Dr. Uppal Discusses Menstrual Health ChallengesWomenlines welcomes Gynaecologist Dr. Talat Uppal from Sydney!

Menstrual cycles can be challenging, particularly for those experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding. Dr. Talat Uppal provides insights on managing this condition, helping women understand the causes and available treatments to improve their quality of life. Menstruation is often seen as an inconvenience, but for millions of women, it can be a disruptive and distressing reality.

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) not only causes physical discomfort but can also lead to emotional and social challenges, affecting daily activities, work, and relationships. Today, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Talat Uppal, Director at Women’s Health Road in New South Wales, Australia. Dr. Uppal will help us understand the causes of heavy menstrual bleeding and the available treatments, offering insights and solutions for those affected by this condition.

Dr. Talat Uppal is the Director at Women’s Health Road, an innovative multidisciplinary medical centre for women located in Frenchs Forest, Sydney. She is an esteemed Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, currently serving at both the Northern Beaches and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospitals.

Additionally, Dr. Uppal is a Clinical Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Macquarie University.

With over a decade of experience, Dr. Uppal previously held the role of Senior Obstetrics Staff Specialist and Clinical Director of Women’s, Children & Family Health at Manly and Mona Vale Hospitals. She has also chaired the NSW State Reference Committee and the NSW RANZCOG Education Subcommittee.

As a RANZCOG Media Spokesperson, Dr. Uppal is a vocal advocate for women’s health. Her special interest lies in supporting the role of General Practitioners within the women’s health context.

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), also known as menorrhagia, is a common but often misunderstood condition. It affects many women at some point in their lives, significantly impacting their daily activities and overall quality of life. This comprehensive article will delve into the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for heavy menstrual bleeding, providing valuable insights for those experiencing this condition.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as excessive menstrual blood loss that interferes with a woman’s physical, emotional, social, and material quality of life. Clinically, it is often characterized by:

• Menstrual periods lasting more than 7 days.
• Needing to change sanitary protection every 1-2 hours.
• Passing large blood clots.
• Symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue or shortness of breath.

Recognizing the symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment. Common symptoms include:

1. Prolonged Bleeding: Menstrual periods that last more than a week.
2. Excessive Blood Loss: Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours.
3. Passing Large Clots: Blood clots larger than a quarter during menstruation.
4. Interference with Daily Activities: The need to double up on sanitary protection to control menstrual flow or to change sanitary products frequently, even at night.
5. Symptoms of Anemia: Fatigue, shortness of breath, and pallor, due to significant blood loss.