By: DelCharco M.D. OB/GYN
September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the cancers that affect the female reproductive system and to encourage women to take their symptoms seriously. Heavy periods are one of the most common gynecologic complaints, affecting roughly one in five women of reproductive age. In the overwhelming majority of cases, heavy periods have a benign explanation. But benign does not always mean insignificant, and there are situations where heavy or abnormal bleeding is the body’s way of signaling something that deserves a closer look. At DelCharco M.D. OB/GYN in Ocala, Florida, we believe that awareness and action together are what save lives.
“Dr. DelCharco is so caring and really listens to his patients. His staff is amazing and always makes you feel welcome! His schedulers are on point! I love this office, you can tell it’s really centered over women’s health and comfortability.”
—DelCharco M.D. OB/GYN Patient Testimonial
What Heavy Periods Can Signal
Heavy menstrual bleeding, clinically referred to as menorrhagia, is defined as soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours, passing clots larger than a quarter, or experiencing bleeding that significantly interferes with daily life. Many women normalize this experience, assuming it is simply how their body works. But heavy periods are a symptom, not a baseline, and they can reflect underlying gynecologic conditions that range from benign to serious. Our dedicated heavy periods services are designed to get to the root cause rather than manage the symptom in isolation.
The most common causes of heavy menstrual bleeding include uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, adenomyosis (endometrial tissue growing into the uterine wall), hormonal imbalances including PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, formerly known as PCOS) and thyroid dysfunction, and blood clotting disorders. These conditions are treatable, and most women with heavy periods will find that their cause is one of these.
When Heavy Bleeding Points to Something More Serious
During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to acknowledge that heavy or abnormal bleeding is also associated with certain gynecologic cancers, most notably endometrial cancer. This is not meant to cause alarm; it is meant to motivate prompt evaluation when symptoms are present.
Endometrial cancer, the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, typically presents with abnormal uterine bleeding. In premenopausal women, this may look like unusually heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or significant changes in a previously regular menstrual pattern. The connection between heavy or irregular premenopausal bleeding and endometrial cancer is most relevant for women with specific risk factors, including obesity, diabetes, PMOS, a history of tamoxifen use, or a family history of Lynch syndrome.
For postmenopausal women, the standard is clearer: any vaginal bleeding after menopause is not normal and requires evaluation. Our dedicated postmenopausal bleeding services are designed to provide prompt and thorough assessment for women in this situation.
The Five Gynecologic Cancers Worth Knowing
September is a good time to revisit the full spectrum of gynecologic cancers, each of which has a different relationship with bleeding and different awareness needs.
Uterine (endometrial) cancer: The most common gynecologic cancer, with abnormal uterine bleeding as its primary warning sign. Most often diagnosed in postmenopausal women, but occurring in premenopausal women with risk factors as well.
Cervical cancer: Often asymptomatic in early stages, which is why routine Pap smear screening is essential. Intermenstrual bleeding or bleeding after intercourse can be symptoms of cervical disease.
Ovarian cancer: Rarely presents with bleeding as a primary symptom but may cause vague abdominal or pelvic symptoms including bloating, pressure, and changes in urinary or bowel habits. There is currently no reliable routine screening test for ovarian cancer in the general population.
Vaginal cancer: May cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly after intercourse or after menopause. Rare and most commonly associated with HPV infection.
Vulvar cancer: May cause persistent itching, burning, or a visible lesion on the vulva. Symptoms are often present for some time before women seek evaluation, which is why not dismissing vulvar symptoms matters.
When Normalization Gets in the Way
One of the patterns we see most often at DelCharco M.D. OB/GYN is women who have been living with heavy or abnormal bleeding for months or years without seeking care because they were told, or told themselves, that it was just how their body works. Heavy bleeding is common. That does not make it normal. Common means it happens frequently. Normal means it is appropriate and does not require attention. These are not the same thing.
Women who have been dismissing heavy periods because they are manageable, because they have always been this way, or because a previous provider suggested waiting to see if things improved deserve a thorough evaluation, not more waiting. The fact that a symptom has been present for a long time does not reduce its significance. In some cases, longstanding symptoms that were treated as benign turn out to have a cause that has been accumulating unchecked.
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month is an invitation to act, not just to read. For women with heavy periods that have not been evaluated: schedule an appointment. For women who have been told their heavy periods are normal without any workup: ask for a thorough evaluation. For postmenopausal women who have experienced any bleeding: do not wait. And for all women: make sure your Pap smear and mammogram are current.
“Courtney makes you comfortable and is easy to talk to, she did a blood draw for genetics. I didn’t even feel the needle poke. I was thoroughly impressed as I’m a big baby for the blood test. I was relieved after meeting Courtney. I knew she was new at the office. She is nothing but pleasant,professional and easy to talk to. I feel like she is knowledgeable and takes her time to make sure you feel your health is the focus.”
—DelCharco M.D. OB/GYN Patient Testimonial
DelCharco M.D. OB/GYN: Comprehensive Gynecologic Care in Ocala
At DelCharco M.D. OB/GYN, we provide thorough evaluation and treatment for heavy periods, abnormal uterine bleeding, and postmenopausal bleeding, including pelvic ultrasound and in-office surgical procedures. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month is a good reason to prioritize a visit if you have been putting one off. Schedule your appointment online or call us at (352) 690-6300.