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. However, menorrhagia means bleeding is so heavy or long that it affects daily life. For example, you may need to change pads or tampons every hour. Sometimes, you may even pass large blood clots. Because heavy periods can lead to other health problems, it is important to understand menorrhagia and how to manage it.

Common Symptoms of Menorrhagia

Not all heavy periods are menorrhagia. Still, some signs can help you know if you might have it. For instance, you may notice:

Soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours

Needing to use double sanitary protection to control menstrual flow

Waking up at night to change pads or tampons

Bleeding for more than seven days

Passing blood clots larger than a quarter

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

Because these symptoms can affect your health, it is important to track your periods and talk to your doctor if you notice changes.

Causes and Risk Factors of Menorrhagia

There are many possible menorrhagia causes. Sometimes, the reason is clear. Other times, it is not. Common causes include:

Hormone imbalances, such as too much estrogen or not enough 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, such as blood thinners

Other health problems, like thyroid disease or pelvic infections

Although any woman can have menorrhagia, some are at higher risk. For example, women with a family history of bleeding problems or those who are overweight may be more likely to have heavy periods.

How is Menorrhagia Diagnosed?

Doctors use several steps to diagnose menorrhagia. First, they will ask about your medical history and period details. Next, they may do a physical exam. Sometimes, tests are needed to find the cause. These may include:

Blood tests to check for anemia or bleeding disorders

Ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries

Endometrial biopsy (taking a small tissue sample from the uterus)

Pap smear to check for cervical problems

Because finding the cause is important, your doctor may ask you to keep a period diary. This helps track how much you bleed and for how long.

Treatment Options for Menorrhagia

There are many menorrhagia treatment options. The best choice depends on your age, health, and if you want to have children in the future. Some common treatments include:

Iron supplements to treat anemia

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

Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or hormone-releasing IUDs

Tranexamic acid to help blood clotting

Procedures like endometrial ablation (removing the lining of the uterus) or surgery for fibroids

Because every woman is different, your doctor will help you choose the best way to manage menorrhagia.

Lifestyle Tips and Prevention

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

Track your periods to notice changes early

Eat a healthy diet rich in iron and vitamins

Stay active, but rest when you feel tired

Use the right sanitary products for your flow

Talk to your doctor before taking new medicines

Because heavy periods can lead to low iron, eating foods like spinach, beans, and lean meats can help.

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 you need to change pads or tampons every hour

Bleed for more than seven days

Feel weak, dizzy, or short of breath

Pass large blood clots

Have bleeding between periods or after sex

If you experience heavy or prolonged periods, consult a healthcare professional at Dr. Ramesh Kumawat’s Clinic for personalized advice.