Menorrhagia symptoms include having heavy periods that last more than seven days and losing twice the average amount of blood. It is important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms because they can indicate a serious medical condition.
A normal menstrual cycle normally lasts about 29 days with a range of 23-39 days. In this period, you typically lose between 30 and 40 milliliters of blood per cycle.
The most common cause of menorrhagia is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when estrogen levels are too high or progesterone levels are too low. Hormonal imbalances can also be caused by uterine abnormalities like fibroids or polyps.
Adolescent girls often develop menorrhagia when they have anovulatory cycles, which means that the ovaries are not releasing an egg during their menstrual cycle. Anovulation can also lead to a hormone imbalance because the body cannot produce progesterone when it does not have an egg in it.
Other uterine problems can also cause menorrhagia, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and other sexually transmitted infections. Uterine disorders may also be a symptom of other health conditions like thyroid and liver diseases.
Pap tests and ultrasounds can help determine the cause of menorrhagia, as well as check for clotting or anemia issues. In some cases, a biopsy can be done to look for cancer or other abnormalities in the lining of the uterus.
Your doctor will ask about your menstrual history, medications you are taking, and any birth control methods you use. They will also want to know about other medical conditions you have, such as a thyroid disorder or liver or kidney disease.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is a condition that can occur in women of all ages, and it can be both structural and nonstructural. It is not always serious, but it can be life-threatening.
If your bleeding is very heavy, you need to see your gynecologist or obstetrician for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will take a detailed history of your menstrual cycle and discuss the causes of the bleeding with you.
A few other things that can cause menorrhagia include having a hysterectomy, or having an ovarian or uterine cancer. These conditions can lead to a uterine blockage that will cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
You can prevent heavy bleeding by getting a proper menstrual hygiene plan. This includes changing your pads or tampons at least every two hours. You can also use a pad or tampon that contains a lubricant, such as vaseline, to make your menstrual flow more regular.
To treat menorrhagia, your doctor will prescribe medications that can reduce the bleeding or pain caused by uterine contractions. These medications can be taken orally or given by injection.
Your doctor will consider your age, overall health, and medical history to come up with the best treatment option for you. They will also take into account your expectations and preferences.
Surgical procedures to treat menorrhagia are available, and can be very effective in relieving the pain and cramping associated with this condition. A doctor will evaluate your menstrual cycle, age and general health to determine which procedure is best for you.
