If you’re a woman of childbearing age, you’re very familiar with your menstrual cycle. During a normal cycle that doesn’t result in pregnancy, your body sheds blood and tissue lining your uterus. Every woman experiences different amounts of blood flow on a monthly basis.
Some months have a heavier flow due to any number of factors, like hormonal changes and medical conditions. While irregular periods are not generally a reason to panic, really heavy blood flow can be a sign of other problems.
Women in the Lake Mary, Florida, area looking for relief from heavy bleeding or other related problems can get help from OB/GYN Christopher Quinsey, MD, and our experienced team.
Also known as menorrhagia, heavy bleeding affects more than half of women during their reproductive years, and if it’s the result of certain medical conditions, endometrial ablation is a way to manage the problem.
If you need to have this procedure, we can help you prepare for it by looking at what can lead to heavy bleeding during periods, how this form of ablation works, and what to expect.
If you have heavy bleeding every once in a while, it may not be a reason for concern, but even then it may also come with severe cramps and could lead to iron deficiency (anemia). It can also be due to many underlying issues, including:
Fibroids or polyps that develop in your uterus can lead to a range of symptoms, such as pain, cramping, and heavier flow.
Although technically not menstrual bleeding, pregnancy complications can cause bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy, for example, is a life-threatening condition when an embryo attaches outside of the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube. The resulting bleeding might appear to be menstrual-related.
Conditions that affect the thyroid can lead to hormonal imbalances that, in turn, can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding.
Liver or kidney disease, bleeding diseases (like von Willebrand disease), cancers, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all affect period flow.
Drugs like anticoagulants can increase your monthly bleeding.
Ablation reduces bleeding during menstruation by eliminating the section of uterine lining that’s causing the bleeding.
The procedure uses heat, cold, or other types of energy to destroy the uterine lining, also known as the endometrium. Common methods of ablation include using microwave, radiowave, electricity, hydrothermal, cryoablation, and even heated balloon therapy.
If you don’t respond to hormonal treatments or other medications to control bleeding, ablation is a common and safe option.
If your bleeding is not due to thyroid disease or some form of cancer, and you’re not going through menopause, this is a good solution to consider.
This process doesn’t always require general anesthesia, but you will need to stop eating or drinking at least eight hours prior. Dr. Quinsey starts by inserting a slender device into your uterus, and the energy it emits removes the uterine lining area.
Depending on the energy method, the procedure can last 2-12 minutes. Recovery time also differs depending on what kind of ablation Dr. Quinsey uses.
You’ll need a sanitary napkin after treatment and someone to take you home afterward. We can help you with any medications you need to manage possible side effects, such as cramping, increased urination, or nausea.
Heavy bleeding isn’t always serious, but if it has become excessive and is causing other problems, make an appointment with Dr. Quinsey and his staff today.
