Are your periods so heavy that they’re disrupting your life? You’re not alone. At Endocare Joburg, we understand how challenging heavy periods can be, and we’re here to help.
What do we mean by “Heavy Periods”?
You might have heavy periods if:
- Your period is heavy and you’re changing pads or tampons every hour or two
- Your period lasts more than a week
- You’re passing blood clots bigger than a 10c coin
- Your period is so heavy it stops you from doing normal daily activities
If this sounds like you, it’s a good idea to chat with us. Heavy periods can make you feel tired and run down, and sometimes they can point to other health issues that need attention.
What causes Heavy Periods?
Several things can lead to heavy periods:
- Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths in the womb that can make your periods heavier.
- Endometriosis: This is when tissue similar to the lining of your womb grows in other places, often causing heavy and painful periods.
- Hormone Imbalances: Sometimes, the balance of hormones in your body can affect your periods.
- Adenomyosis: This is when the lining of your womb grows into the muscle wall of the womb.
- Polyps: These are small, harmless growths in the lining of your womb that can cause extra bleeding.
- Other Health Conditions: Things like thyroid problems or blood clotting issues can sometimes lead to heavy periods.
- Medications: Some blood-thinning or hormone medications might make your periods heavier.
How do we figure out what’s causing your heavy periods?
When you come to see Dr. Bvuma at Endocare Joburg, he’ll take the time to understand your situation. This might involve:
- Asking about your health history and symptoms
- Doing a gentle physical exam
- Using ultrasound to get a clear picture of your womb
- Sometimes, taking a small sample of the lining of your womb to check for any issues
- Doing some blood tests to check your iron levels and hormone balance
How can we help with Heavy Periods?
We have several ways to help, depending on what’s causing your heavy periods:
- Medications:
- Birth control pills or other hormonal treatments
- Non-hormonal medications that can help reduce bleeding
- Iron supplements if your heavy periods have made you anaemic
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Dr. Bvuma is an expert in keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) for conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. These procedures use small incisions, which means less pain and quicker recovery for you.
- Endometrial Ablation: This is a procedure that removes the lining of your womb to reduce heavy bleeding.
- Uterine Artery Embolization: This is a way to shrink fibroids by blocking their blood supply.
- Hysterectomy: In some cases, if other treatments haven’t worked, removing the womb might be considered. But don’t worry – this is usually a last resort, and Dr. Bvuma will discuss all your options with you.
Dr. Bvuma is highly skilled in using advanced keyhole surgery techniques. This means we can often treat the cause of your heavy periods with minimal disruption to your life.
When should you come see us?
If your periods are so heavy that they’re getting in the way of your normal life, it’s time to get help. Don’t suffer in silence! Get in touch with Endocare Joburg to book an appointment with Dr. Bvuma. We’re here to listen, understand, and help you find the best way to manage your heavy periods.
Remember, every woman is different, and what works for one might not work for another. At Endocare Joburg, we’ll work with you to find the best solution for your individual needs.