Gynaecology

Heavy or Irregular Periods

Heavy periods are common and most women will experience it at some point in their reproductive lives. However in some cases there may be no particular underlying cause and this is termed as dysfunctional bleeding.

It is difficult to know if your periods are heavy or normal as compared to other women.

Your periods could be heavy if:

• You pass large clots frequently
• You require frequent change of pads or tampons
• You feel giddiness or lethargy and your blood counts are low

Common or possible causes are:

• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Uterine polyps
• Hormonal problems
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Gynaecological Cancers

In order to come to the correct diagnosis we will take a detailed history and suggest tests that may be only necessary in your particular case.

This may be

• Blood counts or tumour markers
• An ultrasound evaluation
• Endometrial sampling (Beyond 35yrs)
• Hysteroscopy (a small telescope is passed into the neck of the womb to see the inner lining of the uterus. We also do polyp removals at the same time)

Once we have come to a conclusion then we will most often suggest medication to help you along. Surgery may be indicated in some cases and we usually offer keyhole surgery if need be.