The ‘P’ word

MORE than one in five British women suffer heavy periods, rising to one in three when approaching the menopause.

Yet a survey by the ‘Wear White Again’ campaign reveals 62% of women don’t realise it’s treatable and almost half haven’t spoken to a GP.

But help is out there... womb wall. Other less common causes include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the womb, fallopian tubes or ovaries, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), bloodclotting disorders, and, rarely, cancer of the womb. contraception, the Mirena intrauterine system has an “antigrowth” effect on the womb lining. For the first few months there may be bleeding between periods but this usually settles. Periods get lighter until they usually stop completely within six months. It lasts for five years but is instantly reversible. Other hormonal options include the combined pill, which works by preventing ovaries releasing an egg each month, the progestogen-only pill, a 12-weekly progestogen injection, and a contraceptive implant that lasts three years. These lighten periods but may cause side effects like water retention and mood swings. If these don’t work or the GP suspects a physical problem with the womb, the patient will be referred to a gynaecologist, says Mr Bulmer. Hospital treatments include:

A hysteroscope is inserted into the womb through the cervix and an instrument called a morcellator is used to cut or “shave” away small abnormalities, such as polyps.

This destroys the womb lining with either laser, heat or ultrasound energy. It can be performed as a day case and usually takes just 15 minutes. Most women have no periods afterwards. This treats fibroids and involves inserting a small tube into the groin to block the blood vessels supplying blood to the fibroid.

A procedure to remove fibroids.

A 100% effective procedure to remove the womb. It can be done vaginally, by keyhole surgery or by a surgical cut, which requires a hospital stay.