What Is Menorrhagia? Understand the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, is a common yet often overlooked medical condition that can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life. Imagine enduring periods that last longer than a week, with excessive blood flow that disrupts daily activities and causes extreme fatigue. Beyond physical discomfort, this condition can also impact mental and emotional well-being, leading to chronic stress and anxiety.

Though frequently dismissed as a minor issue, menorrhagia can signal underlying medical problems, ranging from hormonal imbalances to structural abnormalities in the uterus. In this article, we’ll explore what menorrhagia is, its symptoms, potential causes, and available treatment options. With a deeper understanding of this condition, you’ll be better equipped to manage and seek appropriate care effectively.

What Is Menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is the medical term for abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), menorrhagia is defined as blood loss exceeding 80 milliliters per menstrual cycle or periods lasting longer than seven days. This condition can significantly impair a woman’s daily life, often resulting in fatigue, anemia, and psychological effects such as anxiety and depression.

Read more: Pain During Intercourse, What Causes It?

Common Symptoms of Menorrhagia

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but typical signs of menorrhagia include:

• Heavy menstrual flow requiring the use of multiple sanitary products per hour for several consecutive hours
• Extended periods lasting more than seven days
• Passage of large blood clots during menstruation
• Extreme fatigue due to excessive blood loss
• Signs of anemia, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, and pale skin
• Severe abdominal cramps or pain during menstruation

These symptoms can disrupt normal daily routines and significantly affect a woman’s quality of life.

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Causes of Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia may result from various medical conditions and lifestyle-related factors. Some of the most common causes include:

• Hormonal Imbalance: An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can lead to excessive endometrial buildup, resulting in heavier bleeding. This often occurs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or those approaching menopause.
• Uterine Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths in the uterine wall that can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Uterine Polyps: Benign growths on the uterine lining can contribute to abnormal bleeding.
• Adenomyosis: A condition where endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, leading to heavy bleeding and menstrual pain.
• Endometriosis: When endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, it may result in irregular, heavy, and painful periods.
• Bleeding Disorders: Conditions such as von Willebrand disease or platelet function disorders can impair blood clotting, causing excessive bleeding.
• Contraceptive Use: Certain hormonal contraceptives, such as hormone-releasing IUDs, can alter menstrual patterns and may cause heavier bleeding.
• Uterine or Cervical Cancer: Though rare, malignancies of the uterus or cervix can be an underlying cause, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Read more: Causes of Brown and Light Menstrual Blood

Diagnosis of Menorrhagia

Diagnosing menorrhagia typically begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Further diagnostic procedures may include:

• Ultrasound: Used to visualize the uterus and ovaries and identify abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps.
• Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted tube is inserted into the uterus to examine the uterine lining directly.
• Endometrial Biopsy: A tissue sample from the uterine lining is collected for lab analysis, particularly to rule out cancer.
• Blood Tests: To assess hemoglobin levels and evaluate clotting function, helping determine the extent and cause of the bleeding.

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Treatment Options for Menorrhagia

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health and reproductive goals. Options include:

1. Medications

• Hormonal Contraceptives: Pills, patches, or vaginal rings can regulate menstrual cycles and reduce bleeding.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen help reduce blood loss and relieve pain.
• Antifibrinolytics: Drugs like tranexamic acid can reduce menstrual bleeding by promoting blood clotting.
• Desmopressin: Used in cases where bleeding is due to clotting disorders.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Dilation and Curettage (D&C): A procedure to scrape the uterine lining, useful for temporary relief from heavy bleeding.
• Hysteroscopic Resection: Removal of fibroids or polyps using a hysteroscope.
• Endometrial Ablation: Destroys the endometrial lining using thermal or radiofrequency energy to reduce bleeding.

3. Surgical Treatment

• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of uterine fibroids, preserving the uterus.
• Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus; typically a last-resort treatment or necessary in cases of cancer.

4. Lifestyle and Supportive Care

• Diet and Supplements: Consuming iron-rich foods or taking supplements to manage or prevent anemia.
• Stress Management: Regular exercise and stress reduction techniques may help alleviate some symptoms.

Read more: What’s The Difference Between Pregnancy Spots and Menstrual Spots?

Menorrhagia can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, many women can experience substantial relief. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider if you suspect you are experiencing heavy or prolonged periods, so the root cause can be identified, and an appropriate treatment plan can be developed.

For comprehensive care in reproductive health, fertility programs, or managing infertility, consider consulting with experienced obstetricians and gynecologists at Morula IVF Indonesia. As one of Indonesia’s leading fertility clinics with over 26 years of experience, Morula IVF offers professional and personalized care to support your journey to parenthood. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit the official Morula IVF website.

References:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2023). Menorrhagia: Diagnosis and Management.
• Miller, D. S., & Loffer, F. D. (2020). Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Evaluation and Treatment. Journal of Women’s Health.
• Reimers, M. S., & Langer, E. M. (2021). Management of Menorrhagia in Women of Reproductive Age. Obstetrics & Gynecology.
• Cleveland Clinic (2024). Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding).
• SingHealth (2024). Menorrhagia – What it is.