Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Treatment in Charlottesville, VA

State-of-the-art treatment from a team that cares.

Do You Experience Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

At The Center for Advanced Gynecology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating the root causes of heavy bleeding to help you find relief and restore balance to your menstrual flow.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also described as abnormal uterine bleeding, is a common condition that affects many women during their menstrual cycle. If you're experiencing heavy periods that last longer than usual or cause significant discomfort, there could be several underlying causes, ranging from hormonal imbalances to more serious conditions like uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, adenomyosis or endometriosis.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be caused by a variety of factors, and understanding the cause is key to choosing the most effective treatment. Some common causes include:

Hormone Imbalance: A disruption in the balance between estrogen and progesterone can lead to heavier-than-normal menstrual periods.
Uterine Fibroids: These non-cancerous growths of the uterus can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding by increasing blood flow to the uterus and increasing surface area for more uterine lining to grow and shed.
Bleeding Disorders: Certain conditions, such as von Willebrand disease or issues related to blood thinners, can prevent blood from clotting properly, leading to prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS can cause irregular periods and heavy bleeding.
Birth Control: In some cases, birth control pills or other forms of hormonal contraception may contribute to irregular or heavy bleeding.
Medical History: Other medical conditions can also contribute to heavy menstrual flow.
Uterine/Endometrial Cancer: Heavy and irregular periods can be a sign of endometrial cancer. Risk factors are obesity and diabetes.

At The Center for Advanced Gynecology, we begin with a thorough evaluation, including a review of your medical history, physical and pelvic exam, a pelvic ultrasound, and any necessary blood tests to determine the cause of your heavy menstrual symptoms.

Treatment Options for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Once the cause is identified, our team can recommend a personalized treatment plan. There are many options available, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of the bleeding.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Oral Contraceptives: birth control pills can be used to control bleeding and regulate cycles in addition to preventing pregnancy.
Oral Progesterone: The natural hormone progesterone can control bleeding and is a good option for patients who cannot take anything with estrogen. Synthetic progesterones are called progestins that are converted to progesterone in the body.
Non-Oral Progesterone: Injections, implants, and Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are different methods for controlling bleeding and may have less side effects than oral medications.
Tranexamic Acid: Tranexamic acid is a non-hormonal medication that helps reduce menstrual blood loss.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve menstrual cramps and reduce blood loss.
Iron Supplements: If heavy bleeding has caused anemia, iron supplements may be prescribed to replenish iron levels. This can be accomplished through oral medication or intravenous infusions.
Other medicines: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists (GnRH medicines) can also help control heavy uterine bleeding. Relugolix combined with an estrogen and progestin (Myfembree) may help control bleeding caused by fibroids. Elagolix with an estrogen and progestin (Oriahnn) is used to treat fibroid-related bleeding. Elagolix alone (Orilissa) may help control bleeding caused by endometriosis.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Hysteroscopy: Used to remove uterine fibroids or polyps, this procedure can help resolve heavy menstrual bleeding caused by structural abnormalities in the uterus.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C): A D&C removes part of the uterine lining, providing temporary relief from heavy periods.
Endometrial Ablation: This procedure removes the uterine lining to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding. It’s a good option for women who are done with childbearing.
Uterine artery embolization: This procedure reduces blood flow to uterine fibroids and helps to shrink them. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist passes a catheter through the large artery in the thigh (the femoral artery), guides the catheter to the blood vessels in the uterus, and injects tiny beads or sponges to reduce blood flow to the fibroid.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Fibroids: If fibroids are the cause of the bleeding, radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to shrink fibroids. We prefer an incisionless approach through the vagina where radiofrequency energy is used to heat and break down the fibroid tissue. Over time, the fibroids shrink, and the body gradually absorbs the remaining tissue.

Surgical Treatments

Myomectomy: For women with uterine fibroids, a myomectomy can remove fibroids while preserving the uterus, reducing heavy bleeding. We specialized in a minimally invasive approach to this surgery through laparoscopy with small incisions.
Hysterectomy: In severe cases, or when other treatments fail, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended as a permanent solution to heavy bleeding. This also can be accomplished as a laparoscopic surgery with 1 cm incisions and no hospital stay.

What To Expect During Your Appointment

Your initial visit will begin with a conversation about your symptoms and medical history. We will ask about the frequency and duration of your periods, the severity of your bleeding, and whether you have noticed any associated symptoms like menstrual cramps, fatigue, or the passing of blood clots. This discussion helps us to understand your unique situation and tailor the examination and tests to your needs.

A physical and pelvic exam will typically follow to check for any abnormalities that may be contributing to your heavy bleeding. If needed, we may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as blood tests to assess for anemia, thyroid issues, or bleeding disorders. Often, we recommend an ultrasound to examine your uterus for uterine fibroids, polyps, or other structural concerns. In some cases, further testing, like a hysteroscopy, may be advised to get a more detailed view of the uterine cavity.

Based on the findings of your exam and tests, your doctor will discuss the various treatment options available to you. Throughout the process, we make sure to address any concerns or questions you may have, so you feel supported every step of the way.

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When to Seek Treatment for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to seek professional treatment:

Your periods last longer than seven days
You need to change your pad or tampon every hour for several hours in a row
You pass large blood clots during your period
You experience debilitating menstrual cramps along with heavy bleeding
You feel fatigued or lightheaded during your period, possibly indicating anemia

Our team at The Center for Advanced Gynecology is here to help diagnose and treat the underlying causes of heavy menstrual bleeding so you can get back to feeling your best.

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.

We provide specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.

Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Heavy menstrual bleeding is typically defined as having to change your pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours or passing large blood clots during your period.

If your periods last longer than seven days, you pass large blood clots, or experience severe fatigue or menstrual cramps, it’s time to seek medical advice.

Yes, birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce heavy bleeding by balancing hormone levels.

Uterine fibroids can cause heavy menstrual flow because they increase the size of the uterus, the amount of blood flow to the uterus, and the amount of tissue shed during your period.

Yes, non-surgical treatments like hormonal therapy, NSAIDs, and others can reduce menstrual bleeding. Iron supplements may also be recommended if anemia is a concern.