Menorrhagia is the medical term for menstrual bleeding that lasts more than 7 days. It can also be bleeding which is very heavy. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can significantly reduce the quality of your life and cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms. One in five women bleeds so heavily during their periods that they have to put their normal lives on hold just to deal with the heavy blood flow.
Women in Newton and Walpole, Massachusetts can get treatment for menorrhagia and other gynecological problems from an expert team of OB/GYN physicians at Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN.
Menorrhagia is a term used to describe symptoms of extremely heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Although heavy menstrual bleeding is common and not always a cause for concern, menorrhagia causes extreme blood loss, cramping, and the inability to perform normal activities.
If you have menorrhagia, you might have symptoms like:
Menorrhagia can also cause symptoms of anemia, like fatigue or shortness of breath.
If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor.
Several factors can lead to the development of menorrhagia. Some common causes are:
Hormonal Imbalance. If your key female hormones–estrogen and progesterone–are out of balance, this can cause excess endometrial tissue to develop during your menstrual cycle.
When you have your period, this leads to heavier bleeding. Hormonal issues can also cause problems in the ovaries, fibroids, polyps, or other conditions of the reproductive organs that may bring on menorrhagia.
Bleeding Disorders. If you have a bleeding disorder like von Willebrand’s disease, you might be missing blood-clotting factors. This can lead to heavier menstrual bleeding.
Medications. Certain medications can cause heavier bleeding, including anti-inflammatory drugs, hormone replacement medications, or anticoagulants.
Underlying Health Conditions. For some women, other underlying health conditions–like liver or kidney disease–cause menorrhagia.
Treatment options for menorrhagia depend on the cause. Some common methods for addressing this condition include:
If medical therapy is unsuccessful, you may need surgical treatment to improve your symptoms. Surgical treatment options may include:
Dilation and Curettage. In this procedure, the doctor opens (dilates) your cervix and then scrapes or suctions tissue from the lining of your uterus to reduce menstrual bleeding.
Endometrial Ablation. This procedure is a one-time, 5-minute procedure that can safely and effectively reduce or eliminate heavy menstrual bleeding. The endometrial ablation procedure is designed to remove just the uterine lining-the endometrium–which is the part of your body that can cause heavy periods. No incisions are required. Recommended for women who are finished with childbearing and want relief from heavy bleeding.
Hysterectomy. This is surgery to remove your uterus and cervix. It is a permanent procedure that causes sterility and ends menstrual periods.
Myomectomy. This procedure involves the surgical removal of uterine fibroid
With the right treatment method, it’s possible to relieve the symptoms of menorrhagia and restore your body to a normal menstrual cycle. Contact Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN in Newton at (617) 332-2345 or in Walpole at (508) 668-5555 to schedule an appointment. For your convenience, you may also request an appointment online.
