Understanding Menorrhagia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is the medical term for heavy menstrual bleeding. Many women experience some changes in their periods, but menorrhagia means bleeding that is much heavier or lasts longer than normal. For example, you may need to change pads or tampons every hour. Sometimes, you may even pass large blood clots. Because of this, daily life can become difficult. According to the CDC, menorrhagia affects many women at some point in their lives.

Common Symptoms of Menorrhagia

It is important to know the signs of menorrhagia. While every woman’s period is different, some symptoms are more common with this condition. For instance, you may notice:

Bleeding that soaks through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours

Needing to use double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow

Waking up at night to change sanitary protection

Periods that last longer than seven days

Passing large blood clots during your period

Feeling tired, weak, or short of breath (signs of anemia)

Sometimes, these symptoms can affect your daily activities. If you notice any of these signs, you should talk to your doctor.

Causes of Menorrhagia

There are many possible causes of menorrhagia. Sometimes, the cause is clear. Other times, doctors may need to do tests to find out why it is happening. Common causes include:

Hormone problems, such as changes in estrogen and progesterone

Uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus)

Polyps (small growths on the lining of the uterus)

Bleeding disorders, like von Willebrand disease

Certain medications, including blood thinners

Other health conditions, such as thyroid problems

In some cases, no clear cause is found. However, doctors can still help manage the symptoms.

How Menorrhagia Is Diagnosed

Doctors use several steps to diagnose menorrhagia. First, they will ask about your medical history and menstrual cycles. Next, they may do a physical exam. Because other conditions can cause heavy bleeding, your doctor may order tests, such as:

Blood tests to check for anemia or bleeding problems

Ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries

Endometrial biopsy (taking a small sample of the uterus lining)

Pap test to check for cervical problems

With these tests, your doctor can find the cause and suggest the best treatment.

Treatment Options for Menorrhagia

Treatment for menorrhagia depends on the cause, your age, and your health. Sometimes, simple changes or medicines can help. In other cases, procedures or surgery may be needed. Common treatments include:

Iron supplements to treat or prevent anemia

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce bleeding and pain

Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or hormone therapy

Tranexamic acid, a medicine that helps reduce bleeding

Procedures like endometrial ablation (removing the lining of the uterus)

Surgery, such as removing fibroids or, in rare cases, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)

Your doctor will help you choose the best option for your needs. According to the World Health Organization, most women find relief with the right treatment.

Lifestyle Tips and Prevention

While you may not always prevent menorrhagia, some steps can help you manage symptoms. For example, you can:

Keep a record of your periods, including flow and symptoms

Eat a healthy diet rich in iron to prevent anemia

Stay hydrated and rest when needed

Use sanitary products that work best for your flow

Talk to your doctor before taking new medicines

With these tips, you can feel more in control of your health. However, always seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.

When to See a Doctor

Sometimes, heavy periods are a sign of a serious problem. You should see a doctor if you:

Bleed so much that you soak through pads or tampons every hour

Have periods that last longer than seven days

Feel weak, dizzy, or short of breath

Have bleeding between periods or after menopause

Early treatment can help prevent complications. Therefore, do not wait to seek help if you notice these signs.

Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice about menorrhagia.