Overview

Menorrhagia ( Heavy Menstrual Bleeding ) refers to abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It is characterised by soaking through sanitary pads or tampons within a short duration, requiring frequent changes. Menorrhagia can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, or certain medical conditions, and may require medical intervention.

The affected woman may also experience severe symptoms such as extreme pain or bleeding for over a week. A gynaecologist should check the condition to identify the root cause.

Causes of Menorrhagia

Mentioned below are some of the Menorrhagia causes to identify the root issues of the disease for adequate treatment:

- Hormonal Imbalance- Hormonal imbalance is one of the biggest causes of menorrhagia in females. It can occur due to family history, obesity, PCOS or other gynaecological issues. It may also happen due to the formation of excess endometrium levels that further leads to heavy bleeding. The bleeding can also be experienced with abdominal cramps and weakness. In such scenarios, a gynaecologist helps determine the issue's root cause.
- Improper Functioning of Ovaries- Improper function of the ovaries can also cause hormonal imbalance, leading to heavy bleeding. It happens when the ovaries do not ovulate during the menstrual cycle.
- Uterine Fibroids- These non-cancerous lumps are also one of the reasons for heavy blood flow. They are found near the uterus lining and are usually found in females of childbearing age. These fibroids pressurise the uterus of the female resulting in menorrhagia.
- Adenomyosis- It is also one of the causes of heavy bleeding. The medical disorder happens when the tissue at the lining of the uterus grows inside the wall making the uterus grow double or triple in size. It can be identified by heavy bleeding, pain during intercourse, and cramping. In case of such symptoms, it is advised to get the condition checked by a gynaecologist to know the root cause of the disorder.
- Cancer- Cervical and uterine cancer are also some of the causes of heavy blood flow. These forms of cancer disturb the affected female's hormonal cycle, leading to heavy blood flow during periods resulting in gynaecological disorder. Therefore, it is always advised to get the condition checked by a gynaecologist to know the root cause of the disorder.

Symptoms of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Mentioned below are some of the Menorrhagia symptoms that help to identify the initial stages of the disorder for proper treatment:

- Abdominal Pain- A female experiencing heavy bleeding may also feel abdominal pain. It ceases one from performing routine functions such as workout or travelling. One might also have a low appetite and might feel weakness in case of severe symptoms.
- Extreme Bleeding- Heavy or abnormal bleeding can be identified when changing a sanitary napkin or tampon in an hour or less. The affected female might feel uncomfortable leaving the house and have low energy due to excessive bleeding. In such conditions, one should consult a gynaecologist to know the root cause and begin the required treatment as soon as possible.
- Weakness- In heavy bleeding, a female feels weak and tired. The affected individual does not have the energy to perform tedious activities. For example, one does not feel like exercising heavily or stepping out of the house. Extreme scenarios may involve tiredness, dizziness, and many other symptoms of anaemia.

Treatment options for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Mentioned below are the Menorrhagia treatment options helpful to lower the symptoms of the medical disorder:

- Medications- Specific medications depending upon the current condition of the patient, helps to lower the symptoms of the disorder. Medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium help lower the heavy bleeding and eliminate period cramps. Tranexamic acid is a medicine recommended to reduce heavy blood loss during menstruation. The medicine should be consumed only after a doctor's prescription. Oral contraceptives and oral progesterone are helpful to lower heavy bleeding as well and are also helpful to avoid hormonal imbalances.
- D&C- Dilation and Curettage is a surgical process of opening the cervix and removing or suctioning the uterus lining of the tissue. It helps lower the symptoms, such as heavy bleeding and makes the affected female feel free to perform daily activities.
- Focused Ultrasound Surgery- The surgery involves shrinking the fibroids causing heavy bleeding. The surgery is performed with the help of ultrasound beams at the lining of the uterus with fibroids. No incisions are required to perform the surgery. The surgery is a safe one and helps get rid of heavy bleeding at the earliest possible time.
- Surgical Interventions- Hysterectomy (the surgical removal of the uterus may be considered) and Myomectomy (the surgical removal of the fibroids while preserving the uterus).
- Iron Supplements- If menorrhagia leads to anaemia, iron supplements may be prescribed to address the iron deficiency.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gynecology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Menorrhagia is a gynaecological disorder leading to heavy blood flow during periods. It can happen due to multiple gynaecological issues but can also be treated with the help of proper medications and required surgery.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/know-about-uterine-fibroids-signs-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352829