What is Menorrhagia? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Menorrhagia is excessive and prolonged menstrual bleeding during a woman's menstrual period. Although many women experience heavy menstrual bleeding from time to time, menorrhagia is a condition that has a medical definition and can reduce quality of life. Although menorrhagia, that is, heavy menstrual bleeding, includes heavy bleeding during the menstrual days or irregular menstrual periods, it is a different condition. We have examined the concept of menorrhagia, its causes, symptoms and treatment methods below for you to understand your body. Enjoy reading 🙂

What are the causes of menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia can have many causes and many disorders can trigger menorrhagia . Here are the causes of menorrhagia:

Hormonal Imbalance (Desequilibrium)

An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can cause the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterine wall) to become excessively thick. This thickening can cause the uterine wall to shed outside the expected menstrual period or cause excessive bleeding during menstruation. Conditions that may cause imbalances of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone include obesity, insulin resistance, thyroid problems and polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS.

Uterine Myomas (Uterine Fibroids)

Benign tumors in the uterus usually develop after menstruation begins. They are benign, not called cancer, and can be treated. Myomas that develop in the uterus can cause excessive and prolonged menstrual bleeding.

polyps

Polyps that develop in the uterus due to excessive growth of the uterine lining can cause heavy or long-lasting bleeding problems.

adenomyosis

This condition is characterized by the penetration of endometrial cells into the uterine wall and is a pathological condition of the female reproductive system. It may cause excessive bleeding during menstrual periods.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID/PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is a type of sexually transmitted infection that occurs in the female reproductive organs. The uterus , ovaries , fallopian tubes , or other parts of the female reproductive system may be damaged by the disease. It can also cause severe pain and make it difficult to conceive. It may cause excessive bleeding problems during menstrual periods.

Bleeding Disorders

Some bleeding disorders in which blood does not clot properly, such as von Willebrand disease, can cause excessive menstrual bleeding.

Cancer

Uterine or cervical cancer can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, unexpected or heavy menstrual bleeding. These cancers can occur before or after menopause.

Other Reasons

Some hormonal drugs, especially those containing estrogen and progestin, some drugs that prevent blood clotting, and birth control methods such as intrauterine devices and IUDs can also cause excessive bleeding.

The colors of your menstrual blood may also give clues about your health.

How to understand menorrhagia, what are its symptoms?

• Menstrual bleeding that fills a tampon or pad in less than two hours.
• The need to constantly use double tampons or pads during the menstrual period.
• Menstrual bleeding lasting longer than 7 days.
• Having blood clots larger than 2.5 cm in diameter during menstruation.
• Showing signs of anemia: fatigue, lack of energy, pale skin.
• Menstrual pains and cramping that prevent you from performing daily activities normally.

Menorrhagia Treatment Methods and Options

Methods used in the treatment of menorrhagia:

Hormonal Therapy: Hormonal methods such as birth control pills, progesterone therapy or hormone-releasing intrauterine devices.

Surgical Treatments: Surgical options such as endometrial ablation (removal of the uterine lining), myomectomy (removal of fibroids), or hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus).

Medical Treatment: Drugs that reduce bleeding such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and tranexamic acid.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD): Hormone-releasing IUDs can reduce bleeding.

Psychological Effects of Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia can seriously affect a woman's quality of life. Heavy bleeding can make it difficult to participate in social events, work, or daily activities. Additionally, women with menorrhagia may experience psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and lack of self-esteem. This condition may negatively affect the woman's overall quality of life and increase the need for psychological support or therapy. Getting psychological support during this process along with medical treatment can make life easier for you.

If you are struggling with diseases that cause heavy menstrual bleeding, such as menorrhagia, you can choose menstrual products specially designed for such bleeding. Or you can continue to use the menstrual products you use to manage your normal bleeding by changing them more frequently. If you are an individual with menorrhagia, using menstrual panties instead of using layers of disposable pads can increase menstrual comfort, but we recommend that you adjust the frequency of changing according to your own bleeding and body size.

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