McKeown Medical
167 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4SQ
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common and often debilitating condition that affects many women, impacting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. At McKeown Medical, we understand that heavy periods impact all aspects of your life, and we are dedicated to offering effective, patient-centred solutions that prioritise your needs and preferences.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common and often debilitating condition that affects many women, impacting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. At McKeown Medical, we understand that heavy periods impact all aspects of your life, and we are dedicated to offering effective, patient-centred solutions that prioritise your needs and preferences.
What Is heavy menstrual bleeding?
Menstrual bleeding becomes problematic when excessive blood loss interferes with your quality of life. It may involve prolonged bleeding, passing clots, flooding, and the need to change sanitary products very frequently. While heavy periods are not always indicative of a serious underlying condition, they can be a sign of fibroids, endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, or other medical issues. Understanding and addressing the root cause of heavy periods is essential for effective treatment.
Here, our consultant gynaecologist, Dr Iain Martin, talks about heavy menstrual bleeding and the treatments we can offer at McKeown Medical.
Patient-centred care: flexibility in treatment options
While hormonal therapies are often recommended as a first-line treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding, we understand that these may not be suitable or desirable for every woman. Some patients may prefer to avoid hormone-based treatments due to side effects, personal preferences, or other considerations. That’s why we offer a flexible approach to care, ensuring your voice is central to the decision-making process.
For women seeking minimally-invasive, non-hormonal treatment options we provide the option to proceed directly to endometrial ablation using the NovaSure® device. This advanced procedure offers a safe and effective solution to manage heavy periods without the need for long-term medication or major surgery.
Endometrial ablation with NovaSure®: A leading treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding
Endometrial ablation is a medical procedure that removes or destroys the endometrial lining of the uterus, which is responsible for menstrual bleeding. The NovaSure® device utilises advanced radiofrequency energy to thermally treat the endometrium precisely and efficiently. The procedure is quick, safe, and has an excellent success rate, with over 90% of women reporting their periods have successfully reduced or stopped at one year.
Why choose NovaSure®?
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is quick, typically taking less than five minutes to perform.
- Convenient and Affordable: We are proud to be the first private ambulatory gynaecology clinic in Scotland to offer NovaSure® under local anaesthetic as an outpatient procedure. This eliminates the need for general anaesthesia and hospital stays, making the treatment more accessible and cost-effective.
- High Success Rate: The majority of women report a dramatic improvement in their symptoms, with many achieving freedom from heavy periods altogether.
- Faster Recovery: Patients can return to normal activities within a day or two, minimising disruption to their lives.
Is endometrial ablation right for you?
While endometrial ablation is a highly effective treatment for many women, it is not suitable for everyone. Women who wish to preserve fertility, have certain uterine abnormalities, or have conditions such as uterine cancer may require alternative treatments. During your initial consultation and ultrasound scan, we will discuss your individual circumstances and help you determine the best course of action.
A pioneering approach to ambulatory gynaecology
Dr. Iain Martin, our consultant gynaecologist, has been at the forefront of advancing ambulatory gynaecology in the NHS in Scotland. His expertise and dedication have made it possible for us to offer NovaSure® endometrial ablation in a comfortable outpatient setting, under local anaesthetic. This innovative approach ensures that women have access to high-quality care that is both affordable and convenient.
By removing the barriers often associated with hospital-based procedures, we enable our patients to make informed decisions about their health and choose treatments that align with their lifestyles and priorities.
Comprehensive care for women’s health
At our clinic, we are passionate about providing comprehensive care for women suffering from heavy periods. Our process begins with a thorough consultation to understand your symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences. Based on this, we work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan, whether that involves medical management, endometrial ablation, or other options.
Why choose McKeown Medical?
- Patient-Centred Philosophy: Your preferences and needs are our top priority.
- Specialist Expertise: Dr. Iain Martin’s pioneering work in ambulatory gynaecology ensures you receive cutting-edge care.
- Flexible Treatment Options: We respect your choices, offering alternatives to hormonal therapies where appropriate.
- Innovative Procedures: NovaSure endometrial ablation is a cornerstone of our approach, providing an effective solution for heavy menstrual bleeding in a convenient outpatient setting.
Treatment Choice and Innovation
We believe that every woman deserves access to the right care for her needs. By combining evidence-based guidelines with a flexible, patient-centred approach, we provide the highest standard of care for women with menstrual problems. Whether you choose medical management, endometrial ablation, or another treatment option, you can trust that we will support you every step of the way.
Treatment Options
At McKeown Medical, we offer cutting-edge gynaecological treatments with an ambulatory approach, making it a convenient and accessible choice.
Start your journey to better health
If you’re struggling with heavy periods, don’t let them control your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how our innovative treatments, including NovaSure® endometrial ablation, can help you regain control and improve your quality of life.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
View our short videos designed specifically to answer your questions.
Dr Iain Martin
When should I see a doctor about my heavy periods?
0:59
Playlist
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Summary
If you’re soaking through pads hourly, feeling fatigued, or your periods disrupt daily life, consult a gynaecologist. Treatments range from hormonal options to procedures like endometrial ablation, offering solutions without major surgery.
Transcript
If you’re dealing with heavy periods, it’s important to know when to seek medical help. Firstly, if you’re soaking through pads or tampons every hour for several hours, it’s time to see a doctor. This could indicate an underlying problem like fibroids, polyps, or hormonal imbalances. If your periods are interfering with daily activities like missing work or social events, it’s also a red flag. Additionally, if you’re feeling fatigued, lightheaded, or anaemic due to blood loss, medical attention is needed. A gynaecologist can help with initial evaluation and guide you on your treatment options. Sometimes simple treatments like contraceptive pill or an intrauterine coil can help. Conditions like polyps or fibroids can be treated using a special instrument known as a hysteroscopy. If there is no pathology found to explain your heavy periods, we can still usually help with an endometrial ablation procedure. This allows you to control the bleeding without having to undergo a hysterectomy. If you’re experiencing heavy periods, we are here to guide you towards the best care.
Dr Iain Martin
What is the heaviest day of your period?
0:33
Playlist
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Summary
The heaviest flow typically occurs on days 2–3 of the menstrual cycle. While this is normal, frequent pad or tampon changes may indicate excessive bleeding. Tracking your cycle can provide insights into your health and help guide discussions with your doctor. If your period is disrupting daily activities, we’re here to help.
Transcript
Most women experience their heaviest flow around days 2-3 of their menstrual cycle. During this time, you may notice needing to change pads or tampons more frequently. Whilst this may be normal, if it’s causing you discomfort or disrupting your daily activities, it’s a good idea to track your flow and discuss with your doctor. Tracking your cycle can help you understand your body better and guide any conversations with your gynaecologist if needed. If you are concerned about your period, we’re here to help guide you.
Dr Iain Martin
What happens if I lose too much blood during my period?
0:47
Playlist
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Summary
Experiencing heavy periods? This can lead to anaemia, fatigue, and a reduced quality of life. Treatment options range from iron supplements and hormonal medications to ultrasounds for detecting fibroids or polyps. If no underlying cause is found and pregnancy is not planned, Novasure endometrial ablation may be a suitable long-term solution. Seeking professional help can provide tailored treatment for relief.
Transcript
If you’re experiencing heavy periods, not only can this lead to other health issues, such as anaemia, but can also have a significant impact on reducing your quality of life. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek help. We can look into treatments like iron supplements to address anaemia, or prescribed medications to regulate the bleeding. We may also recommend an ultrasound scan to check for any polyps or fibroids that could be causing the problem, which we can then address. Sometimes we find no underlying cause for heavy periods. If you plan no further pregnancies in the future, a treatment like endometrial ablation with Novasure may be an effective option. If you’re concerned about heavy bleeding, we’re here to find the right solution for you.
Dr Iain Martin
Can any other conditions be confused with heavy periods?
0:46
Playlist
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Summary
Heavy periods can be a sign of conditions like fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis. Learn about the possible causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Transcript
Heavy periods can be a symptom of different underlying conditions. One common condition is uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths that can cause heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure. Another possibility is endometrial polyps, which are growths in the lining of the uterus that can lead to heavy and unscheduled bleeding. Lastly, endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing painful, heavy periods and other symptoms. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, it’s important to consult with your gynaecologist. They may suggest an ultrasound, blood test, or a pelvic exam to identify the cause and discuss treatment options. We are here to help find out what’s wrong and help guide you through your treatment options.
Patient Testimonials
When it comes to heavy menstrual bleeding, you’re not alone. Listen to some of Dr Iain’s patients who have been treated with NovaSure® tell their stories about life before and after the procedure.
1 / 2
2 / 2
Your Expert Team
Consultant Gynaecologist
Dr Iain Martin
Dr. Iain Martin is a consultant gynaecologist with a specialist interest in minimally-invasive gynaecology treatments. With years of experience and a dedication to improving women’s healthcare, Dr. Martin has become a trusted name in his field. His pioneering work in Scotland has made advanced, minimally- invasive treatments accessible to more women than ever before. Under Dr. Martin’s guidance, our clinic is setting a new standard for private gynaecological care.
Consultant Gynaecologist
Dr Iain Martin
Dr. Iain Martin is a consultant gynaecologist with a specialist interest in minimally-invasive gynaecology treatments. With years of experience and a dedication to improving women’s healthcare, Dr. Martin has become a trusted name in his field. His pioneering work in Scotland has made advanced, minimally- invasive treatments accessible to more women than ever before. Under Dr. Martin’s guidance, our clinic is setting a new standard for private gynaecological care.
Related Articles
Sign up to our newsletter
Keep up to date with the latest news from McKeown Medical and get access to expert insights, our latest before and afters and exclusive offers.
