Heavy or Irregular Periods

Plano Women’s Healthcare — Heavy or Irregular Periods

Heavy or irregular periods can be more than just a nuisance — they can interfere with your lifestyle and even signal underlying health conditions. Over time, they may lead to anemia, leaving you feeling weak and tired.

We know how frustrating dealing with heavy or irregular periods can be. Our providers are here to listen and assist you in managing and resolving issues with your period quickly so you can get back to living life on your terms. To make it easy to get a fast evaluation, our office has on-site lab draws and in-office ultrasound. Plus, for urgent bleeding issues, Plano Women’s Healthcare can generally accommodate same or next-day appointments.

What is considered abnormal bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding includes the following:

Menstrual cycles longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days
Heavy bleeding during your period
Bleeding after intercourse
Bleeding or spotting in between periods
Bleeding after menopause

Not sure if you have irregular periods? Ask us! We are here to be a helpful resource and ensure you receive the proper care and treatment you need.

What causes abnormal periods?

There can be many causes of abnormal bleeding, so it is essential to be appropriately evaluated and treated by an OB/GYN.

Some possible causes of abnormal or irregular periods include:

Ovulation and hormonal problems
Thyroid disease
Infections
Fibroids or Polyps
Adenomyosis (a condition where the endometrium or inner lining grows into the wall or muscle portion of the uterus)
Endometriosis
Bleeding disorders
Medication side effects
Birth control side effects
Miscarriage or Ectopic pregnancy
Cancer (e.g., uterine, cervical)

Since managing problems with menses is a very individualized process, our OB/GYN providers at Plano Women’s Healthcare will carefully listen and take the appropriate steps to diagnose and treat your irregular menses. Our OB/GYN providers will work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses your issues and aligns with your personal goals.

What are Uterine Polyps?

Endometrial polyps, also called uterine polyps, are soft, finger-like projections that arise from an overgrowth of the endometrium, or inner layer of the uterus. For many women, uterine polyps cause no signs or symptoms. However, some women do notice that they have heavier periods, bleed between periods, bleed after sex, bleed after menopause, or suffer infertility or miscarriage.

What is the treatment for irregular periods?

The treatment for irregular menses is personalized and depends on the underlying cause of the problem as well as the goals of the patient. For example, a 22-year-old who desires birth control, a 30-year-old trying to get pregnant, and a 50-year-old wishing to avoid medication will have different treatment plans.

Treatment for irregular menstrual bleeding can include both medication and surgical options. Medications can include hormonal and non-hormonal options (e.g., birth control, an IUD, or Lysteda or tranexamic acid). Surgical options include endometrial ablation, myomectomy, polypectomy, or hysterectomy.

When choosing which option(s) may be best for you, our providers consider the following:

The cause of the irregular bleeding
Your health history and current medications
Your age and fertility plans
How distressing your irregular bleeding is to your lifestyle
If side effects such as fatigue or anemia are resulting from the heavy or irregular bleeding

After uncovering the underlying causes of your irregular bleeding and assessing the impact on your lifestyle, you and your provider will work together to find the perfect plan of treatment for your specific situation.