Learn How a Single Treatment in Your Doctor’s Office
Can Relieve Symptoms of Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
 

Most girls learning about menstruation are taught that a normal period occurs about every 28 days and lasts four to five days.  But for millions of women, the reality of menstruation may be very different.  For these women, periods may last longer than seven days and may be accompanied by hemorrhaging, profuse bleeding, clotting and severe cramping.  The clinical name for this type of excessive menstrual bleeding is menorrhagia.

“Menorrhagia has an affect on quality of life and also takes an emotional toll,” explains Dr. Lynn Osmundsen, of Aethena Gynecology Associates.  “It also can lead to iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which blood becomes low on healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to tissues.”

It is estimated that menorrhagia affects 28 million women worldwide.  One study found excessive menstrual bleeding is the main complaint in up to one-third of all referrals to gynecology outpatient clinics and that more than half of such women will undergo hysterectomy within five years.

While hysterectomy is one treatment option for excessive menstrual bleeding, there are other more conservative approaches that can provide significant long-term relief. 

Cryoablation is one such treatment.

Cryoablation uses sub-zero temperatures to reduce or eliminate excessive menstrual periods.  The cold temperatures destroy the uterine lining, which is responsible for menstrual bleeding.

“When the endometium is eliminated, there is less tissue to shed each period, and therefore, dramatically less or no menstrual bleeding,” explains Dr. Leslie Struxness, of Aethena Gynecology Associates. “And unlike hysterectomy, cryoablation allows you to keep your uterus and natural hormones.”

Dr. Osmundsen uses a cryoablation process called Her Option.  The treatment is available at her office – rather than at a hospital – and generally takes about 20 minutes.

The Her Option treatment involves inserting a slim probe vaginally through the cervix and into the uterus.  No cervical dilation is required.  Once in place, the cooling process begins and the probe freezes tissue symmetrically around its tip.

“Most women do not experience pain during the procedure,” says Dr. Struxness.  “Sometimes there is mild pressure or cramping sensation.”

The results of Her Option office cryoablation therapy are encouraging.  At 24 months, 91 percent of patients were very or extremely satisfied with treatment results.  A full 96 percent of patients would recommend Her Option to a friend. 

“Cryoblation is a safe and effective step forward controlling excessive menstrual bledding and potentially avoiding hysterectomy,” says Dr. Struxness.  “Best of all, it is available in the comfort of our physician’s office.”

In The News

Aethena Gynecology Associates is pleased to announce the addition of Susanne Hutchinson, A.R.N.P.  Susanne joined Aethena on August 1, 2005.  Hutchinson has been serving patients in the Vancouver area since 1993, spending 12 years with Vancouver OB/GYN.  She is a member of the North American Menopause Society and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health.  She is also a credentialed N.A.M.S. Menopause Practitioner.

Hutchinson sees women of all ages with a particular interest in peri-menopausal issues, irregular bleeding, and the complexities surrounding hormone therapy and libido issues.  She also does contraceptive and pre-pregnancy counseling with her patients.

“I like to develop a relationship with our patients,” says Hutchinson. “I like helping them work through issues, and establishing a dialogue together. My style is to encourage women to participate in their health care, and to tell me what’s happening, so I can help.”

With hormone therapy, Hutchinson discusses the controversies, risks, and benefits. “At Aethena, our focus is on preventative health care – to be active in good health care,” she says. “We encourage women to be diligent in having annual exams.”

Beginning at age 21, Aethena recommends the annual clinical breast exam.  At age 40, women should have their annual mammogram, which can detect breast cancer or other ailments.

She is also a big advocate in helping women overcome emotional issues when dealing with the effects of pre-menopause, peri-menopause, and menopause.

“I do treat simple depression, but I like to refer some patients to professional counseling because it’s a healthy intervention,” she says. “I try to remove the stigma of depression because many of the physical changes in a woman’s body can affect her emotional well being.”

In her spare time, Hutchinson enjoys being physically active – whether it be snow skiing, hiking, traveling, or gardening. She also enjoys reading and cooking.

For more information on providers and services at Aethena Gynecology Associates, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at (360)693.7878.

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