Why does my mother have heavy bleeding during periods?

Q: My 48 years old mother experiences heavy bleeding during periods. Her periods last for around 3-4 days and again start after 10 days or so. She does not suffer from any stomach pain. We consulted a doctor, but she said it’s normal during menopause. We are really tensed as she has periods for 3-4 times in a month. Please guide.

A:Heavy periods can occur around menopause due to hormonal imbalance or early cancer. She must be tested for that with an ultrasound, pap smear and a pipelle sampling/ D&C to look for the cause. The treatment is usually by hormone therapy - progesterone, for some 6-9 months depending on type of hormone dysfunction, or surgery. Please do not ignore it as normal.