What is Menorrhagia?
Menorrhagia is a condition marked by unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, which can greatly disrupt daily activities and quality of life.
If your periods last more than seven days, require you to change pads or tampons hourly for several hours, or involve passing large blood clots, you may have menorrhagia.
This condition can cause fatigue and anaemia and disrupt normal activities, making working, studying, or socialising difficult.
What Causes Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
Menorrhagia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hormonal Imbalances: Disruptions in the balance of estrogen and progesterone due to conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, or obesity can result in heavy bleeding.
- Uterine Conditions: Fibroids, polyps, and adenomyosis (thickening of the uterine wall) are common causes.
- Infections: Pelvic infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea can trigger excessive bleeding.
- Other Medical Issues: Conditions such as bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, or uterine cancer can lead to menorrhagia.
- Medications: Blood thinners, hormonal therapies, and improperly removed contraceptive devices can also contribute to heavy bleeding.
- In some cases, pregnancy complications like miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies may result in heavy menstrual bleeding.
How is Menorrhagia Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose menorrhagia through a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests, including:
- Blood Tests: Check for anaemia, clotting disorders, or thyroid issues.
- Imaging Tests: Pelvic ultrasounds or MRIs to identify abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps.
- Biopsies: Pap smears or uterine tissue samples to detect cancer or irregularities.
Additional procedures like hysteroscopy (direct visualization of the uterus) may be performed for a detailed assessment.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the bleeding. Options include:
- Medications: NSAIDs for pain and bleeding, medications to regulate cycles, and to prevent excessive bleeding.
- Surgical Procedures: Hysteroscopy, D&C (removal of uterine lining), myomectomy (removal of fibroids), or, in severe cases, endometrial ablation or hysterectomy.
- Lifestyle changes, such as achieving a healthy weight, can also help manage symptoms.
Why Treat Menorrhagia?
Untreated menorrhagia can lead to serious complications like anaemia, severe fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Early intervention is essential, mainly if conditions like uterine cancer or endometrial abnormalities cause heavy bleeding.
Take Charge of Your Health Today!
If heavy periods are affecting your life, don’t wait. Contact Aditya Hospital for expert diagnosis and personalized treatment to restore your health and well-being.