What is Menorrhagia?
Menorrhagia refers to abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding that disrupts daily life.
If your period lasts more than seven days, requires frequent pad or tampon changes, or causes excessive blood loss, you may be dealing with menorrhagia.
Symptoms can include
- Large blood clots
- Fatigue
- Pain that makes it hard to do regular activities.
What Causes Menorrhagia?
Various factors can contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding:
- Hormonal issues: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or obesity can affect hormone levels, leading to heavy periods.
- Uterine growths: Non-cancerous growths such as fibroids, polyps, or adenomyosis in the uterus are common causes of excessive bleeding.
- Medical conditions & infections: Disorders like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can result in heavy bleeding.
- Medications: Certain medications, like blood thinners, IUDs, or hormone treatments, may cause abnormal bleeding.
How Do I Know If I Have Menorrhagia?
If you’re experiencing:
- Periods that last longer than 7 days.
- It would help to change your tampon or pad every hour for several hours.
- Blood clots larger than a quarter multiple times a day.
- Extreme fatigue or shortness of breath from blood loss.
- Missing out on daily activities or avoiding social events because of your period.
- You could be experiencing menorrhagia. Talk to your specialists for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
How is Menorrhagia Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and your overall health:
- Medications: Doctors often start with treatments like iron supplements, or birth control pills to regulate periods and reduce bleeding.
- Hormonal therapy: For hormonal imbalances, treatments like hormone replacement therapy can be effective.
- Surgical treatments: If medications don’t help, procedures like hysteroscopy (removing growths), D&C (removing the uterine lining), or even a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be necessary.
Why Is It Important to Seek Treatment?
Menorrhagia left untreated can lead to severe complications such as anaemia, which causes extreme fatigue, weakness, and other health issues. It can also impact your emotional and physical health, making it vital to seek appropriate Treatment.
Contact LIGG Hospital Today
If you’re struggling with heavy periods, don’t wait. Contact LIGG Hospital for a consultation with our expert gynaecologists. We offer personalized care and Treatment plans to help you manage your symptoms and regain control of your life. Your health is our priority!
