Wondering If Your Periods Are Too Heavy? Learn All About Menorrhagia

For those experiencing menorrhagia, also known as heavy menstrual bleeding, the onset of menstruation can be particularly difficult. This condition can disrupt daily activities and pose challenges in attending work or school.

If left untreated, menorrhagia can cause anaemia. Understanding more about menorrhagia and its causes, signs, and symptoms can help women face this condition effectively.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a condition where a woman experiences excessive bleeding for seven days or more, often requiring the use of one or more tampons or pads every 2-3 hours.

Engaging in work, participating in sports, or even socialising can be challenging when one is experiencing heavy bleeding or is concerned about potential leakage during activities.

If heavy menstrual bleeding is impacting your quality of life, it is advisable to reach out to your healthcare provider regarding potential treatment options.

However, it is surprising that only one-third of women and girls seek help for this condition.

Let’s dive deep into what causes heavy periods or menstrual bleeding:

• Hormonal imbalances

Certain medical conditions like thyroid, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and insulin resistance may lead to hormonal imbalance, which in turn can cause heavy bleeding during periods.

• Noncancerous growths in the uterus

Polyps or fibroids in the uterus are also known to cause heavy bleeding.

• Infection

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and other infections are also included on the list of what causes heavy periods.

• Intrauterine device

Using a non-hormonal intrauterine device also causes heavy menstrual bleeding as its side effect, though it’s not very common. 

• Cancerous growth in the uterus

Cervical, ovarian (certain types), and uterine cancer can also cause menorrhagia.

• Medications

Certain medicines, such as blood thinners, hormone replacement therapy, or birth control pills, can also lead to heavy menstrual bleeding.

The exact cause of severe menstrual bleeding, the extent of bleeding, age, health, and medical history help decide the course of treatment. Let’s break down a few options that your gynaecologist or healthcare provider would suggest: 

• Medications

These may include supplements or drugs which prevent clots from breaking down and causing excess bleeding.

• Surgical procedures

These depend on the underlying cause of bleeding.

• Home remedies

Heavy bleeding leads to dehydration. Drinking lots of water helps you remain hydrated.

“Menorrhagia refers to abnormally heavy uterine bleeding, typically exceeding 80 ml during a single menstrual cycle. With menstrual cups, it has become easier to monitor the volume of blood loss. Additionally, excessive bleeding often leads to the formation of clots, which can vary in size,” says Dr Anita Kant, MBBS, MD (obstetrician and gynaecologist), Faridabad.

Are you wondering if your menstrual flow qualifies as heavy? Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is accompanied by clear signs. Here are some key symptoms to watch out for so you can identify the issue and seek the right help: 

1. Menstrual cycles that extend beyond seven days
2. Need more than one tampon or pad every hour for more than two consecutive hours
3. Passing blood clots that are 1 inch or larger on multiple occasions; the blood colour may range from red to pink, brown, or rust-like
4. Using layers of tampons or pads to protect against excess leakage
5. Excess bleeding, which causes staining or soaking of bedding or clothes
6. Severe menstrual cramps or abdominal pain
7. Constant feeling of fatigue, tiredness, or shortness of breath

Menorrhagia refers to abnormally heavy or extended menstrual bleeding. It can occur in a single cycle or persist as a chronic issue. The causes vary and may include structural abnormalities in the uterus, hormonal disruptions, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.

If the heavy bleeding is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or severe pain, prompt medical attention is advised.

If you experience prolonged bleeding that exceeds seven days or bleeding that requires the usage of one or more tampons or pads every hour for several consecutive hours, it is considered heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia.

If you are frequently changing tampons or pads more than normal, spotting large-sized clots in your blood flow, and seeing more than normal blood in a menstrual cup, you may be experiencing heavy bleeding.

Yes, menorrhagia can affect fertility. Conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances can make it hard for a woman to conceive.

When one experiences heavy menstrual bleeding, lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, stress management, staying hydrated, and regular exercise, can help in controlling menorrhagia. In addition, using a menstrual cup instead of frequent changes of pads and wearing period panties or absorbent underpants can also help you manage heavy menstrual bleeding. 

If left untreated, excess menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia may cause fatigue, weakness, as well as chest pain. These symptoms are indicative of anaemia and call for urgent medical attention.