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Menopause (Expert Forum)
Intermintent Heavy Menstral Clotting and Bleeding
Answered by
Machelle Seibel, MD - Women's Health, menopause, ReproductiveMedicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
MA
Questions in the Menopause forum are answered by Dr. Machelle Seibel. Topics covered include menopause issues, depression, hormone replacement therapy , hot flashes, joint or muscle problems, memory problems, mood swings, osteoporosis , sexual problems, skin changes, sleeping problems, vaginal problems, and weight problems.
Intermintent Heavy Menstral Clotting and Bleeding
by Elle35, Apr 27, 2006 12:00AM
I am 35; In the last year I have been experiencing heavy bleeding and more recently heavy clotting. I suffer from severe PMS and daily chemical imbalance which I take 20mg Celexa daily and .25mg of Alprazolam as needed. I have discussed my concerns with my PCP of severe cramping in my abdoman, back and at times nausau. Her suggestion was if it continues she wants to check for fybroids/polyps and possibly have a DNC every 6 months to clean the uterin lining. To my knowledge the bloodwork didn't show any abnormalities. I am over weight and drink caffienated beverages along with an avg. of 48oz of water a day. I realize you only have my info from this email but what are my options if all tests are negative? Should I put myself through a DNC every 6 months? THanks so much for having this type of correspondence available.
Doctor's Answer
by Machelle Seibel, MD, Apr 27, 2006 12:00AM
, Apr 27, 2006 12:00AM
A. Treating your problem with a D&C every 6 months is one way to treat people with your problem but it shouldn’t be necessary to do that. Consider getting a referral to a gynecologist who is familiar with PMS and with irregular bleeding. Many things can cause bleeding. Examples are fibroids (benign tumors of the uterus), adenomyosis (uterine lining cells grow into the muscle wall of the uterus), polyps (benign fleshy tumors of the uterine lining), and hormonal imbalances.
Many times people with your problem have blood work drawn to see why they are bleeding. Some tests include a complete blood count (CBC) to see if you are anemic, a serum iron test, and hormones such as estradiol, FSH, LH, and prolactin. Checking your thyroid gland (in front of your neck) and getting a blood test for thyroid function (TSH, T4) is also a good idea. You might need an endometrial biopsy which is an office test that scrapes a few cells from the lining of the uterus so they can be looked at under a microscope. That, together with the blood tests, can tell if you need hormone treatment and what kind.
Consider getting those things done before having D&C every 6 months.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
Many times people with your problem have blood work drawn to see why they are bleeding. Some tests include a complete blood count (CBC) to see if you are anemic, a serum iron test, and hormones such as estradiol, FSH, LH, and prolactin. Checking your thyroid gland (in front of your neck) and getting a blood test for thyroid function (TSH, T4) is also a good idea. You might need an endometrial biopsy which is an office test that scrapes a few cells from the lining of the uterus so they can be looked at under a microscope. That, together with the blood tests, can tell if you need hormone treatment and what kind.
Consider getting those things done before having D&C every 6 months.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
I am 44 with a very similar background. I will take the list of test into my doctor and hope for the best...
good luck with your diagnosis as well.