Heavy Periods and Fibroids Treatment in Katy, TX
If you plan your days around your period, double up on protection or feel drained every month, your bleeding may be heavier than normal, and it can be treated.
Heavy menstrual bleeding means periods that last longer than seven days or are heavy enough to soak through a pad or tampon every one to two hours. Fibroids are one of the most common causes, along with polyps, adenomyosis and hormone changes. At our Katy office, Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy finds the cause of your bleeding and offers options ranging from medication to minimally invasive procedures.
When Is a Period Too Heavy?
Many women live with heavy periods for years without realizing that what they experience is not normal. Your bleeding may be considered heavy if you:
- Soak through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours
- Need to change protection during the night or use two types at once
- Bleed for more than seven days
- Pass blood clots the size of a quarter or larger
- Feel tired, short of breath or lightheaded during or after your period
- Avoid work, exercise or social plans because of your period
Over time, heavy bleeding can cause iron deficiency anemia, which leads to fatigue, poor concentration, hair shedding and a lower tolerance for exercise.
Common Causes of Heavy Bleeding
Fibroids are a leading cause, but they are not the only one. Finding the exact cause guides the best treatment.
Structural causes
- Uterine fibroids, especially those bulging into the uterine cavity
- Endometrial polyps
- Adenomyosis, where uterine lining tissue grows into the muscle wall
- Thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
- Rarely, uterine cancer, which is more likely after age 45 or with risk factors
Hormonal and other causes
- Irregular ovulation, including during perimenopause and with PCOS
- Thyroid disorders
- Bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease
- Some medications, including blood thinners
- A copper IUD
Heavy bleeding during perimenopause is common, but bleeding after menopause is never normal and should always be evaluated promptly.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- Your periods meet any of the signs of heavy bleeding listed above
- You have been told you are anemic or need iron
- Your periods have become much heavier or more irregular than usual
- You bleed between periods or after intercourse
- You have any bleeding after menopause
Seek emergency care if you soak a pad or tampon every hour for two hours or more, or if heavy bleeding comes with dizziness, fainting, chest pain or a racing heart. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Bleeding Care From Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy
Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, and in advanced minimally invasive gynecology, with more than 21 years of experience in medicine.
She evaluates the full range of causes of heavy bleeding and can treat many of them in the least invasive way possible, including hysteroscopic removal of fibroids and polyps. She explains each option in plain language so you can choose the one that fits your life and your plans for the future.
Finding the Cause of Your Bleeding
- Bleeding history: how long your periods last, how often you change protection and how bleeding affects daily life.
- Blood tests: blood count and iron levels, thyroid function, pregnancy test and, when indicated, clotting studies.
- Pelvic ultrasound: to look for fibroids, adenomyosis and thickening of the uterine lining.
- Saline sonohysterography or hysteroscopy: to see polyps or fibroids inside the uterine cavity.
- Endometrial biopsy: a quick in-office sample of the uterine lining, recommended for women over 45 and for younger women with risk factors.
Treatment Options for Heavy Periods
The right treatment depends on the cause, your age and whether you want to become pregnant in the future.
Medication
- Tranexamic acid: a non-hormonal tablet taken only during your period to reduce bleeding.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: to lessen bleeding and cramping.
- Hormonal IUD: one of the most effective options for reducing heavy bleeding, lasting several years.
- Birth control pills or progestin therapy: to regulate and lighten periods.
- GnRH-based medications: for fibroid-related bleeding in selected patients.
- Iron replacement: oral or intravenous, to correct anemia.
Procedures
- Hysteroscopic removal of polyps and fibroids: performed through the vagina with no incisions.
- Endometrial ablation: to thin the uterine lining in women who have finished childbearing.
- Laparoscopic myomectomy: removal of larger fibroids while preserving the uterus.
- Uterine artery embolization: a nonsurgical fibroid treatment performed by interventional radiology, to which we can refer.
- Minimally invasive hysterectomy: a permanent option for women who do not plan future pregnancy.
Most women start with medication and move to a procedure only if needed. Dr. Elshatanoufy will discuss the benefits, risks and recovery of each choice with you.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
Tranexamic acid works from the first cycle it is used. A hormonal IUD typically lightens bleeding over three to six months, and many women eventually have very light periods or none at all. Hysteroscopic procedures usually require only a few days of recovery. As bleeding improves and iron levels recover, most women notice more energy within a few months.
Heavy Period Care in Katy, Texas
A careful search for the cause and treatment that starts with the least invasive option.
- Board-certified OB/GYN
- Board-certified in advanced minimally invasive gynecology
- In-office endometrial biopsy
- Hysteroscopic fibroid and polyp removal
- Non-hormonal and hormonal options
- Anemia evaluation and treatment
What Our Patients Say
Patients share their experience of care at our Katy office. Individual results vary.
Dr. Elshatanoufy is simply wonderful! She took the time to thoroughly explain my extensive lab results and other tests, answered all of my questions, and gave me the confidence and peace of mind I needed before moving forward with the procedure.
The entire staff was also incredibly attentive, courteous, and welcoming throughout my visit. I truly loved my experience there and felt very well cared for. I definitely trust Dr. Elshatanoufy and her team with my health needs and would highly recommend them!
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Solafa. She is warm, attentive, and incredibly compassionate. She takes her time during appointments, listens carefully to concerns, and never makes you feel rushed. Her bedside manner is truly wonderful, and she creates such a comfortable and reassuring environment. You can tell she genuinely cares about her patients. Very sweet, professional, and knowledgeable. I’m so grateful to have found her for my mom’s treatment.
Dr. Elshatanoufy was truly lovely to work with. I’ve had a hard time pinning down my symptoms but she was willing to hear my concerns and do a thorough examination to rule out more serious conditions. She was thorough, efficient, patient, gentle, and kind during the pelvic examination, which is a vulnerable position for women. I felt that she genuinely cared for my wellbeing. After receiving less than ideal care at a neighboring practice in Katy, I am really grateful to Dr. E for validating my concerns, making me feel heard, and reassured with my next steps.
The waiting room was pretty busy and cold when I went. Suggest bringing headphones and some long sleeves!
My experience perfection. From check in to check out. Dia was my MA and she was so professional and a pleasure. She answered all my questions and made sure I was taken care of. Dr Elshatanoufy was AWESOME! Great bedside manner and make my exam comfortable. Then I had the pleasure to check out with Elizabeth and she was just as pleasant. I can tell this is an office that cares greatly for their patients!
This was my first visit at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health. It was a great experience, from checking in with a very helpful and friendly receptionist to being seeing by Nida the office manager, Oyin the NP and Dr. E. Everyone was very friendly, professional, and made the visit very comfortable. They thoroughly explained all the finding and the options for treatment. I highly recommend this practice.
Dr E. and her whole staff are gems! They have the best customer service, energy, and I noticed they are great with all other patients besides me. Dr E. really listens to your problems, offers solutions and she explains things so well. You can tell she loves what she does and does a wonderful job at it. I definitely recommend her practice to anyone seeking top notch, high quality care.
Just the kindest people! I was so at ease with the whole experience!! Very knowledgeable, explained everything and answered all my questions!!! Wish I had found her earlier in my life!!
Mi nombre es Nidia, I am a patient at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health and had my surgery less than 15 days ago. This clinic is highly recommended for its excellent medical and humane care. This type of care is provided by the entire staff, in addition to the doctor, including the receptionist, nurses, and health technicians. The surgeon is Solafa Elshatanoufy, who has more than 20 years of experience in women’s pelvic health, offering modern, effective, and minimally invasive treatments in many cases. She is a compassionate and empathetic person who makes you feel safe, listened to, and cared for by expert and professional hands. The environment is clean and welcoming, and thanks to its modernity, I felt almost no discomfort or pain during the procedures, and everything was quick.
One of the best places to see OBGYN. My mom sees Dr. Solafa. The staffs, nurses, Doctors and the services they provide are very professional and welcoming. Highly recommended.
Top-tier doctor and extremely skilled surgeon, I could not have been more blessed to have her taking care of me. Thank you, Dr. E!
Dr. E is a super great Doctor who listens attentively and collaborates closely with patients throughout every step of the process. Additionally, the office staff was professional, courteous, and efficient.
Dr. E is so kind and professional. She listened to all my concerns and had an answer to all my questions. She made sure I was happy with my medications. Her staff is so helpful and make the visit go quickly and efficiently. I am so glad I found Dr E!
Dr. E has the best bedside manner compared to all the doctors I have seen before. She is so knowledgeable and truly cares for her patients and wants the best for everyone. I feel incredibly lucky to find a doctor willing to always spare time for patients. She is amazing and 1000% worth the wait!!!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Heavy Periods
How do I know if my period is too heavy?
Bleeding is considered heavy if it lasts more than seven days, soaks through protection every one to two hours, includes clots the size of a quarter or larger, or makes you tired, dizzy or unable to do your usual activities.
Why do fibroids cause heavy bleeding?
Fibroids can enlarge the uterine cavity, interfere with the uterus contracting normally and increase blood vessels in the lining. Fibroids inside the cavity are the most likely to cause heavy bleeding.
Are blood clots during my period normal?
Small clots can be normal. Frequent clots larger than a quarter are a sign of heavy bleeding and should be evaluated.
Can heavy periods cause anemia?
Yes. Losing more blood than your body can replace leads to iron deficiency anemia, causing fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. It is treatable with iron and by controlling the bleeding.
Is there a non-hormonal treatment for heavy periods?
Yes. Tranexamic acid and anti-inflammatory medication are non-hormonal options taken only during your period. Procedures such as hysteroscopic fibroid removal are also non-hormonal.
Do I need a hysterectomy for heavy bleeding?
Most women do not. Medication, a hormonal IUD and minimally invasive procedures control bleeding for many women. Hysterectomy is an option for those who want a permanent solution.
Do you see patients from outside Katy?
Yes. Women from Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and across Greater Houston are seen at our Katy office.
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Heavy Period Care in Katy and Greater Houston
Evaluations, in-office testing and follow-up visits take place at our Katy office at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, just off the Grand Parkway. We welcome new patients from Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and West Houston.
Ready for Lighter, More Manageable Periods?
You do not have to plan your life around your period. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy to find the cause and the right treatment.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Katy, TX 77494