I Have Extremely Heavy Periods: Can You Help?

If your period feels more like a monthly crisis than a minor inconvenience, you're not alone, and you’re not overreacting. 

Around 1 in 5 women (that’s approximately 10 million women) suffer with you every month — many of them silently and with the assumption it’s just something they have to put up with. 

But here’s the truth: Heavy bleeding isn't normal, and it’s treatable.

Whether you're missing work, avoiding social plans, or planning your day around access to a bathroom and extra clothes, it’s time to get answers. 

Drs. John Yoo and Benjamin Wilson, of Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Fort Worth, Texas, are here to discuss potential causes of heavy periods and how interventional radiology can help.

What counts as a heavy period?

First, let’s define what we mean by heavy. Menstrual flow varies from person to person, but you may consider your period heavy if:

• You soak through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours
• You need to use double protection (tampon plus pad)
• You wake up at night to change protection
• Your period lasts longer than 7 days
• You pass large clots
• You feel exhausted, dizzy, or anemic during your period

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to look deeper.

What causes heavy periods?

Several medical conditions can lead to abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, but uterine fibroids are among the most common.

Fibroids are noncancerous growths in or on the uterus. While some cause no symptoms, others can lead to:

• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Pain during sex

Another common but lesser-known culprit is pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), caused by enlarged ovarian veins. These veins can lead to chronic pelvic pain and sometimes contribute to heavier bleeding or a feeling of fullness in the pelvis.

How can interventional radiology help?

In the past, treatment for heavy periods started with hormone therapy, resulting in surgery (often a hysterectomy). However, there are now minimally invasive options that don’t require major surgery or long recovery times.

We offer two of the most popular: uterine fibroid embolization and ovarian vein embolization. 

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)

UFE is a non-surgical treatment that shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. We make a tiny incision, usually in the wrist or groin, and guide a catheter to the uterine arteries. Then, we inject tiny particles to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.

Our patients love UFE because there’s no surgery or stitches required, recovery is short (usually about a week), it improves symptoms like heavy bleeding and pressure, and, most importantly, it preserves the uterus.

Most women see a dramatic improvement in bleeding and overall quality of life within a few months.

Ovarian vein embolization

If you’ve been diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome, or your provider suspects enlarged ovarian veins are part of the problem, embolization can help. Much like UFE, this procedure blocks blood flow to problematic veins, reducing pressure and relieving pain.

Ovarian vein embolization is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia. Like UFE, it also boasts a quick recovery time and long-lasting symptom relief. 

When should I consider interventional radiology?

If you’re reading this and nodding along, thinking, “That’s exactly what I’m dealing with,” it’s time to speak up. You don’t need to wait until your symptoms get worse or accept that this is just part of life.

Your conversation likely starts with your OB/GYN or primary care provider. Discuss your symptoms in detail with them and ask about our embolization services. You’re a likely candidate if:

• Your periods are interfering with your daily life
• Hormonal treatments haven’t worked (or aren’t an option for you)
• You want to avoid surgery
• You’re looking for a long-term solution with minimal downtime

Heavy periods are common, but they’re not something you have to live with. Whether you’re dealing with fibroids, PCS, or an unknown cause, you deserve answers and options that work for your lifestyle.

Uterine fibroid embolization and ovarian vein embolization are safe, effective, and life-changing for many women. If you're ready to stop planning your life around your period, we’re here to help you take the next step.

Call our friendly staff at 817-321-0951 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.