Most women expect their period to last between a few days and a week. So, when bleeding continues longer than usual or seems like it won’t stop, it can be frustrating, concerning and disruptive to everyday life.
While occasional changes in your menstrual cycle can happen, prolonged or unusually heavy bleeding may be a sign of an underlying gynecologic condition. In some cases, treatment may be as simple as medication or hormone therapy. In others, surgery may be needed to provide lasting relief.
The good news is that advances in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery are giving women more treatment options than ever before.
What is considered a normal period?
While every woman’s cycle is different, most menstrual periods typically last between two and seven days.
It’s common for factors like stress, weight changes, medications or hormonal fluctuations to cause occasional changes to your cycle. However, bleeding that lasts longer than seven days, occurs between period or becomes unusually heavy should not be ignored.
If you find yourself frequently changing pads or tampons, passing large blood clots, feeling fatigued or adjusting your daily activities around your period, it’s time to talk with an OB/GYN.
Why won’t my period stop?
Abnormal uterine bleeding can happen for many reasons. Some causes are temporary, while others may require medical treatment. Common causes include:
Hormonal imbalances
Hormones help regulate your menstrual cycle. When estrogen and progesterone levels become imbalanced, periods can become irregular, prolonger or heavier than normal.
Uterine fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Depending on their size and location, they can cause heavy bleeding, prolonger periods and pelvic pressure.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. While pelvic pain is often the most recognized symptom, some women also experience abnormal bleeding.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis develops when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This condition can lead to painful, heavy and prolonged periods.
Polyps
Uterine polyps are growths that form in the lining of the uterus. While typically noncancerous, they can contribute to irregular bleeding patterns.
Perimenopause
As women approach menopause, hormonal changes can cause significant changes in menstrual cycles, including heavier or longer-lasting periods.
When should I see an OB/GYN?
It’s good for you to visit with an OB/GYN annually. But if you have an issue that arises, it is important to talk to your provider. Many women assume heavy or prolonged bleeding is simply something they must live with. In reality, abnormal bleeding is often a sign that something else is going on.
You should consider scheduling an appointment with an OB/GYN if you experience:
- A period lasting longer than seven days
- Bleeding between periods
- Heavy bleeding that disrupts daily activities
- Severe cramping or pelvic pain
- Fatigue related to blood loss
- Frequent bleeding episodes that seem abnormal for you
An evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
What treatments are available for abnormal uterine bleeding?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of bleeding, as well as your age, symptoms and future pregnancy plans.
For some women, treatment may include:
- Hormonal medications
- Birth control pills or IUDs
- Other medications designed to reduce bleeding
When symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended to address the root cause.
Conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis and certain uterine abnormalities often respond best to surgical treatment when symptoms become significant.
When is surgery recommended for abnormal uterine bleeding?
Surgery may be considered when:
- Bleeding is severe or ongoing
- Symptoms are affecting quality of life
- Medications have not provided adequate relief
- Fibroids, adenomyosis or endometriosis are causing symptoms
- A patient desires a more definitive treatment option
Depending on the diagnosis, surgical options may include removing fibroids, excising endometriosis, removing abnormal tissue or, in some cases, hysterectomy.
The goal is not simply to stop bleeding but to treat the underlying condition causing it.
How robotic surgery is changing gynecologic care
For women who require surgery, robotic-assisted technology has transformed the treatment experience.
Many gynecologic procedures that once required a larger incision can now be performed through a few small incisions using robotic-assisted techniques.
Robotic surgery may be used to treat conditions like:
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Heavy menstrual bleeding requiring hysterectomy
Using advanced robotic technology, surgeons are able to operate with enhanced precision, visualization and control while performing complex procedures.
The surgeon remains fully in control throughout the operation, using the robotic platform as a tool to perform highly precise movements.
Why more women are choosing robotic surgery
When surgery is needed, many women want the option that allows them to recover as comfortably and efficiently as possible.
Potential benefits of robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery include:
- Smaller incisions
- Faster recovery
- Less postoperative discomfort
- Greater surgical precision
Don’t ignore a period that won’t stop
A prolonged or unusually heavy period isn’t something you should simply accept as normal.
Whether the cause is fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, hormonal changes or another condition, an OB/GYN can help identify the source of your symptoms and recommend treatment options.
The sooner you seek care; the sooner you can find answers and start feeling like yourself again.
Find out if robotic surgery is right for you
If heavy or prolonged periods are affecting your quality of life, treatment may be available. Northeast Georgia Health System’s GYN Robotic Center offers advanced minimally invasive surgical options for a variety of gynecologic conditions, helping women find lasting relief with a recovery experience that may be easier than expected.