My Periods Were a Nightmare

“My periods were a nightmare.” That’s a quote from Mia, a 24-year-old woman who faced the challenges of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, can significantly impact a woman’s physical and emotional well-being. Here we will read about the experiences of Mia and explore potential causes and treatment options for this condition. By sharing Mia’s journey, we aim to raise awareness and provide support to those facing similar struggles.

Mia’s Heavy Bleeding Story

Mia had always been an active and vibrant young woman, but her monthly periods turned into a nightmare when she reached adolescence. Every month, she endured excruciating pain, heavy bleeding, and overwhelming fatigue. Her social life, work, and overall quality of life were greatly affected, which led her to seek medical assistance.

Meeting Dr. Lisa McLeod

Mia met with Dr. Lisa McLeod of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. Dr. McLeod discovered that she had uterine fibroids, which were the underlying cause of her heavy menstrual bleeding. Empowered with this knowledge, Mia discussed the various treatment options with Dr. McLeod.

She opted for uterine artery embolization (UAE), a procedure that successfully reduced her bleeding, alleviated her symptoms, and allowed her to reclaim control over her life.

Common Causes of Heavy Bleeding

Hormonal Imbalance: Fluctuations in hormonal levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and lead to heavy bleeding.

Uterine Fibroids: These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS, a hormonal disorder, can disrupt ovulation and lead to heavy and irregular periods.

Adenomyosis: In this condition, the lining of the uterus grows into the muscular wall, resulting in heavy and painful periods.

Endometrial Polyps: Small, benign growths in the lining of the uterus can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.

Treatment Options

As there are many causes, there are also various treatment options available:

Hormonal Birth Control: Oral contraceptive pills, hormonal patches, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) can help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce heavy bleeding.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can alleviate menstrual cramps and reduce bleeding.

Tranexamic Acid: This medication helps reduce blood loss by promoting blood clotting and is often prescribed to manage heavy menstrual bleeding.

Endometrial Ablation: A procedure that removes the lining of the uterus, reducing or eliminating heavy bleeding. It is typically considered for women who no longer wish to have children.

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): In this minimally invasive procedure, small particles are injected into the arteries supplying the uterus, cutting off blood flow to the fibroids and reducing bleeding.

Hysterectomy: A surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus, typically considered a last resort when other treatments fail to provide relief.

Getting Support

Throughout her journey, Mia found solace in support groups, both online and in-person, where she connected with other women facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences, tips, and emotional support played a pivotal role in her healing process.

Contact Us Today

Do you need help with heavy bleeding and cramping? Our expert OB/GYNs can help. Call us at 770.720.7733 or request an appointment online.