What Is Menorrhagia?
Menstrual bleeding lasting longer than seven days is known as menorrhagia. Extremely severe bleeding is another possibility. Heavy bleeding occurs when one passes clots the size of a quarter or more or if one has to change their tampons or pad after less than two hours. A person should visit a doctor if they are experiencing this kind of bleeding.
If neglected, severe or protracted bleeding can prevent one from fully experiencing life. Anemia may also result from it. Anemia is a common blood condition that can make one feel weak or exhausted. Bleeding disorders may be the cause of various health issues.
What Are the Causes of Heavy Bleeding During Periods?
Multiple causes trigger heavy bleeding. Once the doctor rules out pregnancy or its complications, he/ she will consider other causes, such as
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Fibroid (non-cancerous or cancerous tumor in the uterus).
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Hormonal imbalance.
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Polyps (small growths on the wall of the cervix).
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Endometriosis (abnormal growth of a layer of tissue on the outside of the uterus).
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Copper IUD (intrauterine device).
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Bleeding disorders.
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Thyroid dysfunction.
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Rarely, cancer of the uterus, ovaries, or cervix.
What Are the Symptoms of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
Menstrual bleeding is considered to be heavy if:
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One has to change the pad every one or two hours on at least a single day of their period.
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The periods last longer than a week.
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There is blood loss of more than 80 ml per cycle.
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An individual may pass clots each month.
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Invariably, there is an overflow of clothes and bed linen.
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The periods are so heavy and it leads to iron-deficiency anemia.
How Is Menorrhagia Diagnosed?
As different people may have varying definitions of "heavy bleeding," it might be difficult to determine if a woman frequently experiences excessive menstrual flow. Menstrual bleeding typically lasts four to five days and results in only a small amount of blood loss—two to three teaspoons. On the other hand, women who experience menorrhagia typically lose twice the amount of blood and hemorrhage for longer than seven days. See a doctor if the bleeding is severe enough to require changing the pad or tampon almost every hour or if it persists for more than seven days during a period. The doctor will inquire about the period and medical history to determine whether it is menorrhagia.
He or she might inquire about the following:
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When one had their first period, what was their age?
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What is the duration of the monthly cycle?
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What is the average duration of the menstrual cycle?
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For what number of days does a heavy menstrual cycle occur?
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What impact do the periods have on life's quality?
The physician may recommend some or all of the following tests to determine whether one has a bleeding issue:
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Blood Examination: The blood will be drawn for this test using a needle. After that, it will be examined to rule out anemia, thyroid issues, or issues with blood clotting.
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Pap Test: To carry out this test, cells from the cervix are extracted and examined to see whether one has an infection, an inflammatory condition, or changes in the cells that could indicate or result in cancer.
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Biopsy of the Endometrium: To detect cancer or other abnormal cells, tissue samples are extracted from the "endometrium," the inner lining of the uterus. During this test, people may feel the sensation of experiencing severe menstrual cramps. However, it does not take long, and the pain usually goes away once the test is over.
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Ultrasound: This non-invasive examination uses sound waves and computer graphics to display the appearance of the blood vessels, tissues, and organs. The doctor can then examine the blood flow and assess their functioning.
Based on the findings of these initial examinations, the physician may suggest additional testing, such as
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Sonohysterogram: After the fluid is injected into the uterus through the cervix and vagina, an ultrasound scan is performed. This enables the doctor to check for issues in the uterine lining. During this operation, mild to moderate pressure or cramping may be experienced.
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Hysteroscopy: Using a tiny tool, the inside of the uterus is examined to determine whether one has fibroids, polyps, or other issues that could be causing bleeding. One may be given medication to either put one to sleep (general anesthesia) or to numb the area that is being examined (local anesthesia).
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Dilation and Curettage (D&C): This technique (or test) aims to identify the source of bleeding and treat it. The uterus's inside lining is scraped and examined during a D&C to see what may be causing the bleeding. A D&C is an easy process. Although it is typically performed in an operating room, people will not need to stay in the hospital afterward. During the procedure, people may be given medication to put them to sleep or an anesthetic to numb the area that needs to be worked on.
What Is the Treatment of the Condition?
Medicinal Therapy
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Iron Supplements: If one has symptoms of anemia, these can help the blood carry oxygen by increasing the amount of iron in it.
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Ibuprofen (Advil): To lessen the severity of discomfort, cramping during menstruation, and bleeding. NSAIDS may raise the risk of bleeding in certain women.
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Birth Control Pills: To assist in decreasing bleeding and regularizing periods.
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Intrauterine Contraception (IUC): Drug-releasing devices are inserted into the uterus to help reduce bleeding and regularize periods.
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Hormone Therapy: Reducing the amount of bleeding using hormone therapy (medication containing progesterone and/or estrogen).
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Nasal Spray: With the help of a clotting protein called "factor" that is temporarily elevated in the blood and released from the blood vessel lining, desmopressin nasal spray helps people with specific bleeding disorders, such as mild hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, stop bleeding.
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Antifibrinolytic Medications: These include aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid; they block the breakdown of clots once they have formed, hence reducing bleeding.
Surgical Treatment
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Dilation and Curettage (D&C): A technique used to lessen menstrual flow that involves removing the outermost layer of the uterine lining. It may be necessary to repeat this process in the future.
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Operative Hysteroscopy: A surgical treatment that can help remove fibroids and polyps from the uterus, treat abnormalities in the uterus, and remove the uterine lining to control heavy monthly flow. It uses a specialized tool to inspect the inside of the uterus.
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Endometrial Ablation and Resection: Two surgical treatments that include the removal of all or part of the uterine lining to regulate menstrual bleeding. These operations are performed using distinct techniques. Certain people may stop having menstrual cycles, while others may still get periods with a lighter flow. The operations stop women from becoming pregnant in the future, even if they do not remove the uterus.
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Hysterectomy: A hysterectomy is a significant surgical procedure that involves the removal of the entire uterus and necessitates hospitalization. A woman who has this treatment will no longer be able to conceive and will no longer get her period.
How to Manage Them at Home?
There are certain remedies one can try before going for medications
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Herbal teas, meaning infusions made of natural ingredients like cinnamon, cumin, or chamomile, are thought to provide soothing relief.
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Placing an ice pack on the abdomen every few hours may reduce the discomfort to a certain extent.
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It is that time of the month when the hormones wreak havoc and cause bloating and indigestion. So, eating light, going green, and including lots of healthy stuff is a good idea to ensure an individual eats a well-balanced diet.
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Drink plenty of water. It would flush out the toxins and excess hormones and help one feel refreshed.
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Iron supplements help improve the symptoms and make a person feel more energetic.
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And most importantly, remember to use the right female hygiene product that suits the needs. For example, for women with heavy bleeding, overnight pads are a good choice.
Conclusion
Heavy or protracted menstrual bleeding is known as menorrhagia. This kind of irregular uterine bleeding affects a lot of women. Numerous illnesses, such as uterine, hormonal, or other conditions, may be connected. Even though severe bleeding can occasionally make it difficult to go for everyday activities normally, some therapies can help.
