Abnormal Periods
For some people, that time of the month might mean a few days of light bleeding. Others might experience a heavy flow that lasts up to seven days. Maybe it isn’t consistent for you and each month is a surprise.
You know your body best, and Cleveland Clinic’s experts can help when your periods aren’t normal for you. With our friendly and approachable team, you can be sure your concerns matter. We take the time to learn more about you, so we can recommend a personalized treatment plan for your body’s needs.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Care for Abnormal Periods?
Caring approach:
Our experts help you feel comfortable so you can share details about what you’re experiencing. We create a safe space for conversation and make sure we answer all your questions.
Specialized knowledge:
Our team includes pelvic ultrasound specialists who are accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. This means our healthcare providers have shown that they meet or exceed national standards in doing gynecologic ultrasounds and using them for diagnoses. Meet our team.
Convenient care:
We diagnose what’s causing irregular periods and offer treatment at many locations near you. We use tests like ultrasound and in-office hysteroscopy to deliver your results quickly — often in the same day. We also offer virtual appointments for your first visit.
Innovation and research:
Cleveland Clinic experts lead and take part in research projects to find new ways to treat abnormal periods. Our focus on research means you can access treatments here that you can’t find elsewhere.
National recognition:
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Abnormal Period Diagnosis at Cleveland Clinic
There are many reasons why your periods might change over time. They might be irregular because of changing hormone levels. Periods can also change because of certain gynecologic conditions. During the diagnosis process, your provider will run tests to check for possible reasons why your period isn’t acting the way it typically does. Some of the conditions we will test for include:
- Endometriosis.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Uterine fibroids.
- Cervical cancer.
Your mind might race with worries when you think about what might be causing your abnormal periods. We’ll walk you through this process one step at a time. We start by talking with you about the changes you’re seeing and learning more about what your menstrual cycle typically looks like.
Our specialists do a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. We may recommend additional tests to diagnose abnormal menstruation, including:
- Blood tests: Healthcare providers take a blood sample to check for anemia and measure hormone levels.
- Endometrial biopsy: We take a small sample of tissue from your uterus during an endometrial biopsy. Specialists examine the tissue under a microscope to look for changes in cells that might be cancer and other abnormalities.
- Imaging tests: Our experts take a look at your pelvic anatomy using imaging tests. We may use a pelvic ultrasonography test (ultrasound) or hysteroscopy to see detail inside your cervix and uterus.
- Pap smear (Pap test): We take a sample of cervical cells during a Pap smear for examination under a microscope. Our experts look for abnormal cells that are cancerous or could become cancer.
- Vaginal culture: We take a sample of vaginal cells with a swab to examine for signs of infection.
Providers Who Treat Abnormal Periods
Locations
We offer treatment for abnormal periods at many locations throughout Ohio, Florida and London.Treatment for Abnormal Periods at Cleveland Clinic
Our specialists consider your typical menstrual cycle and what’s normal for you when developing treatment for abnormal periods. We may use:
Hormonal medications
Your provider may prescribe birth control pills that contain estrogen or progesterone to help manage heavy bleeding.
Pain relievers and pain relief strategies
If you have painful cramps, we may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®). Your healthcare provider may also recommend sitting with a heating pad on your lower abdomen or taking a warm shower to relax your muscles.
Hysteroscopy
Experts use hysteroscopy to treat (as well as diagnose) abnormal menstrual bleeding caused by scar tissue (adhesions), fibroids and uterine polyps. During this procedure, specialists insert a thin instrument with a light and camera (hysteroscope) into your vagina to look at your uterus.
The specialist passes small surgical instruments through the hysteroscope to remove growths and scar tissue. Experts may also perform endometrial ablation therapy during hysteroscopy to help control heavy bleeding.
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery
Cleveland Clinic gynecologic surgeons are experts in using laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique. Surgeons insert a thin instrument (laparoscope) through tiny incisions, which helps you heal faster than traditional open surgery. We use laparoscopy to:
- Remove uterine fibroids and scar tissue.
- Treat endometriosis.
- Perform a hysterectomy.
Fertility Preservation at Cleveland Clinic
If you’d like to have a child someday, abnormal periods may have you worried. We talk with you about your plans and recommend treatment options that focus on making it possible to become pregnant in the future.
Taking the Next Step
Abnormal periods can get in the way of your daily life. There are many reasons you might have unusual symptoms with your period. And when these start to keep you from the things that bring you happiness, it can be time to talk to your healthcare provider. At Cleveland Clinic, we can help craft a treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Appointments
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s abnormal period experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
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MyChart
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Concerned Your Abnormal Bleeding Might Be Perimenopause? Get Care in Ohio or Michigan Without an Office Visit
Sometimes, abnormal periods are a sign of perimenopause — or the transitional period before menopause. If that’s the case, you might have heavier periods, lighter periods or skip periods.
If you’re in Ohio or Michigan, you can join us for any of our weekly group virtual menopause visits. They’re a convenient way to ask questions from a menopause specialist. You’ll learn not only from the doctor, but from the questions of others.
When: These secure Zoom sessions are every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. (EST). You can schedule only one 90-minute shared medical appointment, or a series of them. It’s up to you!
Who can join: New and current Cleveland Clinic patients. You’ll need a MyChart account, and to fill out a questionnaire a week before your session.
What to expect: You’ll hear from a menopause specialist what they wish everyone knew about menopause. And they’ll answer commonly asked questions. Then, you’ll be able to ask your own questions — or just listen!
What’s the cost? The cost is the same as a regular doctor’s visit. If you need any medications or labs, you’ll follow up with a menopause specialist of your choice for a 1:1 visit.
Schedule today! Call us at 216.541.1459 to reserve your spot.
