When to ask a doctor about heavy periods

How can a woman tell if she should see a doctor because of heavy menstrual periods?

Thousand Oaks gynecologist Thomas Van Geem said periods that are irregular and heavy should be investigated by a doctor. Normal periods last three to four days, but if they last six to eight days and require more than one box of tampons, a woman should see a doctor, he said.

That’s especially true for women who have a period only three to four times a year. Van Geem said they’re at risk for developing precancerous or cancerous changes to the uterine lining.

There are several reasons a woman may have heavy menstrual periods, including:

•Hormonal imbalances. These can occur when a woman’s body is not producing the correct balance of estrogen and progesterone. The condition is more common when a woman is beginning or ending her reproductive years.

•Fibroids and polyps. These abnormal growths or tumors inside the uterus may be removed if they are causing discomfort.

•Infections. Uterine or cervical infections can be treated with antibiotics.

•Clotting disorders. Conditions that impair coagulation of blood (the thickening of the blood that slows or stops its flow).

At higher risk for menorrhagia are women over 35, those who are overweight, have hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems or diabetes, and those who have never been pregnant.

A doctor should determine the cause and treatment options for the condition.

—Information provided by WebMD