UT Southwestern’s experienced gynecologists conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes a:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause small cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, to develop in the ovaries, causing irregular periods.Medications: Certain anticoagulants (blood thinners), anti-inflammatory medications, or hormonal medications can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding.Endometriosis: Endometrial-like tissue grows on the outside of the uterus or on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other nearby organs.Cancer: Cervical cancer and uterine cancer can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.Bleeding disorders: Certain inherited bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand’s disease, which prevents blood from clotting properly, can cause abnormal bleeding.Adenomyosis: Endometrial tissue, which normally lines the inside of the uterus, grows into the muscle wall of the uterus.Some common reasons for irregular, heavy, and painful periods include: Also called the womb.Causes of Painful Periods and Heavy Bleeding During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus. Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to check the fetus. Ultrasound Exam: A test in which sound waves are used to examine inner parts of the body. Prostaglandins: Chemicals that are made by the body that have many effects, including causing the muscles of the uterus to contract, usually causing cramps. Pelvic Exam: A physical examination of a woman’s pelvic organs. Ovaries: Organs in women that contain the eggs necessary to get pregnant and make important hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in women’s health. Menstrual Period: The monthly shedding of blood and tissue from the uterus. A menstrual cycle is defined as the first day of menstrual bleeding of one cycle to the first day of menstrual bleeding of the next cycle. Menstrual Cycle: The monthly process of changes that occur to prepare a woman’s body for possible pregnancy. Other instruments can be used with it to perform surgery. The laparoscope is used to view the pelvic organs. Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure in which a thin, lighted telescope called a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision (cut) in the abdomen. Intrauterine Device (IUD): A small device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Hormones: Substances made in the body that control the function of cells of organs.
Adenomyosis: A condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus begins to grow in the muscle wall of the uterus.īirth Control: Devices or medications used to prevent pregnancy.Įndometriosis: A condition in which tissue that lines the uterus is found outside the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures.įibroids: Growths that form in the muscle of the uterus.