"It's time to get my heavy periods under control. I won't need to worry anymore about the amount of blood loss and I can finally be free from wearing tampons so many days in a row. I'm looking forward to a more predictable cycle." - Anne

It's a simple fact: Every woman has been inconvenienced by her period at some point. Menstruation can zap you of energy and affect the choices you make for physical activity. But if you have excessive menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, you know that frequent, heavy periods can be more than an inconvenience. Periods that are too heavy and too long can result in hemorrhaging, clotting, cramping, even iron deficiency anemia.

Doctors have recommended hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding in the past. Today, there are less aggressive treatments available to you. The best news is that you do not have to live with heavy periods that feel out of control.

Treatments

• Drugs, Hormones—Your doctor may prescribe drug therapy, such as low-dose birth control pills or other hormones. These options are especially good if you wish to remain fertile. Drug therapies usually require long-term treatment and are successful for some patients. But for many others, they are unsuccessful or produce undesirable side effects including breast tenderness, mood swings and weight gain.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C)—A D&C is typically the first surgical step if drug therapy does not work to reduce or eliminate excessive bleeding. Usually performed in an outpatient setting, the top layer of the uterine lining is scraped away. This may reduce bleeding for a few cycles. If a polyp (small growth) is present and removed, the excessive bleeding may stop.
• Cryoablation—Cryoablation is an endometrial ablation procedure that uses sub-zero temperatures to reduce or eliminate your excessive menstrual periods. The cold temperatures destroy the uterine lining, which is responsible for menstrual bleeding.

Many doctors believe an endometrial ablation procedure should be your first line of defense because it frees you from excessive bleeding while keeping your uterus and natural hormones intact.

Endometrial ablation is not recommended for everyone. Risks include a potential for thermal injury to adjacent organs. You should talk with your doctor about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment option.

• Radio Frequency and/or Laser—These procedures provide immediate removal of the lining of the uterus with an electrosurgical tool or laser. A hysteroscope (an instrument that provides a view inside the uterus) is used to visualize the area of treatment. Risks include perforation, bleeding, cramping, infection or even heart failure due to fluids used to open up or distend the uterus.
• Thermal Ablation—This procedure destroys the lining of the uterus using a balloon filled with water heated to 87°C (188°F). Most women return to normal activities the day following the procedure.
• Hysterectomy—Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of your uterus. It is a major procedure performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. It has surgical risks, and requires hospitalization and a recovery period of up to six weeks. In the past, doctors would recommend hysterectomy for menorrhagia. Today, other treatments are available and should be considered before pursuing an aggressive approach like hysterectomy.

Get answers to common questions about Her Option® Cryoablation Therapy here.

For more information on treating excessive menstrual bleeding, talk with your doctor and visit www.AmericanMedicalSystems.com.