Tests & Screenings

If you experience heavy or prolonged periods, schedule an appointment with your doctor and note down when the bleeding occurs during the month. Your doctor will first evaluate your medical history, ask for a description of your period and carry out a pelvic examination.

For women who are above 40 years old, a pelvic ultrasound scan or a biopsy of the lining of the womb is usually performed, so as to ensure that there are no abnormal cells. Other tests may include:

Pap smear. The Pap test is performed to detect infection, inflammatino or changes that may be cancerous.

Endometrial biopsy where a tissue sample is taken from the inside of your uterus to be examined under a microscope.

Hysteroscopy in which the canal of the cervix and interior of the uterus is examined by inserting a viewing instrument through the vagina.

Dilation and curettage (D and C) in which the cervical canal is widened and the uterine cavity is scraped to collect tissue for lab analysis.

Menorrhagia can only be diagnosed after other menstrual disorders or medical conditions such as cancer or uterine fibroids have been ruled out.