Dr. Sidiq Aldabbagh, MD - OBGYN

Heavy periods are a very common problem having a debilitating effect on the quality of life.Dr. Sidiq Aldabbagh, MD is an expert in the treatment of all causes of heavy periods.

 

How do you differentiate between normal and heavy periods?

 

Definition of normal can be different for different people. However, you can call your periods heavy if you are passing lots of clots or having to constantly use double protection, changing protection more frequently than every four hours or if your periods are making you anemic. You may also be feeling tired and dizzy at sometimes.

 

How common are heavy periods?

 

Heavy periods are very common and nearly 50% of women suffer from heavy periods at some stage of their life.

 

What are the common causes?

• Uterine fibroids
• Polyps
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovaries
• Perimenopausal changes
• Endometrial hyperplasia and cancer
• Medications.

 

What tests are required?

 

• Blood tests to check your hemoglobin, Thyroid functioning few more.
• Pelvic ultrasound scan: to check for polyps and fibroids
• Endometrial biopsy: to rule out any pathology such as cancer cells
• Hysteroscopy: to look inside the uterine cavity with a small camera to rule out pathologies.

 

What are the treatment options?

 

• Contraceptive Pill: may help with heavy periods and irregular bleeds

• Mefenamic Acid

• Mireya IUD

• Endometrial ablation:

• Surgical options

 

If fibroids are present, they can often be removed through hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. Sometimes, an open operation may be required if the fibroids are very large and several in numbers.

 

Hysterectomy: This is not very common however can be the last option to cure the fibroid if required is performed as a key-hole procedure called total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Dr. Sidiq Aldabbagh, MD carries out over 90% of his hysterectomies by a vaginal approach which is the least invasive surgical approach with excellent recovery.