Talking to Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor today about AUB.
The best way to take control of your heavy periods is to talk to your doctor. Tell
him or her about the way abnormal uterine bleeding affects your life.
Not sure what to say? Read through our Doctor Discussion
Guide for tips and conversation-starters.
Find the right doctor.
Take the time to find a doctor you can trust.
Ideally, this physician will have experience treating women who suffer from excessive
menstrual bleeding.
Compile a written health history.
Print a copy of our Heavy Bleeding Quiz and
Menstrual History. Record your answers. Then track your cycle in a notebook.
Jot down questions and concerns as they occur to you, and bring the list to your
doctor—you don’t have to wait for him or her to ask.
Be as descriptive as possible in your notes, including information about:
- number of days of bleeding each month
- type of protection you need each day (i.e. light flow tampon, heavy pad, double protection)
- how frequently you change protection each day
- any clotting in your flow
- symptoms of fatigue, cramps, moodiness
Work together as a team.
In most cases, your doctor will be your primary source of health information.
Once you agree on a course of treatment for heavy bleeding, take any prescribed
medications as directed, and offer honest, complete feedback on your condition.
Ask specific questions about medical diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
Take an active role in your health.
Spend time researching your treatment options on your own. Talk to friends
and family who may have had similar experiences. Before you decide on a course of
treatment, make sure you understand the benefits and drawbacks of the various treatment options available for abnormal
uterine bleeding.
Set expectations and evaluate results.
Talk about your expectations for the treatment you choose and set appropriate
goals with your doctor. Decide what type of feedback will help your doctor understand
whether you’re getting the results you hoped for.
With Her Option Office Cryoablation Therapy,
you should start experiencing bleeding that falls within the range of
a normal period after approximately two to three cycles. In one study, 88%
of women experienced normal periods or better. In some cases, women experience more
dramatic results, with extremely light periods resulting after the treatment.
Understand important safety information.
Her Option is not recommended for everyone. You’ll need to be evaluated by your
doctor to find out if it’s right for you.
You will not be a candidate if you:
- intend to become pregnant
- use an IUD
- suffer from uterine cancer
- have an active urinary tract infection or pelvic inflammatory disease
- have certain types of uterine abnormalities.
Every medical treatment has risks and complications. Talk to your doctor.
Know what your doctor will be looking for.
Your doctor can only make an accurate diagnosis after ruling out other
menstrual disorders, medical conditions or medications as possible causes of heavy
bleeding.
Your doctor may start by asking about your medical history and your menstrual cycles.
He or she may perform a physical exam, or recommend one of the following tests:
- Blood tests screen for anemia, thyroid disorders or blood-clotting abnormalities.
- Pap tests detect infection, inflammation or changes that may be
cancerous or may lead to cancer.
- Pelvic exams let your doctor check your internal organs for abnormalities.
- Endometrial biopsies rule out cancer or other serious conditions.
- Ultrasound scans produce images of your uterus, ovaries and pelvis.
- Hysteroscopies take a picture of your uterus using a small camera
inserted through your cervix.