Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

 
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Normal Periods
A woman normally loses between 30 to 40ml of blood with her period (six to eight teaspoonfuls) each month but there is much variability. Bleeding can last up to eight days, but bleeding for five days is average.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
There are medical definitions of heavy menstrual bleeding, but the only practical definition is when there is excessive menstrual blood loss that interferes with the physical, emotional, social and material quality of life. Monthly periods are an individual experience and women who have always had heavy periods will consider this normal. However if you believe that your periods are either unusually heavy, prolonged or both, there are many different treatment options available to you.

Treatments are dependent on the following:

  • Cause of bleeding

  • Desire for birth control

  • Whether you wish to have children in the future

  • Other medical concerns you may have

Treatments can be either medical or surgical. Medical treatments can be divided into either hormonal or non-hormonal treatment. Where medical management has not worked, there are several options to control bleeding:

  • Hysteroscopy

  • Laparoscopy

  • Endometrial Ablation

  • Hysterectomy

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