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Feeling very tiredHaving headachesHaving trouble breathing when you exerciseFeeling your heart beat too fast when you exercise
Are there tests I should have? " � Your doctor or nurse will decide which tests you should have based on your age, symptoms, and individual situation. There are lots of tests, but you might not need any. � �
Here are the most common tests doctors use to find the cause of heavy periods: � �
- Blood tests " � Blood tests can check if you are pregnant, or have hormonal changes, a bleeding disorder, low iron levels, or other problems.
- Endometrial biopsy " � For this test, the doctor will take a sample of tissue from inside your uterus. The sample can be viewed under a microscope to look for problems.
- Pelvic ultrasound " � This test uses sound waves to make a picture of your uterus, ovaries, and vagina. The pictures can show if you have fibroids or other growths.
- Hysteroscopy " � For this test, the doctor will use a small instrument to look inside your uterus.
How are heavy periods treated? " � That depends on what is causing your heavy periods and whether you want to get pregnant soon. You might not need treatment. If you do, treatments might include: � �
- Birth control methods that use hormones. These make your period lighter or stop your periods completely. They come as:
- Pills
- Skin patches
- A ring that you put inside your vagina
- Shots that you get every 3 months
- An intrauterine device (IUD), a plastic device that your doctor inserts into your uterus.
- Medicines that thicken blood and slow bleeding
- Medicines that reduce swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Motrin, Advil) or mefenamic acid (brand name: Ponstel)
- Medicines that contain a hormone called "progestin. " � These are taken for a week or so every few months.
- Medicines that make the ovaries stop working for a short time
- Surgery to remove fibroids or other growths
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15420 Version 3.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �