Do You Have Problems with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

24.01.2011 | By: J.B.

Almost all women have experienced menstrual bleeding which was more heavy than usual. But some women experience it every month.

Heavy menstrual bleeding requires you to rest (Photoxpress)

Menorrhagia or hypermenorrhea is heavy menstrual bleeding which lasts for more than 7 days and causes the loss of more than 80ml of blood in every cycle. Women lose 25 to 75ml of blood during a normal menstrual cycle which lasts between 5 to 7 days.

Symptoms of menorrhagia

- menstrual bleeding when you have to change more sanitary towels or tampons every hour
- necessary use of all types of protection to control menstrual bleeding
- menstrual bleeding lasts for more than 7 days
- menstrual bleeding which produces a lot of blood clots
- constant pain in the form of cramps in the lower part of the abdomen
- heavy menstrual bleeding can cause tiredness, difficulties breathing and anemia

What are the causes of menoraghia?

Often it is very hard to find the real cause of menorrhagia. The doctors divide it into four categories, but in almost 80 percent of cases the reasons for heavy menstrual bleeding are hormonal imbalance and uterine fibroids. Hormonal balance between the levels of estrogen and progesterone in normal menstrual cycle is the key factor for normal secretion of blood. Because of the hormonal imbalance the amount of endometrium is higher than usual and menstrual bleeding is heavier. This usually occurs with girls in puberty and women in menopause. Menorrhagia can also be caused by the thyroid, which disturbs the hormonal imbalance. Heavy menstrual bleeding can be controlled with hormonal medications but the incorrect consumption of hormones can also cause heavy menstrual bleeding. The other causes are ovarian cysts, complications during pregnancy, cancer and other reasons.

If heavy menstrual bleeding makes your normal activities difficult on a daily basis, you should visit a doctor. You should also visit a doctor in case you experience milder bleeding in between the cycles or after the sexual intercourse.

Problems caused by menorrhagia

Heavy and long-lasting menstrual bleeding is the most frequent cause of anemia with women and it is caused by the insufficient level of iron in the blood. Anemia also causes sickness and tiredness and in serious cases it can also cause faster heart beat, paleness, headaches and the shortage of air. If the person does not undergo treatment, heart problems can also occur.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is often accompanied by menstrual cramps which often require professional help. Many conditions connected to the irregularities of menstrual cycle can cause female infertility.

Treatment of menorrhagia

In case of anemia the doctor prescribes an additional amount of iron. Some medications can also help to decrease the amount of lost blood. You should be careful with aspirin which prevents the blood from thickening and makes the situation worse. Hormonal contraceptive pills also help to regulate the menstrual cycle and lessen the abdominal pain. But the most important thing during heavy menstrual bleeding is that you have enough rest. It is necessary that you change tampons frequently and take care of your health and diet. Heavy pain can be lessened with prescribed pills and some natural methods. If you often experience pain during menstrual bleeding, read this advice about the alternative ways to alleviate menstrual cramps.