Understanding Menorrhagia: When Your Periods Need Medical Attention

Menstruation is a natural part of a woman’s life. But what happens when your period goes from a predictable to an unmanageable one? 

Heavy or prolonged bleeding is a medical condition known as Menorrhagia. Heavy periods can be common. Menorrhagia is severe bleeding. It interferes with your daily life and works like a trigger that you need a doctor. 

What is Menorrhagia? 

Menorrhagia is a medical term for abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It’s more than just a nuisance. It can be a serious issue that impacts your physical and emotional well-being. A normal menstrual period typically lasts between 3 and 7 days, with a total blood loss of approximately 30 to 40 milliliters. With Menorrhagia, periods can last longer than 7 days. The blood loss can be significantly higher sometimes to the point of causing anemia. 

Here are some key Menorrhagia symptoms to look out for: 

• Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour. 

• Need to use double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow. 

• Need to wake up to change sanitary protection during the night. 

• Passing blood clots larger than a 50p coin. 

• Menstrual flow lasting for more than seven days. 

• Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, and a general feeling of weakness. 

Causes of Menorrhagia 

Identifying the Menorrhagia causes is a critical step in finding the right treatment. The underlying reasons can vary widely. From hormonal imbalances to more serious uterine conditions, it has several underlying causes. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormones estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle. If these hormones are out of balance, the uterine lining can become excessively thick. It sheds with heavy bleeding. This is a common cause, particularly in adolescents and women approaching menopause. 

• Uterine Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths of the uterus. They may cause heavy and prolonged bleeding. Most fibroids are benign. Yet, their size and location can significantly impact menstrual flow. 

• Uterine Polyps: These are small and benign growths on the uterus lining or endometrium. They can also lead to heavy or prolonged bleeding. 

• Adenomyosis: This condition occurs when the endometrial tissue grows into your uterine wall. It can lead to a thickened uterus, causing pain and heavy bleeding. 

Menorrhagia Treatment Options 

The Menorrhagia treatment plan depends on the underlying cause. Your health and your plans for future pregnancies also impact the treatment. A gynecologist or a specialist in women’s health will conduct a thorough examination. She may order tests like a blood test, an ultrasound, or a biopsy to determine the cause. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can be tailored to your specific needs.

Medication 

This is often the first line of treatment. 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen can help reduce blood loss. They are quite beneficial in relieving painful cramps. 

• Tranexamic acid: This medication helps blood clot. It can be taken during a period to reduce bleeding. 

• Hormonal birth control: Pills, patches, or hormonal IUDs can regulate the menstrual cycle. They also minimize bleeding and alleviate pain. 

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists: These medications temporarily stop menstruation. They can be used to shrink fibroids. 

Surgical Procedures

Surgery is useful when medicine is not effective or if fibroids or polyps cause the condition. 

• Hysteroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove fibroids or polyps. 

• Endometrial ablation: A procedure that destroys the uterine lining. It reduces and stops the menstrual flow. This is not recommended for women who wish to have children in the future. 

• Hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus. This is a last resort, but it is a permanent solution for Menorrhagia.

When to Seek Medical Attention 

While it’s easy to dismiss a heavy period as “just the way it is,” it’s vital to know when to seek professional help. The following are clear signs that you should visit a Gynecology Hospital in Kanpur if you are living in Uttar Pradesh:

• Your periods are so heavy that they are affecting your daily life. 

• You are experiencing symptoms of anemia. Extreme fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath are some of them. 

• You are concerned about your bleeding patterns or feel that something is not right. 

Also Read: PCOS Explained: What It Means and How It Affects Daily Life

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When to seek medical attention for Menorrhagia? 

You should seek medical attention if your periods are consistently heavy. Watch if they interfere with your daily life to make you change your sanitary protection. In this condition, the periods may last beyond 7 days. Some even experience symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. 

What are the risk factors for Menorrhagia? 

Risk factors for Menorrhagia include hormonal imbalances. It is particularly seen in adolescents and women approaching menopause. The presence of uterine fibroids or polyps is also among the culprits. Other medical conditions, like bleeding disorders or thyroid issues, may also be seen. A sudden change in period flow can also be a risk factor. 

Why do I suddenly have Menorrhagia? 

A sudden onset of Menorrhagia can be due to a hormonal imbalance. It is often from an anovulatory cycle (a menstrual cycle without ovulation). Other sudden causes can be pregnancy-related complications. Miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. Or the development of uterine growths like polyps or fibroids. 

What to avoid when you have Menorrhagia?  

While you cannot “avoid” Menorrhagia, you can manage its symptoms. Avoiding blood-thinning medications like aspirin unless prescribed by your doctor is wise. Additionally, manage your stress levels. Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron to combat potential anemia. 

What is the medical treatment for Menorrhagia? 

The medical treatment for Menorrhagia depends on the cause. But it can also include NSAIDs, tranexamic acid, and hormonal birth control measures. If these are ineffective, surgical procedures are recommended. Endometrial ablation or a hysterectomy is quite common.