Heavy / Irregular Menstrual Cycles

About 1 in 5 (10 million) women in the United States struggle with heavy periods. If this statistic includes you, see OB/GYN specialists Elizabeth Ramirez, MD, FACOG, and Huiying Hou, MD, at Jersey Women’s Care Center in Jersey City and Fair Lawn, New Jersey. They offer treatments for heavy/irregular menstrual cycles to manage bothersome and debilitating symptoms. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today.

What are heavy/irregular menstrual cycles?

Heavy periods are a type of irregular menstruation, which describes periods that vary from what is typical. While not always a cause for concern, irregular menstrual cycles may indicate a gynecological concern requiring medical attention. Heavy bleeding may become debilitating or cause complications like anemia (low iron levels). 

What are the different types of heavy/irregular menstrual cycles?

Examples of the different types of irregular bleeding include:

• Menstruation that is lighter or heavier than usual
• Missing three or more consecutive periods 
• Menstruation occurring more than 35 days or fewer than 21 days apart
• Cycles that change from month to month
• Periods lasting longer than seven days
• Painful periods
• Periods that soak through one or more tampons (or pads) in an hour
• Bleeding between periods, after menopause, or during or after sex

While normal cycles vary, most women experience periods lasting 4-7 days that occur about every 28-29 days.

What may contribute to heavy/irregular menstrual cycles?

Factors that could cause heavy or irregular periods include:

• Perimenopause
• Other hormonal changes
• Stress
• Some medical conditions
• Certain medications or birth control
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Thyroid disorders
• Primary ovarian insufficiency
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Bleeding disorders
• Weight changes
• Excessive exercise
• Illnesses
• Viruses
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Cervicitis/vaginitis 
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Some surgeries can also contribute to irregular menstrual cycles.

How are heavy/irregular menstrual cycles diagnosed?

Diagnosing heavy/irregular menstrual cycles requires a discussion of your medical history and symptoms, followed by physical and pelvic exams, and, when needed, diagnostic testing. You might undergo blood work, urine tests, a Pap smear, STD testing, a pelvic ultrasound, a hysteroscopy, biopsies, or additional diagnostic testing.

How are heavy/irregular menstrual cycles treated?

Not all causes of heavy/irregular menstrual cycles require treatment. In some cases, however, the Jersey Women’s Care Center team may recommend you try one or more of the following:

• Hormonal birth control
• Hormone therapy
• Medications
• Myomectomy (fibroid removal)
• Endometrial ablation (destroys uterine tissue lining)
• Uterine artery embolization (fibroid treatment)
• Hysterectomy (uterus removal)
• Other gynecological procedures
• Healthy lifestyle changes

Things to try at home include eating nutritious foods, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, getting enough sleep, and minimizing stress. It’s also important to see your OB/GYN provider regularly for medical monitoring and routine women’s health care.

Schedule a heavy/irregular menstrual cycle evaluation by calling the Jersey Women’s Care Center office or requesting an appointment online today.