How will my heavy period problems be investigated?
It is usual for your doctor to record the details of your problems and you will probably be examined. The story together with the examination findings may indicate the cause of the problem. A blood count is required to exclude anaemia resulting from the excessive blood loss. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs may be considered. Introducing fluid into the uterus may enhance the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound. Sometimes a biopsy from the lining of the womb (endometrial biopsy) is taken in the clinic. Frequently, particularly in women aged 40 or more, a D and C and hysteroscopy is performed (hysteroscopy D and C; Q 24.12) when there is no response to medication.
In younger women, particularly if there is a tendency to bruise or bleed easily, tests to check that the blood clotting mechanism is normal may be indicated.
There is no indication for testing the thyroid routinely as part of the investigation of heavy periods. Thyroid function tests should be considered if there is any other suggestion of possible clinical thyroid disorder. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is more likely to be associated with heavy periods than hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Picture charts of menstrual loss have been helpful but the newer absorbent sanitary wear has decreased their value.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- Sonohysterography versus transvaginal sonography for screening of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. (2006-01)
- Use of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing the etiology of menometrorrhagia (1994)
- The efficacy of the Pipelle endometrial biopsy in detecting endometrial carcinoma (1993)
Please click on the required question.
- 1 Are heavy periods a common problem?
- 2 What is in my menstrual flow?
- 3 What range of menstrual cycle length is considered to be normal?
- 4 How can menstrual blood loss be measured?
- 5 How can I tell if my periods are abnormally heavy?
- 6 What could be the cause of my very heavy menstrual periods?
- 7 I have been sterilised. Could this be the cause of my heavy periods?
- 8 Should I have tests to find the reason for my heavy periods?
- 9 How will my heavy period problems be investigated?
- 10 What is meant by anaemia due to heavy periods?
- 11 What is intermenstrual bleeding?
- 12 What is a hysteroscopy and D and C?
- 13 What is cervical cautery?
- 14 What happens after the D and C?
- 15 What treatments are available for my heavy periods?
- 16 What are the medical treatments available for heavy periods?
- 17 How do the various medical treatments for heavy periods work?
- 18 What would be reasonable initial treatment for a teenager or young woman with heavy periods?
- 19 What is a hysterectomy?
- 20 What are the indications for hysterectomy?
- 21 What are the risks (complications) of hysterectomy?
- 22 What is vault granulation?
- 23 What are the different types of hysterectomy?
- 24 Is it essential to remove the neck of the womb at hysterectomy?
- 25 Should my ovaries be removed or conserved during hysterectomy?
- 26 How long will I be in hospital when I have my hysterectomy?
- 27 I have had a hysterectomy. Do I still need to have smear tests?
- 28 What are the other surgical alternatives to hysterectomy?
- 29 How do endometrial ablation and hysterectomy compare?
- 30 Are there any psychological effects following hysterectomy?
- 31 How do we decide the best treatment for my period problems?
- 32 Could I have some recommended hysterectomy support groups?
- 33 Are there any support groups?
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
