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 Controlling Heavy Periods
Outpatient procedure uses heat to stop excessive bleedingMore than 20 percent of women have their lives disrupted each month by heavy menstrual periods. This excessive bleeding, known as menorrhagia, can be caused by fibroid tumors, polyps or other benign growths in the uterine lining, or the failure to ovulate regularly, causing a hormonal imbalance prior to menopause. It can result in anemia, a deficiency of iron in the blood with symptoms including fatigue and weakness. Menorrhagia is usually treated by hormone supplements such as low-dose birth control pills, removal of the fibroids or polyps, hysterectomy, or endometrial resection or ablation. Another, less invasive means of stopping or reducing the bleeding used at Allegheny General Hospital is called uterine balloon therapy. The primary source of menstrual bleeding is the endometrial lining of the uterus. When a hormonal imbalance or other medical reason causes an overproduction of this lining, the woman will experience bleeding that lasts for more than seven days or quickly soaks through pads or tampons. Uterine balloon therapy uses heat to destroy the endometrial lining. During the procedure, which is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, a balloon attached to a thin tube is inserted into the vagina and placed into the uterus. The balloon is then inflated with a sterile fluid so it expands to fit the size and shape of the uterus. The fluid in the balloon is heated to 188 degrees for eight minutes. The fluid is then withdrawn from the balloon and the tube is removed. The uterine lining will slough off like a period for two weeks. Subsequent periods are usually lighter than before the procedure, although some women experience heavy flows for a few more months, and some have no periods at all. This procedure is for women who have fairly regular, but very heavy, periods, or those who are perimenopausal with irregular and heavy periods who are not quite ready for hormone replacement therapy, or women or hormones who continue to experience bleeding or spotting," said M. Denice Leonard, D.O. "They must also be done with childbearing." The most common side effects are mild to moderate pain from uterine cramping, which usually responds to ibuprofen, and a discharge or bleeding for a few days. Most women can return to normal activities the following day, Dr. Leonard said. Last Updated: September 27, 2009 |