It’s time to be informed about women’s health
For some women, getting their menstrual period is a time for limited activities due to heavy menstrual bleeding. Studies show that heavy periods can affect a women both physically and emotionally. Most women with this condition suffer from painful cramps, fatigue and moodiness which can sometimes isolate them from their family and friends.
According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, one in five women suffer from heavy periods caused by abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). This means 10 million American women each year are affected. Symptoms include heavy bleeding that last longer than seven days, anemia and/or clot formation. Abnormal uterine bleeding usually occurs in women ages 35 to 50 and may be due to hormonal imbalance, fibroids or polyps.
Treatment options:
- Hormone Therapy - birth control pills are the most commonly prescribed medication. Birth control pills contain hormones that can stop the lining of your uterus from getting too thick while helping to keep your menstrual cycle regular and reduce cramping.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C) - a surgical procedure that involves scraping the inside of the uterus. This treatment is usually temporary.
- Hysterectomy - is the surgical removal of the uterus. This is a major surgery and is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia with a recovery time of up to six weeks.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures - destroys the tissue lining of the uterus (endometrium) to reduce or eliminate periods. These procedures include:
- Novasure - an endometrial ablation procedure that removes the lining of the uterus with an electrosurgical tool or laser. This outpatient procedure may be an effective alternative to hysterectomy. It is performed under IV sedation or a “twilight sleep” and takes about five minutes requiring no incisions.
- Her Option - a safe and effective treatment that uses sub-zero temperatures to destroy the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium). This procedure is usually performed in the doctor’s office and should take about 20-30 minutes.
With today’s options, no woman should have to suffer from heavy periods. If you are one of the 10 million American women suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding, talk to your doctor right away to discuss what option is right for you.
For more information on the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, contact Wooster OB/GYN at 330-345-2229.
According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, one in five women suffer from heavy periods caused by abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). This means 10 million American women each year are affected. Symptoms include heavy bleeding that last longer than seven days, anemia and/or clot formation. Abnormal uterine bleeding usually occurs in women ages 35 to 50 and may be due to hormonal imbalance, fibroids or polyps.
Treatment options:
- Hormone Therapy - birth control pills are the most commonly prescribed medication. Birth control pills contain hormones that can stop the lining of your uterus from getting too thick while helping to keep your menstrual cycle regular and reduce cramping.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C) - a surgical procedure that involves scraping the inside of the uterus. This treatment is usually temporary.
- Hysterectomy - is the surgical removal of the uterus. This is a major surgery and is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia with a recovery time of up to six weeks.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures - destroys the tissue lining of the uterus (endometrium) to reduce or eliminate periods. These procedures include:
- Novasure - an endometrial ablation procedure that removes the lining of the uterus with an electrosurgical tool or laser. This outpatient procedure may be an effective alternative to hysterectomy. It is performed under IV sedation or a “twilight sleep” and takes about five minutes requiring no incisions.
- Her Option - a safe and effective treatment that uses sub-zero temperatures to destroy the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium). This procedure is usually performed in the doctor’s office and should take about 20-30 minutes.
With today’s options, no woman should have to suffer from heavy periods. If you are one of the 10 million American women suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding, talk to your doctor right away to discuss what option is right for you.
For more information on the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, contact Wooster OB/GYN at 330-345-2229.
Published: September 14, 2011
