Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is a condition where periods are unusually long or heavy, impacting daily activities and overall health.
While menstrual cycles vary, menorrhagia is marked by excessive blood loss that can interfere with work, school, and social life.
What is Menorrhagia?
Menorrhagia involves periods that last longer than seven days or result in excessive blood flow.
It’s not just about more extended periods; it’s about abnormal bleeding that disrupts your daily life.
Common symptoms of menorrhagia include:
- Periods lasting more than seven days
- Bleeding through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row.
- Passing large blood clots (about the size of a quarter or more significant)
- Severe fatigue or shortness of breath due to blood loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes Menorrhagia?
Menorrhagia can be caused by several factors, including:
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or anovulation (lack of ovulation) can cause hormonal changes, leading to heavy bleeding.
- Uterine Growths: Noncancerous growths, such as fibroids or polyps, can interfere with the shedding of the uterine lining and result in heavy periods.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including blood thinners, hormonal birth control, or intrauterine devices (IUDs), can influence menstrual flow.
- Infections: Conditions like sexually transmitted infections or endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining) may contribute to abnormal bleeding.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Bleeding disorders (e.g., von Willebrand disease), liver disease, or even certain cancers can also cause menorrhagia.
How is Menorrhagia Diagnosed?
To diagnose menorrhagia, healthcare providers may perform:
- Pelvic Ultrasound: To detect fibroids or other uterine abnormalities.
- Blood Tests: Check for anaemia, thyroid problems, or clotting disorders.
- Endometrial Biopsy: To rule out cancer or abnormal uterine cells.
Further tests, including an MRI or hysteroscopy, may be necessary based on your symptoms.
What are the Treatment Options available for Menorrhagia?
Treatment changes depending on the cause and severity of the condition:
- Medications: Hormonal treatments like birth control, NSAIDs for pain relief, or iron supplements for managing anemia.
- Surgical Procedures: If medication is ineffective, options like hysteroscopy, endometrial ablation, or even hysterectomy may be considered.
- Non-Surgical Options: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) or myomectomy can treat uterine growths without significant surgery.
Take Control of Your Health
Untreated menorrhagia can lead to complications such as anaemia, fatigue, or more severe health issues like uterine cancer. At Gayatri Maternity Nursing Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing and treating menstrual disorders like menorrhagia. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin the journey to better health.
