There was a recent question on EmpowHer that I thought was worthy of sharing with everyone, related to heavy menstrual bleeding and Her Option as treatment:
The questions asked include:
- What is considered an "abnormally heavy period"?
- When is Her Option indicated (the recommended treatment option)?
- How do I know if my period is "normal"?
Definitions of "normal" and "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)"
Color of Blood:
* Some women are concerned by the color of their menstrual blood; brown discharge/blood can be very normal, and depends more upon the rate of flow (brown blood has more time to darken).
* Brown blood can occur at the beginning or end of your cycle, or may not occur at all.
Other Indicators of a Possible Abnormal Period:
- your menstrual cycle is longer than 35 days apart (or less than two weeks from day one of your period to day one of your next period)
- you need to change tampons or sanitary pads every 1-2 hours
- your period lasts longer than 7 days
- you suddenly begin experiencing severe menstrual cramps that interfere with your daily activities
When is Her Option the preferred treatment choice for menorrhagia?
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?
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
- How do I know if my period is normal?
Lastly, it is important to talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about a possible "abnormal period", as you would want underlying medical causes of heavy bleeding or pain to be ruled out.