Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods) Treatment Melbourne

• Removal of fibroids or polyps
• Endometrial ablation
• Myomectomy
• Hysterectomy

Menorrhagia Treatment Comparison

Medical Management vs. Surgical Treatment

• Medical Management: Suitable for women who wish to preserve fertility or prefer to avoid surgery. Options like the Mirena IUD or hormonal therapies can significantly reduce bleeding with minimal side effects.
• Surgical Treatment: Recommended when medical management has not provided adequate relief, or when an underlying structural cause (such as fibroids or polyps) requires direct treatment.

Hormonal IUD vs. Oral Contraceptives

• Hormonal IUD (Mirena/Kyleena): A long-acting option that delivers localised hormone therapy, reducing bleeding by up to 90% in many women, without requiring a daily pill.
• Oral Contraceptives: A suitable option for women who prefer a reversible, daily hormonal medication to regulate the menstrual cycle.

Your gynaecologist at Create Health will discuss all options with you and help determine the most appropriate approach based on your individual circumstances.

What Happens During Heavy Period Treatment at Create Health?

When you come to Create Health for assessment and treatment of heavy periods, you can expect a thorough, unhurried consultation. Your gynaecologist will begin by taking a detailed history of your menstrual cycle, symptoms, and general health.

This will be followed by a physical examination and any relevant investigations such as blood tests or pelvic ultrasound.

If a medical treatment such as the Mirena IUD or hormonal therapy is recommended, your doctor will explain exactly what is involved, what to expect in the first few months, and how to monitor your response to treatment. 

If a surgical procedure such as endometrial ablation is recommended, your gynaecologist will walk you through the procedure step by step, including what happens on the day, how long it takes, and what the recovery involves.

No treatment will be commenced without your full understanding and informed consent. Our team will ensure you feel confident and supported at every step.

What to Expect After Your Heavy Period Treatment

What you experience after treatment will depend on the type of treatment you have had.

After starting a hormonal treatment such as the Mirena IUD or oral contraceptives, it is common to experience some irregular spotting or light bleeding in the first three to six months as your body adjusts.

This is normal and generally settles over time. Most women notice a significant reduction in bleeding within three to six months of commencing hormonal therapy.

After a surgical procedure such as endometrial ablation, you may experience some cramping, discharge, or light bleeding for two to four weeks following the procedure.

Most women are able to return to normal activities within one to two days, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a short period as advised by your surgeon.

After removal of fibroids or polyps via hysteroscopy, recovery is generally very quick, with most women resuming normal activities within one to two days.

Your gynaecologist will provide you with specific aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment, and our team is always available to answer any questions during your recovery.

Who Is and Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate for Surgical Treatment of Heavy Periods?

Surgical treatment for heavy periods is not appropriate for every woman. Your gynaecologist at Create Health will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the most suitable approach for your individual circumstances.

Surgical options such as endometrial ablation may be suitable for women who:

• Have completed their family and do not wish to have further pregnancies
• Have not responded adequately to medical treatments
• Have heavy periods caused by a benign condition of the uterine lining
• Are in good general health and suitable for a procedure under anaesthesia

Surgical treatment may not be appropriate for women who:

• Wish to preserve their fertility and have future pregnancies
• Have significant uterine abnormalities that require a different surgical approach
• Have certain underlying medical conditions that increase anaesthetic or surgical risk
• Have heavy periods caused by a condition that is better managed medically

For women who are not suitable candidates for surgery, or who prefer to avoid it, effective medical management options are available. Your gynaecologist will discuss all appropriate options with you.

Frequently Asked Questions — Heavy Periods Melbourne

1. How do I know if my period is heavy enough to see a doctor?
   If you are changing soaked protection every one to two hours, passing clots larger than a 50 cent piece, bleeding for more than seven days, or your periods are affecting your daily life, it is time to see a gynaecologist. You should not have to simply put up with heavy periods.

2. Can heavy periods be a sign of something serious?
   In most cases, menorrhagia is caused by hormonal imbalances or benign conditions such as fibroids or polyps. However, in some cases, heavy bleeding can indicate a more serious underlying condition such as endometrial cancer. This is why it is important to have your symptoms properly assessed by a gynaecologist.

3. Will I need surgery for heavy periods?

   Not necessarily. Many women with heavy periods respond well to medical treatments such as the Mirena IUD, hormonal therapy, or tranexamic acid. Surgery is considered when medical management has been insufficient or when there is a structural cause that requires treatment.

4. Can heavy periods affect my fertility?

   Depending on the underlying cause, heavy periods can be associated with conditions that affect fertility, such as fibroids, polyps, or adenomyosis. At Create Health, our integrated team can assess both your menstrual health and your fertility, ensuring you receive comprehensive, coordinated care.

5. How long does it take to see results from treatment?

   
   This depends on the treatment chosen. Many women notice an improvement in bleeding within one to three months of starting hormonal therapy.
   Surgical treatments such as endometrial ablation typically produce results within a few months of the procedure.

6. Which Melbourne suburbs do you service?

   
   Create Health sees patients for period pains treatment, from across Melbourne, including East Melbourne, Mount Waverley, Berwick, Hawthorn, Richmond, Camberwell, Glen Waverley, Doncaster, Box Hill, Dandenong, Pakenham, Frankston, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Carlton, South Yarra, St Kilda, Toorak, Malvern, and surrounding areas.

7. Does Medicare cover treatment for heavy periods?

   
   Yes. Gynaecology consultations at Create Health attract a Medicare rebate, meaning you will receive a partial refund on your out-of-pocket costs. The rebate amount varies depending on the type of consultation and any procedures performed. Our team will provide you with a clear explanation of fees and expected Medicare rebates before your appointment. Please call us on (03) 9873 6767 for further information.

8. Can heavy periods return after treatment?

   
   This depends on the treatment. Medical treatments such as the Mirena IUD are highly effective for as long as they remain in place, but bleeding may return if the device is removed.
   Endometrial ablation has a high success rate, but in a small number of women, bleeding can recur over time. Your gynaecologist will discuss the long-term outlook for your chosen treatment at your consultation.

    

   9. What is the difference between menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea?

   Menorrhagia refers specifically to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, whereas dysmenorrhoea refers to painful periods. The two conditions can occur together — for example, in women with endometriosis or adenomyosis — but they are distinct symptoms that may have different underlying causes and require different treatments.

If you experience both heavy and painful periods, it is important to mention both to your gynaecologist, as this may point to a specific underlying condition.