Most women have normal and regular periods without any difficulties or complications. But for some women, their periods are very heavy and painful and can even last for up to 2-3 weeks. If you've ever been in a situation where you had to change your pads every hour, then you might be affected by menorrhagia.
The two most common and evident symptoms of menorrhagia are painful and heavy menstrual bleeding and periods that last for more than a week. But if you want to effectively get rid of this problem, then you need to know about what causes it and what options you have. In this blog, we'll discuss everything you need to know about menorrhagia, its meaning, its symptoms, why it happens, and the effective menorrhagia treatment options.
Menorrhagia is when you experience heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts for an abnormally long period of time. Females who have menorrhagia often experience unbearable pain while bleeding. Clinically, when you lose more than 80 millilitres of blood per cycle or bleed for more than 7 days, you could have menorrhagia. You don't have to measure how much you're bleeding to understand if you have menorrhagia or not. You could be having menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding if you are:
If you feel or notice any of these things, you should consult a gynaecologist immediately.
In most cases of menorrhagia, its causes are obvious. However, in some cases, it might not be easily identifiable and may need additional testing to confirm its presence. Here are some of the most common causes of menorrhagia:
Progesterone and oestrogen are the most important hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle. When either one of them goes out of balance, it can cause your uterine lining to thicken and shed more aggressively. This is especially prevalent at puberty and perimenopause.
The benign growth in the uterus can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, especially the large ones or those close to the lining.
In this case, the endometrial tissue grows within the muscle wall that forms the uterus, which increases the pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Some disorders like von Willebrand disease or platelet function disorders prevent or delay blood clotting, which leads to prolonged bleeding.
Non-hormonal intrauterine devices (such as copper IUDs) can sometimes cause heavier periods, especially within the first year after they are inserted.
Certain medicines, such as anticoagulants, anti-inflammatories, or hormonal therapy, can result in heavier bleeding during the cycle.
Menorrhagia can also be associated with thyroid disease, liver disease, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
To diagnose menorrhagia, your doctor will do the following:
Monitoring your menstrual cycle for the length, intensity of flow, and any related symptoms can also provide a much better description of what's happening.
There are various menorrhagia treatment options, such as lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical procedures. However, every case is different, and the most effective menorrhagia treatment for you will be based on the cause, severity, and whether you plan on having children or not. Here are some possible options:
If drugs are not successful or the condition is severe, surgical procedures might be done, such as:
Don't dismiss heavy menstrual bleeding as something to "get used to." If your bleeding is interfering with your quality of life, causing anaemia, or keeping you home from work or school, it's time to seek assistance. Early diagnosis and appropriate menorrhagia treatment can significantly improve your comfort, energy, and overall well-being.
Dealing with menorrhagia isn’t just about enduring “bad periods”; it’s a real medical condition that deserves attention and care. If you suspect you’re bleeding more than you should, don’t downplay it. Whether it’s a hormonal issue, fibroids, or something else entirely, effective menorrhagia treatment options are available.
If you or someone you know is noticing any signs of menorrhagia, then an ultrasound is the most effective diagnostic method. So, don’t wait! Book a lower abdomen ultrasound at Pathkind and get screened early!