Menorrhagia Overview
Menorrhagia is primarily a medical term used for conditions including prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding. This is a common condition that affects most women and is caused due to a variety of factors, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, hormonal imbalances, or structural abnormalities in the reproductive system.
Menorrhagia can also serve as a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease, disorders in bleeding, or thyroid disease. This article will briefly explore menorrhagia causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Symptoms of menorrhagia
Some of the most common symptoms of menorrhagia are listed below:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding lasts for a prolonged period, around 5-7 days
- Soaking through more than one tampon or pad each hour for a considerable amount of time
- Passing of large clots of blood during menstruation
- Changing tampons or pads during the night becomes necessary
- Fatigue or even shortness of breath as a result of excessive blood loss
- Anaemia can give rise to dizziness, headaches, and weakness
- Abdominal pain, period cramps, and bloating
Menorrhagia treatment
Menorrhagia treatment entirely depends on the severity of the condition and the cases beneath it. Consulting a healthcare professional to adopt the proper treatment method is essential. Here are some common treatments recommended for menorrhagia:
• Hormonal birth control pills:
Hormonal patches, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injections, and birth control pills can assist in regulating the menstrual cycle and reduce excessive bleeding.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
Such medications include naproxen and ibuprofen, which normalise the bleeding and provide relief against painful menstrual cramps.
• Tranexamic acid:
The use of this medication is primarily to reduce the loss of blood during menstruation.
• Progestin:
Progestin injections and pills regulate menstrual cycles and reduce blood loss.
Other treatments may include
• Endometrial ablation:
This is a surgical procedure recommended by doctors depending on the severity of the condition and the causes. The surgical procedure works by removing the uterus lining to reduce menstrual bleeding.
• Hysterectomy:
If there is no other option for menorrhagia treatment, doctors usually recommend a hysterectomy. In this surgical procedure, the uterus is removed to check for excessive bleeding. This is, however, the last resort for treating menorrhagia.
Conclusion
Therefore, to sum up, menorrhagia is a condition that needs immediate medical attention to avoid future complications. If you encounter any symptoms, such as irregular menstrual cycle, heavy, irregular bleeding, or period pain, seeking immediate medical attention without further delay is essential. Stay safe and spread awareness.
FAQs related to menorrhagia
1. How long does menorrhagia last?
The duration of menorrhagia can vary from one woman to the other which can last between 3-7 days. The underlying cause of the condition determines the duration of menorrhagia. For instance, if the leading cause behind it is hormonal imbalance, it will last until the correction of the hormonal balance. With the correct treatment, this duration can be reduced.
2. What is the main cause of menorrhagia?
There can be various underlying causes of menorrhagia, a medical term for prolonged menstrual bleeding. Some common causes include:
- Uterine fibroids
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Disorders concerning blood clotting
- Endometrial polyps
- Medications such as blood thinners
- Adenomyosis
3. Is menorrhagia a symptom of PCOS?
Yes, menorrhagia can be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) for some women. PCOS is a type of hormonal disorder with many symptoms like ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and heavy bleeding. For women with PCOS, the ovaries tend to produce higher levels of androgens, and the release of eggs may not happen regularly. This results in irregular periods and hormonal imbalances, eventually leading to heavy menstrual bleeding.
4. Is menorrhagia a serious problem?
Menorrhagia can turn into a serious problem if left untreated. Below are mentioned some potential complications of menorrhagia:
- Anaemia
- Physical discomfort
- This prevents one from leading a quality life
- Reduced fertility
- Emotional distress
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.