Heavy & Abnormal Periods in Austin, TX
Heavy, prolonged or unpredictable bleeding can affect your energy, work, sleep and confidence. At Compass Women’s Health, abnormal bleeding is evaluated carefully so you understand what may be causing it and what your options are.
What Counts as Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
Abnormal uterine bleeding is bleeding from the uterus that is heavier, longer, more frequent or less predictable than your usual pattern. It can include heavy periods, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex or periods that come too close together.
Many different conditions can cause it, which is why an evaluation matters. Abnormal bleeding is common, but it is not something you have to simply live with.
Bleeding Patterns Worth Discussing
- Periods that last longer than seven days
- Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour or two
- Passing large clots
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Cycles shorter than 21 days
When Should You See a Gynecologist About Bleeding?
Consider making an appointment if you notice
- Periods that are heavier than they used to be
- Bleeding that interferes with work, sleep or daily activities
- Fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness during heavy periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Periods that have become longer or more frequent
- Bleeding on birth control that concerns you
- Any bleeding after menopause
- A change that does not feel normal for you
- Questions about what is causing your symptoms
If bleeding is very heavy and you feel faint or unwell, seek urgent medical care.
What Can Cause Heavy or Abnormal Bleeding?
Possible causes include hormonal changes, perimenopause, PMOS/PCOS, thyroid conditions, uterine fibroids or polyps, bleeding disorders, certain medications, pregnancy-related causes and infections. Sometimes more than one factor is involved. Your history and symptoms help guide which possibilities need to be considered.
How Is Abnormal Bleeding Evaluated?
Evaluation usually begins with a conversation about your cycle, symptoms, health history and medications. Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend a physical or pelvic exam, a pregnancy test, blood tests such as a blood count or thyroid tests, or imaging. Not every patient needs the same tests.
Your care plan depends on the cause, your symptoms and your goals. When specialist care is appropriate, a referral may be discussed.
Dr. Crystal Berry-Roberts, MD, MBA, FACOG
Heavy Periods: Common Questions
Short answers to questions patients often ask about heavy or abnormal bleeding.
Is it normal to have heavy periods?
Periods vary from person to person, but bleeding heavy enough to soak through protection every hour or two, pass large clots or disrupt daily life should be evaluated.
Can heavy periods cause anemia?
Yes. Losing a lot of blood each month can lower iron levels and lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness or shortness of breath. A blood test can check for it.
Can perimenopause cause heavy bleeding?
Yes. Hormone fluctuations during perimenopause can make periods heavier or less predictable. Because other causes are possible, changes should still be evaluated.
What should I track before my visit?
Note the dates of your periods, how many days they last, how often you change pads or tampons on heavy days, any clots and any bleeding between periods. A few months of notes is helpful.
Abnormal Bleeding Care in Austin
Compass Women’s Health is located at:
4100 Duval Rd
Building 2, Suites 101–102
Austin, TX 78759
Compass Women’s Health welcomes new patients and provides in-person gynecologic care. If your periods have changed or bleeding is affecting your life, you can schedule an appointment to talk it through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour or two for several hours, lasts longer than seven days, or includes large clots is considered heavy and should be evaluated.
It can have many causes, some minor and some that need treatment. Because the cause is not always clear from symptoms alone, bleeding between periods should be discussed with a gynecologist.
No. Any bleeding after 12 months without a period should be evaluated promptly.
Yes. Compass Women’s Health welcomes new patients.
Compass Women’s Health is located at 4100 Duval Rd, Building 2, Suites 101–102, Austin, TX 78759.
Let’s Talk About What Has Changed
You do not need to know what is causing your bleeding before making an appointment. Bring your questions and notes. Compass Women’s Health is here to listen.