The duration and severity of menstrual bleeding varies from woman to woman. If a womanâs menstrual period is excessively heavy, prolonged, or irregular, it is called menorrhagia.
Symptoms of menorrhagia include a menstrual period that lasts longer than seven days and bleeding is so heavy that you must change your tampon or pad more than once per hour. You should see your doctor if you have excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual periods that interfere with your daily life.
Excessive bleeding can cause anemia (iron deficiency) or signal an underlying medical condition. In most cases, abnormal periods can be successfully treated.
The length of the menstrual cycle and amount of blood flow is unique to each woman. However, most women have a cycle that ranges from 24 to 34 days. Blood flow averages about four or five days, with a blood loss of about 40 cc (3 tablespoons). It is important to remember that these are just averages and that your ânormalâ may fall outside of these ranges.
A blood loss of 80cc (5 tablespoons) or more is considered an abnormally heavy flow. Signs that your flow may be abnormally heavy include:
While every womanâs cycle is different, irregularities such as bleeding mid-cycle or bleeding after intercourse are considered abnormal symptoms.
Keep track of your menstrual cycles, how long your blood flow lasts, and how many tampons or sanitary pads you use during each cycle. This information will be helpful at your next gynecological appointment. Avoid products that contain aspirin because they may increase bleeding.
You should see your gynecologist once a year for a check-up. However, you should make an appointment right away if you have:
Heavy blood flow is not always a sign that something is wrong. However, excessive loss of blood can deplete the bodyâs supply of iron and cause anemia. A mild case of anemia can cause fatigue and weakness. A more severe case can result in headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate.
A very heavy flow can also cause painful cramping (dysmenorrhea), which sometimes requires medication.
If you have abnormal menstrual periods, your doctor will probably begin with a pelvic examination. You should also be prepared to give your medical history and list all the medications and supplements you are taking.
Depending on your specific symptoms, diagnostic testing may include:
Heavy or irregular periods can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Treatment will be based on your overall health, the reason for your menstrual abnormalities, and your reproductive history and future plans. Any underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction, will need to be addressed.
Mild blood loss can be reduced with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and anemia can be treated with iron supplements. If your irregularities are caused by medications, you can work with your doctor to find alternatives. Hormonal imbalances may be treated with hormone replacement injections. Oral contraceptives can also be used to regulate your cycle and shorten periods.
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure in which the doctor dilates your cervix and scrapes tissue from the lining of your uterus. This is a fairly common procedure and generally cuts down on menstrual bleeding.
Cancerous tumors are generally removed through surgery. Surgery is also an option to treat fibroids, but is not always necessary. Polyps can be removed in a procedure called a hysteroscopy, in which the doctor uses a lighted tube to view the uterus and remove the polyp.
Endometrial ablation is a procedure used in women who have had no success with medications to control heavy bleeding and related symptoms. In this procedure, the doctor will destroy the uterine lining, leaving little or no menstrual flow. Endometrial resection removes the uterine lining. This procedure significantly decreases your chances of a future pregnancy, so women who plan on having children should discuss other possible treatment options.
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix, and may be recommended in the case of cancers, to remove fibroids, and to treat endometriosis that has not responded to other less-invasive forms of treatment. A hysterectomy will end your ability to bear children. If necessary, the ovaries are also removed, resulting in premature menopause.
Source: http://www.healthline.com
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