Painful Periods & Heavy Bleeding | Santa Fe OBGYN
PCOS | Polyps | Fibroids | Cysts

Pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, affecting everything from daily activities to emotional well-being. At Santa Fe OBGYN, we understand that these symptoms often signal underlying conditions that require careful evaluation and personalized treatment approaches. Our experienced providers utilize advanced diagnostic techniques including pelvic examinations, ultrasound imaging, laboratory testing, and when necessary, minimally invasive procedures to accurately identify the root causes of your discomfort and abnormal bleeding patterns.

Common conditions responsible for pelvic pain and heavy bleeding include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, and ovarian cysts. Each of these conditions presents with distinct characteristics and may require different treatment strategies, ranging from hormonal management and lifestyle modifications to minimally invasive surgical interventions. Our comprehensive approach ensures that we address not only your immediate symptoms but also any underlying hormonal imbalances or structural abnormalities that may be contributing to your condition.

We work collaboratively with you to develop treatment plans that consider your symptoms, lifestyle, family planning goals, and personal preferences. Whether your condition requires medication management, minimally invasive procedures, or ongoing monitoring, our goal is to restore your comfort and help you regain control over your reproductive health.

PCOS, Fibroids,
Polyps & Cysts
Santa Fe OBGYN

Pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, affecting everything from daily activities to emotional well-being. At Santa Fe OBGYN, we understand that these symptoms often signal underlying conditions that require careful evaluation and personalized treatment approaches. Our experienced providers utilize advanced diagnostic techniques including pelvic examinations, ultrasound imaging, laboratory testing, and when necessary, minimally invasive procedures to accurately identify the root causes of your discomfort and abnormal bleeding patterns.

Common conditions responsible for pelvic pain and heavy bleeding include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, and ovarian cysts. Each of these conditions presents with distinct characteristics and may require different treatment strategies, ranging from hormonal management and lifestyle modifications to minimally invasive surgical interventions. Our comprehensive approach ensures that we address not only your immediate symptoms but also any underlying hormonal imbalances or structural abnormalities that may be contributing to your condition.

We work collaboratively with you to develop treatment plans that consider your symptoms, lifestyle, family planning goals, and personal preferences. Whether your condition requires medication management, minimally invasive procedures, or ongoing monitoring, our goal is to restore your comfort and help you regain control over your reproductive health.

Causes of Heavy Bleeding

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome represents one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and multiple small cysts on the ovaries. Women with PCOS often experience symptoms including heavy or absent periods, pelvic pain, weight gain, excessive hair growth, acne, and fertility challenges. The condition results from complex interactions between insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and genetic factors, creating a syndrome that affects not only reproductive health but also metabolic function and long-term cardiovascular risk.

Treatment for PCOS typically involves a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term health concerns. Hormonal contraceptives can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen-related symptoms, while metformin may be prescribed to improve insulin sensitivity and support weight management. Lifestyle modifications including dietary changes and regular exercise play crucial roles in managing PCOS symptoms and reducing associated health risks. For women seeking pregnancy, fertility treatments and ovulation induction may be necessary, while those not planning pregnancy benefit from hormonal management that prevents endometrial complications and reduces cardiovascular risk factors.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within or on the muscular wall of the uterus, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50. These benign tumors can vary dramatically in size, from microscopic growths to large masses that distort the uterine shape, and their location determines the specific symptoms experienced. Women with fibroids often report heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, constipation, and in some cases, fertility difficulties or pregnancy complications.

Treatment options for fibroids depend on factors including size, location, symptoms severity, and the patient’s reproductive plans. Conservative management may include hormonal therapies to reduce bleeding and shrink fibroid size, while minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolization or focused ultrasound can effectively treat problematic fibroids while preserving the uterus.

For women with severe symptoms or large fibroids, surgical options including myomectomy (fibroid removal) or hysterectomy may be recommended. Our providers work closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on their specific circumstances and future family planning goals.

Endometrial Polyps

Endometrial polyps are typically benign growths that develop from the lining of the uterus (endometrium), projecting into the uterine cavity and potentially causing irregular bleeding patterns. These soft, finger-like projections can occur singly or in clusters and may range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size. Women with endometrial polyps commonly experience irregular menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, heavy menstrual flow, or postmenopausal bleeding, though some polyps remain asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally during routine examinations.

Diagnosis of endometrial polyps often requires specialized imaging such as saline infusion sonography or hysteroscopy, which allows direct visualization of the uterine cavity. Treatment approaches vary based on polyp size, symptoms, and patient age, with small, asymptomatic polyps sometimes monitored rather than immediately removed. Symptomatic polyps typically require removal through hysteroscopic polypectomy, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that allows for both removal and pathological examination of the tissue. While most endometrial polyps are benign, removal provides symptom relief and eliminates the small risk of malignant transformation, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within the ovaries, with most being functional cysts that form as part of normal ovarian function during the menstrual cycle. While many ovarian cysts resolve spontaneously without treatment, larger or persistent cysts can cause pelvic pain, bloating, pressure sensations, and in some cases, complications such as ovarian torsion or rupture. Complex cysts or those with concerning characteristics on imaging require careful evaluation to rule out malignancy, particularly in postmenopausal women where the risk of ovarian cancer increases.

Management of ovarian cysts depends on factors including cyst size, appearance on imaging, patient symptoms, and age. Simple functional cysts are often monitored with serial ultrasounds to ensure resolution, while hormonal contraceptives may be prescribed to prevent new cyst formation. Larger cysts, those causing significant symptoms, or cysts with complex features typically require surgical intervention, which can often be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Our providers utilize advanced imaging and surgical approaches to accurately diagnose and treat ovarian cysts while preserving healthy ovarian tissue whenever possible, ensuring optimal outcomes for both symptom relief and future reproductive health.

Painful Periods & Heavy Bleeding | Santa Fe OBGYN PCOS | Polyps | Fibroids | Cysts