
- Certain reproductive cancers
Lastly, heavy bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which can leave you with shortness of breath and place you at more risk for cardiovascular issues.
It’s a good idea to get to the bottom of your heavy bleeding, and we’re here to help. To get started, we invite you to contact one of our offices, which are conveniently located in Dallas and Irving, Texas, to schedule an appointment.
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