Heavy menstrual bleeding


Menorrhagia is the medical term for menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding. Although excessive monthly bleeding is a common problem, most women do not have significant enough blood loss to be characterized as menorrhagia.

Because of the blood loss and cramping associated with menorrhagia, you are unable to carry out your normal activities during your period. Consult your doctor if you experience heavy menstrual bleeding. However menorrhagia may be caused by a variety of conditions. 

If you are facing the same problem, consult Dr. Anshumala Shukla Kulkarni one of the best Gynecologist in Andheri west.

The following are common causes:

Hormone imbalance

A balance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone governs the growth of the uterine lining (endometrium), which is shed during menstruation, in a regular menstrual cycle. When there is a hormonal imbalance, the endometrium grows in excess and finally sheds via excessive monthly bleeding.

Hormone imbalances may be caused by a variety of illnesses, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), obesity, insulin resistance, and thyroid problems.

Ovarian Dysfunction

Ovulatory failure during adolescence or perimenopause is the most prevalent cause of excessive menstrual bleeding.

Ovulation (the release of an egg) may be irregular  which means it may not occur every month. This may result in endometrial (uterine lining) thickening and heavy periods.

During adolescence, oral contraceptives may typically control your bleeding, and hormone treatment can help during menopause.

Hormonally-induced ovulatory dysfunction may occur with hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and early ovarian insufficiency, in addition to the usual hormonal alterations that occur with puberty or menopause. It is important to seek treatment for your underlying issue, since this may assist restore regular ovulation and regulate your periods.

Uterine fibroids

Fibroids are abnormal growths that occur in the uterine muscle. They are quite frequent, affecting up to 80% of women. They are often referred to as "tumors," but the large percentage of them are not malignant.

Fibroids are more likely to produce symptoms if they are large, numerous, or press on your other internal organs. Some women with fibroids experience very heavy menstrual flow, pelvic pressure, or discomfort that interferes with their everyday routines, and some women have fertility and pregnancy difficulties. However, fibroid symptoms usually improve following menopause.

Fibroids may protrude from both the inside and outside of the uterus. They might be small or much larger. The vast majority of fibroids are small and produce no symptoms. Uterine fibroids may cause abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Uterine Polyps

Uterine polyps are small, benign growths on the uterine lining that may cause excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Adenomyosis

This condition develops when endometrial glands get embedded in the uterine muscle, resulting in severe bleeding and painful periods.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) 

PID is most often caused by an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI), although it may also arise after delivery, abortion, or other gynaecological treatments. In PID, one or more reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or cervix, may become infected. Antibiotic therapy is the standard treatment for PID. 

Intrauterine device (IUD): Menorrhagia is a well-known adverse effect of birth control using a non hormonal intrauterine device. 

Pregnancy complications: A single, heavy, late menstruation might indicate a miscarriage. Another reason for excessive bleeding during pregnancy is a placenta in an unusual placement, such as a low-lying placenta or placenta previa.

Endometrial or Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer, which may be caused by the asymptomatic human papillomavirus (HPV), can spread to other regions of the body. Cervical cancer treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. 

Endometrial cancer develops when abnormal endometrial cells spread to the uterus and/or other organs. While the etiology of endometrial cancer is unknown, the average age of diagnosis is in the mid-60s. Endometrial cancer is often treated with a hysterectomy, potentially followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapies.

Inherited bleeding disorders: Some bleeding diseases, such as von Willebrand's disease (in which a key blood-clotting factor is weak or compromised), may result in irregular menstrual bleeding.

Medications: Certain medicines, including anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal drugs like estrogen and progestins, and anticoagulants like warfarin, may all contribute to excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Other medical conditions: Menorrhagia may be caused by a variety of medical disorders, including liver or kidney disease.


Thanks for reading.

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