Menorrhagia: Why Is My Period So Heavy?

Menorrhagia is the medical term for excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It's a common condition, affecting up to 20% of women of reproductive age. Menorrhagia can cause a range of symptoms, including:

- Bleeding that soaks through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row

- Bleeding that lasts for more than seven days

- Heavy bleeding that interferes with daily activities, such as work or school

- Blood clots that are larger than a quarter

- Fatigue

- Weakness

- Shortness of breath

- Dizziness or lightheadedness

- Painful menstrual cramps

Causes of Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Hormonal imbalances, such as high levels of estrogen or low levels of progesterone

- Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths of the uterus

- Endometriosis, a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus

- Adenomyosis, a condition in which the endometrial tissue grows into the muscle of the uterus

- Polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal disorder that can affect the menstrual cycle

- Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the reproductive organs

- Thyroid problems

- Blood clotting disorders

- Certain types of cancer, such as uterine cancer or cervical cancer

Diagnosis of Menorrhagia

Your doctor will diagnose menorrhagia based on your symptoms and a physical exam. They may also order tests, such as:

- Blood tests to measure your hormone levels

- Ultrasound to look at your uterus and ovaries

- Endometrial biopsy to take a sample of tissue from the lining of your uterus

Treatment for Menorrhagia

Treatment for menorrhagia will depend on the cause of the condition. Treatment options may include:

- Medications to regulate your hormones, such as birth control pills or progesterone tablets

- Surgery to remove uterine fibroids or adenomyosis

- Endometrial ablation, a procedure to remove the lining of the uterus

- Endometrial resection, a procedure to remove the outermost layer of the lining of the uterus

- Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus

Prevention of Menorrhagia

There is no sure way to prevent menorrhagia, but some things you can do to reduce your risk include:

- Maintaining a healthy weight

- Eating a healthy diet

- Getting regular exercise

- Managing stress

- Avoiding smoking

- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption

If you have menorrhagia, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you. There are a variety of treatments available that can help to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.