Candid Consult: Managing Your Heavy Period

If your heavy periods are holding you back, you don’t have to suffer in silence. We sat down with Axia Women’s Health provider Dr. Jennifer Fuson, from Lexington Women’s Health, to learn more about what constitutes heavy bleeding and how this concern can be addressed for many women with a brief in-office procedure called endometrial ablation.

What is heavy bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a widespread problem. About one out of five women seek treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding, but many suffer without getting help. You might have heavy bleeding if:

You change saturated pads or tampons frequently
Your period often soaks through your clothing or bed sheets
You bleed for longer than a week during your period
You have symptoms associated with anemia such as tiredness or shortness of breath
You avoid or miss activities, work, or social events due to your menstrual bleeding

What can be done to help alleviate this issue?

There are some pharmacologic options that can help women who are experiencing heavy bleeding including hormonal birth control and other long-term contraceptives like IUDs. Another option that our patients have found much success with is a minor surgical procedure called endometrial ablation.

What is an endometrial ablation?

An endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding (periods) that can usually be performed in the comfort of our care center. The procedure works by ablating (destroying) the tissue in the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium. Because the endometrium is the tissue that causes bleeding, destroying this tissue is likely to reduce menstrual bleeding. The procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes. There are no incisions, and most women are back to normal activities the next day. By offering in our care center, this also allows enables patients to save money as there aren’t additional hospital or surgery center fees.

What happens to women’s periods after an endometrial ablation?

Periods are usually reduced or eliminated. Most doctors will recommend the procedure if you have unusually heavy or prolonged periods. After the procedure, bleeding will become lighter in most patients, but many patients completely stop having periods altogether. Success rates have been noted as high as 95%.

Are you a candidate for ablation?

When you come into the office, your provider will discuss with you whether you are a candidate for endometrial ablation. You are NOT a candidate for this procedure if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant in the future. Pregnancies following ablation can be dangerous for both mother and fetus. If you have heavy periods and do not fall into these two categories, it is a good idea to speak to your provider about endometrial ablation.

You are not alone if you are having these issues. Contact your Axia Women’s Health provider. We are here to help you find relief!

Author: Jennifer Fuson, MD, FACOG, a physician with Lexington Women’s Health

Founded by Dr. Jennifer Fuson in 2007, Lexington Women’s Health has happily served the women of the Bluegrass ever since. We treat our patients as if they were our sisters, friends, or neighbors, and have many years of experience in pregnancy, midwifery, and pregnancy education, and look forward to partnering with you on the birth of your baby.

Our gynecology care spans from adolescence to post menopause and we focus on listening and meeting the unique needs of women. In addition, we have many skilled surgeons who have performed thousands of successful surgeries using DaVinci robotic surgery and other advanced, minimally invasive techniques that can be performed in the comfort of our care centers. Our goal is to get you back to your daily routine and the things you enjoy more quickly.