Hi,
These are great questions:
- What is considered an "abnormally heavy period"?
- When is Her Option indicated (the recommended treatment option)?
Definition of "abnormal heavy period" (medical term: "menorrhagia")
- "Normal menstrual flow:
* Occurs every 21 to 35 days
* Lasts four to five days
* Produces a total blood loss of about 2 to 3 tablespoons"
- "Heavy menstrual flow:
* Produces a total blood loss of about 5 1/2 tablespoons or more
* Interferes with your life (see below "quiz")
* Causes tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath (symptoms of anemia)"
When is Her Option the preferred treatment choice?
From the Her Option site (be mindful, they are selling their product, but I thought the information was relevant), questions to consider (online "quiz"):
1. Does your period last longer than seven days?
2. Do you use more than three pads or tampons per day?
3. Do you need to double up on feminine protection?
4. Do you become fatigued due to your heavy bleeding?
5. Do your heavy periods affect your social life, fitness or sexual intimacy?
6. Do you miss work because of your periods?
7. Does your menstrual flow include large clots?
8. Do you avoid leaving home for fear of accidents?
9. Do you avoid wearing light colored clothing during your period?
10. Does medication (birth control pills) fail to ease your symptoms?
Anon, after reading the above information and comparing it with your question... it sounds like your "heavy" period is not adversely effecting your lifestyle, is this correct? Some women have heavy periods; others have lighter periods. Just as some women's periods last 3 days...others' last 5 or 7 days. Your heavy days sound as thought they constitute a "heavy" period, and I'm wondering: do you have any other symptoms, such as fatigue, tiredness or shortness of breath? Did you visit the doctor for some help with your period, or was it just a normal exam and this topic came up during your medical history? Have they ruled out any underlying medical causes?
Comment Reply
Hi,
These are great questions:
- What is considered an "abnormally heavy period"?
- When is Her Option indicated (the recommended treatment option)?
Definition of "abnormal heavy period" (medical term: "menorrhagia")
- "Normal menstrual flow:
* Occurs every 21 to 35 days
* Lasts four to five days
* Produces a total blood loss of about 2 to 3 tablespoons"
- "Heavy menstrual flow:
* Produces a total blood loss of about 5 1/2 tablespoons or more
* Interferes with your life (see below "quiz")
* Causes tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath (symptoms of anemia)"
When is Her Option the preferred treatment choice?
From the Her Option site (be mindful, they are selling their product, but I thought the information was relevant), questions to consider (online "quiz"):
1. Does your period last longer than seven days?
2. Do you use more than three pads or tampons per day?
3. Do you need to double up on feminine protection?
4. Do you become fatigued due to your heavy bleeding?
5. Do your heavy periods affect your social life, fitness or sexual intimacy?
6. Do you miss work because of your periods?
7. Does your menstrual flow include large clots?
8. Do you avoid leaving home for fear of accidents?
9. Do you avoid wearing light colored clothing during your period?
10. Does medication (birth control pills) fail to ease your symptoms?
Anon, after reading the above information and comparing it with your question... it sounds like your "heavy" period is not adversely effecting your lifestyle, is this correct? Some women have heavy periods; others have lighter periods. Just as some women's periods last 3 days...others' last 5 or 7 days. Your heavy days sound as thought they constitute a "heavy" period, and I'm wondering: do you have any other symptoms, such as fatigue, tiredness or shortness of breath? Did you visit the doctor for some help with your period, or was it just a normal exam and this topic came up during your medical history? Have they ruled out any underlying medical causes?
Lastly, there are many other options to consider, rather than surgery, for heavy bleeding (once diagnosed):
- Menorrhagia at EmpowHer
- Menorrhagia at Mayo Clinic
- Possible treatment options for heavy periods
I also wrote about this topic, if you would like to read the additional information: How to Know if Your Period is Normal.
July 16, 2009 - 1:53pmThis Comment
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