Heavy Periods

Back To All Conditions

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.

FAQs

A heavy period, also known as menorrhagia, is characterised by excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. You might be experiencing heavy periods if you need to change your sanitary products every hour or two, pass large blood clots, or if your period lasts longer than 7 days. Heavy bleeding can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life. If you’re concerned about the heaviness of your periods, we encourage you to book an appointment with us for a thorough evaluation.

Heavy periods can be caused by various factors. Some common causes include:
Uterine fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can lead to heavy bleeding.
Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
Hormonal imbalances: Particularly those affecting oestrogen and progesterone levels.
Certain medical conditions: Such as thyroid disorders or blood clotting disorders.
Medications: Some anticoagulants or hormonal medications can affect menstrual flow. At EndoCare Joburg, we specialise in diagnosing and treating conditions like fibroids and endometriosis that can cause heavy periods. Dr. Bvuma has extensive experience in advanced laparoscopic procedures to address these issues.

The treatment for heavy periods depends on the underlying cause and your individual circumstances. Some options include:
Medications: Hormonal treatments like birth control pills or non-hormonal options like tranexamic acid.
Minimally invasive procedures: We offer advanced laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeries, which can treat conditions like fibroids or endometriosis that may be causing heavy bleeding.
Endometrial ablation: A procedure that removes the uterine lining to reduce menstrual flow.
Uterine artery embolization: A procedure to shrink fibroids by blocking their blood supply.
Hysterectomy: In severe cases, removal of the uterus may be considered. Dr. Bvuma is highly skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques and will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.