What is menorrhagia. How does it affect daily life. What are the common causes of heavy menstrual bleeding. When should you seek medical attention for menorrhagia. What diagnostic tests are used to identify the underlying cause of menorrhagia. How is heavy menstrual bleeding treated.

Understanding Menorrhagia: A Common Gynecological Concern

Menorrhagia, characterized by unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, affects over 10 million individuals in the United States annually. This condition can impact anyone who menstruates and has not reached menopause, regardless of gender. While average menstrual blood loss is about 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 milliliters) over 4-5 days, those with menorrhagia may experience bleeding lasting longer than 7 days or heavy flow requiring frequent pad or tampon changes.

How does menorrhagia differ from normal menstrual bleeding? Individuals with this condition may need to:

• Soak through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several consecutive hours
• Wear multiple pads simultaneously
• Change their menstrual products during the night

Although heavy menstrual bleeding is common, with approximately one-third of females seeking treatment, it can significantly disrupt daily life and potentially indicate more serious health issues.

The Impact of Menorrhagia on Health and Well-being

Why is addressing menorrhagia crucial for overall health? Untreated heavy bleeding can lead to anemia, a condition where the blood doesn’t carry enough oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of anemia may include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Chest pain

Beyond the physical toll, menorrhagia can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. The constant need to manage heavy bleeding can lead to:

• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Increased anxiety about staining clothes or bedding
• Limitations on social activities and work productivity
• Emotional distress and decreased self-confidence

Unraveling the Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

What factors contribute to menorrhagia? The causes of abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding can be categorized into three main groups: uterine-related problems, hormone-related issues, and other illnesses or disorders.

Uterine-Related Causes

Several uterine conditions can lead to menorrhagia:

• Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous tumors that develop inside or outside the uterine wall
• Uterine polyps: Overgrowths of endometrial tissue lining the uterus
• Adenomyosis: A condition where uterine lining tissue becomes embedded in the uterine muscle

Hormone-Related Causes

Hormonal imbalances can significantly impact menstrual flow:

• Irregular ovulation: Often seen during puberty, perimenopause, or as a result of conditions like PCOS
• Thyroid disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect menstrual patterns
• Endometriosis: A condition where uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus

Other Medical Conditions and Factors

Additional causes of menorrhagia include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Pregnancy-related complications
• Certain types of cancer (uterine, cervical, or ovarian)
• Inherited bleeding disorders
• Medications (anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants)
• Liver or kidney disease

Recognizing the Symptoms of Menorrhagia

How can you identify if you’re experiencing menorrhagia? Key symptoms include:

• Soaking through one or more sanitary products every hour for several consecutive hours
• Needing to use multiple period products simultaneously
• Changing pads or tampons during the night
• Menstrual flow lasting more than 7 days
• Passing blood clots larger than a quarter
• Experiencing symptoms of anemia
• Constant lower abdominal and pelvic pain
• Inability to perform regular daily activities due to heavy bleeding

If these symptoms interfere with your daily life or emotional well-being, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Persistent heavy bleeding that disrupts your routine or lasts longer than 7 days warrants a consultation with a healthcare professional.

Diagnostic Approaches for Menorrhagia

How do healthcare providers diagnose menorrhagia? The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. A detailed discussion of symptoms and medical history
2. A thorough physical examination
3. Specific tests to identify the underlying cause

What tests might be used to diagnose menorrhagia? Common diagnostic procedures include:

• Blood tests: To check for anemia, thyroid disease, and clotting disorders
• Pap smear: To evaluate for cervical infection, inflammation, and cancer
• Endometrial biopsy: To test the uterine lining for cellular abnormalities and cancer
• Ultrasound: To evaluate the pelvic organs, including the uterus, cervix, and ovaries
• Sonohysterogram: A procedure involving the injection of fluid into the uterus for enhanced imaging

Treatment Options for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

How is menorrhagia treated? Treatment approaches vary depending on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and individual health factors. Options may include:

Medications

Several medications can help manage menorrhagia:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): To reduce blood loss and alleviate pain
• Tranexamic acid: An antifibrinolytic medication that promotes blood clotting
• Hormonal treatments: Including birth control pills, patches, or hormonal IUDs
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: To temporarily stop menstruation

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary:

• Dilation and curettage (D&C): Removal of the uterine lining
• Uterine artery embolization: A procedure to shrink fibroids
• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids
• Endometrial ablation: Destruction of the uterine lining
• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus (as a last resort)

Living with Menorrhagia: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments

How can individuals manage menorrhagia in their daily lives? Coping with heavy menstrual bleeding often requires a multifaceted approach:

• Using appropriate menstrual products: High-absorbency pads, tampons, or menstrual cups
• Maintaining a healthy diet: Focusing on iron-rich foods to prevent anemia
• Staying hydrated: Replacing lost fluids to prevent dehydration
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques: Such as yoga or meditation to manage associated anxiety
• Planning ahead: Keeping extra menstrual supplies and a change of clothes handy
• Communicating openly: Discussing concerns with partners, family members, or employers when necessary

Can lifestyle changes help manage menorrhagia? While lifestyle modifications alone may not treat the underlying cause, they can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being:

• Regular exercise: To boost energy levels and reduce menstrual pain
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity can exacerbate hormonal imbalances
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake: These substances can worsen menstrual symptoms
• Getting adequate sleep: To support overall health and hormone balance

Advances in Menorrhagia Research and Future Treatments

What new developments are on the horizon for menorrhagia treatment? Ongoing research is exploring several promising avenues:

• Novel drug therapies: Targeting specific hormonal pathways to regulate menstrual flow
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques: Offering faster recovery times and fewer complications
• Personalized medicine approaches: Tailoring treatments based on genetic and hormonal profiles
• Alternative therapies: Investigating the potential of acupuncture and herbal remedies

How might these advancements impact menorrhagia management? Future treatments could offer:

• More targeted and effective interventions
• Reduced side effects compared to current therapies
• Improved quality of life for individuals with menorrhagia
• Greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms of heavy menstrual bleeding

Menorrhagia, while common, can significantly impact an individual’s health and quality of life. Understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and exploring available treatment options are crucial steps in managing this condition effectively. By working closely with healthcare providers and adopting appropriate coping strategies, those affected by menorrhagia can find relief and regain control over their menstrual health. As research continues to advance, the future holds promise for even more effective and personalized approaches to managing heavy menstrual bleeding.

Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding): Causes and treatments

Menorrhagia is unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Possible causes include fibroids, polyps, a tumor, or a bleeding disorder.

It is one of the most common gynecological complaints, affecting more than 10 million people in the United States each year. Menorrhagia can affect anyone who menstruates and has not reached menopause, regardless of gender.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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Average blood loss during menstruation is about 2–3 tablespoons, equating to 30–45 milliliters, over 4–5 days. However, a person with menorrhagia may experience bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days or heavy bleeding that causes them to soak through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row.

A person with menorrhagia may need to wear more than one pad at a time or change their pad or tampon during the night.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is very common, and about one-third of females seek treatment for it. However, it can still interrupt daily life and, in some cases, signify a more serious health problem.

Untreated heavy bleeding can cause anemia, a condition that occurs when the blood does not carry enough oxygen to the rest of the body. The symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, and chest pain.

Learn more about the symptoms of anemia.

Abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding can have many causes. Possible causes of menorrhagia fall into three categories: uterine-related problems, hormone-related problems, and other illnesses or disorders.

The possible causes include:

• Uterine fibroids: These noncancerous tumors grow either inside or outside the uterine wall. They can cause heavy bleeding or painful periods.
• Uterine polyps: Polyps are overgrowths of endometrial tissue, which is the type of tissue that lines the inside of the uterus.
• Irregular ovulation: If hormonal disruptions cause irregular ovulation, the lining of the uterus can build up and become too thick. When this lining eventually sheds during menstruation, heavy bleeding can occur. This is common during puberty and perimenopause. It can sometimes occur due to weight loss or stress or as a symptom of certain medical conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism.
• Adenomyosis: In people with this condition, tissue from the lining of the uterus becomes embedded in the muscle of the uterus. It can cause painful and heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Nonhormonal intrauterine device (IUD): This type of birth control device sits in the uterus and can cause heavy bleeding.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This infection of the reproductive organs often results from untreated sexually transmitted diseases.
• Pregnancy-related complications: Pregnancy-related problems, such as pregnancy loss or an ectopic pregnancy, can cause abnormal bleeding.
• Cancer: Uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers affect the reproductive system and cause heavy bleeding.
• Inherited bleeding disorders: Examples include Von Willebrand’s disease and platelet function disorders.
• Medications: Certain anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant drugs can lead to heavy bleeding.

Other health conditions that can cause menorrhagia include thyroid disorders, endometriosis, and liver or kidney disease.

The symptoms of menorrhagia can include:

• a heavy menstrual flow that soaks through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours
• heavy bleeding that requires a person to use more than one period product at a time
• the need to change pads or tampons in the middle of the night
• menstrual flow or bleeding lasting more than a week
• the passage of blood clots that are the size of a quarter or larger
• symptoms of anemia, including fatigue and shortness of breath
• constant lower abdominal and pelvic pain
• the inability to perform regular daily activities because of bleeding

If bleeding interferes with daily life or emotional well-being, it is advisable to seek help from a doctor.

If a person’s periods last longer than 7 days or interrupt daily life, they should contact a doctor.

If the doctor suspects menorrhagia, they will ask the person about their symptoms and their medical and menstrual cycle history. They may also carry out a physical examination.

Tests that can help diagnose menorrhagia include:

• blood tests to check for anemia, thyroid disease, and clotting disorders
• Pap smear to evaluate for cervical infection, inflammation, and cancer
• endometrial biopsy to test the lining of the uterus for cellular abnormalities and cancer
• ultrasound to evaluate the pelvic organs, including the uterus, cervix, and ovaries
• sonohysterogram, which involves injecting fluid into the uterus and using ultrasound to evaluate for abnormalities
• hysteroscopy, which involves inserting a camera into the uterus to inspect the lining for abnormalities
• dilation and curettage, which a doctor may use to detect and treat abnormalities

Keeping a diary of the length and heaviness of menstruation and sharing the information with the doctor may helo with the diagnosis.

In some cases, a person’s symptoms may be due to other types of irregular bleeding. These include:

• Polymenorrhea: This is menstruation that happens too often.
• Oligomenorrhea: This term refers to menstrual bleeding that is infrequent or inconsistent.
• Metrorrhagia: This irregular bleeding happens between cycles and does not appear to be linked to menstruation.
• Postmenopausal bleeding: This occurs during menopause, meaning that a person experiences it more than a year after their last period.

As these types of bleeding do not have strict criteria for diagnosis, doctors now refer to them less frequently. However, it may still be beneficial for a person to know about different menstrual bleeding patterns.

Learn more about other menstrual conditions.

Anyone experiencing menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days or requires them to change their pad or tampon every hour for multiple hours in a row should speak with a doctor. The doctor can help diagnose the cause and provide treatment.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be due to hormone-related causes or medical conditions, including delayed ovulation, cancer, PID, and inherited bleeding disorders.

Sometimes, heavy bleeding is a side effect of medications or results from pregnancy-related complications.

Treatments to reduce abnormally heavy bleeding depend on the underlying cause, but they can include hormonal birth control, hormonal therapy, and drugs that reduce the amount of bleeding. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to reduce or stop bleeding if other treatments do not prove effective.

What causes heavy periods? | The Royal Women’s Hospital

Diagnosing what causes heavy periods can sometimes be difficult. However, some physical condition affecting the uterus, such as fibroids and polyps, may cause heavy menstrual bleeding.

The more common reasons for heavy periods are:

• fibroids
• polyps
• endometrial hyperplasia
• endometrial cancer
• adenomyosis.

Fibroids

Fibroids are abnormal growths that form in the muscle of the uterus. They are very common and can occur in up to 80 per cent of women. They are often referred to as ‘tumours’, but the vast majority are not cancerous.

Fibroids are more likely to cause symptoms if they are large, if there are many of them or if they push on your other internal organs. Some women with fibroids have very heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain that interferes with their life, and some women have problems with fertility and pregnancy. However, fibroid symptoms tend to get better after menopause.

Fibroids can bulge from the inside or outside of the uterus. They can range in size from microscopic to the size of a grapefruit or even larger. Most fibroids are small and do not cause any symptoms at all.

Polyps

Uterine polyps are usually non-cancerous (benign) growths of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). They can also occur at the cervix. Polyps may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods or bleeding after sexual intercourse. Occasionally, polyps can develop abnormalities, particularly in older women, so it is generally advised to remove them before they become dangerous.

Cancer, malignancy, and hyperplasia

Some women may develop an abnormally thick lining of the inside surface of their uterus. This condition is called endometrial hyperplasia and it may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding or a bloodstained vaginal discharge. In some cases, endometrial hyperplasia may progress to endometrial cancer, a condition that is more common after menopause but can occur in younger women.

Women are at an increased risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial cancer if they:

• are over the age of 45 years
• are over 90 kg in weight
• have never had children
• have a family history of endometrial, ovarian or bowel cancer
• have polycystic ovarian syndrome
• carry a gene that increases their cancer risk (such as HNPCC).

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a common cause of painful and heavy periods, and can have the same symptoms as endometriosis and fibroids. It occurs when the endometrial glands grow into the muscle of the uterus. As a result, the uterus grows larger, and it can be tender when you are examined. However, it is not easily diagnosed because ultrasound, hysteroscopy, keyhole surgery and magnetic resonance imaging (the common approaches used) will not pick it up all of the time. Women tend to be in their 30s when they are diagnosed.

Other uncommon causes for heavy periods include:

• an underactive thyroid
• the use of anticoagulant drugs
• some liver and kidney conditions
• blood clotting disorders, for example Von Willebrand’s disorder
• using hormone contraception such as the Pill or a prostestogen IUD.

Sometimes a reason for heavy periods is never found. In fact, for nearly half of all women with heavy periods all investigations will show that there is no obvious cause for their bleeding. This can happen at any age but is more common in women in their late thirties, which may mean that it is related to hormonal changes as women get older.

Related Health Topics

• Endometrial Atypical Hyperplasia

  This fact sheet is for women who have been told they have Endometrial Atypical Hyperplasia (EAH) or are worried they do. It explains what this condition is, some of its symptoms and ways you can treat it.

  • (English) PDF (518 KB)

• Endometrial cancer

  This fact sheet is for women who have been told they have endometrial cancer or are worried they do. It explains what endometrial cancer is, some of its symptoms and ways you can treat it.

  • (English) PDF (648 KB)

The Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.

Causes of heavy periods, what to do, very heavy bleeding during menstruation with blood clots

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Causes of heavy periods, what to do, very heavy bleeding during menstruation with blood clots

Contents

• Heavy periods: causes
• Heavy periods: what to do?
• Therapeutic tactics

Heavy menstruation (menorrhagia) is one of the types of abnormal uterine bleeding (AMB). Under AUB understand any violation of the menstrual cycle that does not meet the parameters of normal menstruation (too long, heavy or frequent uterine bleeding). The causes of heavy bleeding during menstruation can be gynecological and extragenital. The appearance of very heavy periods requires a full examination of the patient, identification of the cause and its subsequent elimination.

HEAVY PERIOD: CAUSES

In modern gynecology, all factors contributing to the appearance of menorrhagia are included in the PALM-COEIN classification. It combines a number of gynecological pathologies and diseases of other localizations. Abundant periods with clots according to PALM-COEIN may be due to the following reasons:

• P – uterine polyp.
• A – adenomyosis (endometriosis).
• L – uterine leiomyoma.
• M – malignancy and hyperplasia.
• C – coagulopathy.
• O – ovulatory disorders.
• E – endometrial changes.
• I – iatrogenic ovulatory dysfunction.
• N – still unknown cause due to incomplete diagnosis or impossibility to conduct a full-fledged study. ¹

The first four diseases cause heavy periods with blood clots in women of older reproductive age and practically do not occur in adolescents and young girls. Coagulopathy, on the contrary, is most often observed in 20% of adolescents and 10% of women. Under coagulopathy understand disorders in the blood coagulation system, which are manifested by hemorrhagic syndrome (increased bleeding) of varying severity. Coagulation disorders are observed in hemophilia, von Willebrand disease and taking certain drugs (anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents). ¹ Causes of heavy periods with clots can also be associated with endocrinopathies and dysregulation of the menstrual cycle by the central nervous system. This group includes:

• Prolonged neuropsychic stress.
• Overweight or underweight, including rapid weight gain or weight loss.
• Uterine leiomyoma.
• Significant physical activity.
• Changes in thyroid function.

A common cause of heavy periods with large clots is endometriosis – an abnormal growth of endometrioid tissue (the inner layer of the uterine wall). This tissue is sensitive to the action of sex hormones and is rejected by the same mechanism as the endometrium of the uterus during menstruation. Clinically, endometriosis is manifested by profuse and prolonged bleeding, pelvic pain and inability to conceive a child.

HEAVY PERIOD: WHAT TO DO?

The only right decision is to seek qualified gynecological care. Only a doctor can determine the cause and type of abnormal uterine bleeding. The AUB diagnostic algorithm includes two stages. The first is the collection of complaints and anamnesis. According to statistics, about 50% of women with complaints of heavy menstrual bleeding do not actually have them, and 25% of patients without complaints suffer from AUB3. An indicator of menorrhagia is the release of blood in the form of clots, the use of ultra-absorbent pads, or the simultaneous use of several hygiene products (tampon , pad, menstrual cup). A clinical sign of heavy uterine bleeding is also the need to change the hygiene product more often than 1 time in 2 hours, the presence of traces of blood on the bed linen after sleep

At the second stage, differential diagnosis is carried out among all possible causes and the leading one is identified. For this, the following are used:

• General, bacteriological and oncocytological smears.
• Determination of hormonal status.
• Screening for sexually transmitted infections.
• Colposcopy and hysteroscopy.
• Complete blood count.
• Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs.
• Consultation with a hematologist and examination ordered by a specialist.

The scope of the diagnostic program is determined individually. In some cases, a standard gynecological examination of the patient (smears, blood tests and ultrasound) is sufficient, while in others, advanced diagnostics are required. ³

THERAPEUTIC TACTICS

AUB therapy is carried out in several stages. The main task is to get rid of heavy menstrual bleeding and prevent their recurrence. For this purpose, the following are used:

Medical methods of hemostasis – antifibrinolytic agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and combined oral contraceptives. Conservative treatment is used in adolescents and women of young reproductive age without pathological changes in the endometrium.

Surgical hemostasis – separate diagnostic curettage of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal and uterine cavity, followed by histological examination. The method is used in patients of older reproductive age. To prevent recurrence, general strengthening measures are used: vitamin therapy, normalization of work, sleep and nutrition. During menstruation, non-hormonal hemostatic therapy is performed with antifibrinolytic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. ²

Patients who need contraception should preferably use combined oral contraceptives on an ongoing basis. They provide control of the menstrual cycle, significantly reduce blood loss and pain, and also prevent the appearance of endometrial hyperplasia.

Literature:

1. Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. Principles of diagnosis and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding. Guidelines for the discipline “Obstetrics and Gynecology” // Tula, 2014.
2. Podzolkova N.M., Danshina V.A. Menstrual disorders in the reproductive period // “Medical Council”. 2014. No 9. P. 44–49.
3. Zakharenkova T.N., Lashkevich E.L., Einysh E.A. Menstrual cycle. Menstrual disorders. Educational and methodical manual // Gomel, 2017.

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causes and consequences, treatment of severe bleeding during menstruation in Moscow

Updated: January 30, 2020

Vsevolod Olegovich Porokhovoi — endovascular surgeon | Endoscopist surgeon

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Contents of the article

• Normal bleeding during menstruation
• Heavy bleeding during menstruation
• How to distinguish heavy bleeding during menstruation from pathology
• Implantation bleeding
• Bleeding from the genital tract in the postpartum period
• How to stop heavy menstruation
• What measures are taken in case of severe blood loss during menstruation

It is no secret for every woman that menstruation is a normal natural phenomenon. Given the fact that each organism is individual and sometimes failures can occur in it, some changes in the menstrual cycle can also be observed. The main thing is to be able to distinguish “minor and one-time breakdowns” from bleeding.

Normal discharge during menstruation

Normally, the duration of menstruation in girls is from three to seven days, with an interval of twenty-one to thirty-five days. Any deviations from these indicators are considered pathological.

Despite the fact that each organism is individual, the signs of menstruation in each representative of the weaker sex are similar. Menstruation begins, as a rule, with scanty bloody discharge of a bright red color. Then such secretions intensify and disappear “to nothing”. Gradually, menstrual flow becomes darker in color, sometimes almost black. All this is considered normal and should not cause concern.

Do not worry if blood clots are observed during menstruation. This phenomenon is explained by blood clots that form during critical days in the female body. On the contrary, it is necessary to sound the alarm if, throughout the entire menstruation, the blood is bright red in color without blood clots. In this case, bleeding may occur, especially under the condition of severe incessant pain. With this development of events, you should not put off going to the doctor on the back burner.

Severe bleeding during menstruation

Menstruation is not always the same in different cycles. The color of the secretions, their consistency and volume may change. During menstruation, bleeding is quite possible.

If you feel heavy bleeding during your period after you suddenly got to your feet, then you do not need to worry about this. This is normal, as the blood coagulates and forms clots while the girl is immobile.

If heavy bleeding is observed throughout the entire menstruation, then, most likely, a pathological process develops in the body, which only a doctor can diagnose.

The causes of such heavy blood loss can be:

• Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop from the muscular tissue of the uterus walls. They do not pose a threat to life, but can adversely affect reproductive function, and can also manifest themselves in a number of unpleasant symptoms. Among them, pain in the lower abdomen, back and lower back. With large fibroids in girls, the belly can grow to a size comparable to pregnancy in the sixth month. In this case, the uterus begins to put pressure on the bladder, there are frequent urges to urinate, and sometimes uncontrolled urine output. Such phenomena deliver not only physical discomfort, but also deal a blow to psychological health and self-confidence;
• Endometriosis;
• Polyps;
• Abnormal curvature of the cervix;
• Abortion and gynecological curettage;
• Prolonged use of intrauterine devices, etc.

Bleeding during menstruation is divided into several concepts:

1. Metrorrhagia is irregular bleeding between periods;
2. Menorrhagia – prolonged and profuse menstruation;
3. Menometrorrhagia is prolonged but irregular bleeding from time to time;
4. Polymenorrhea is the occurrence of menstruation earlier than three weeks after the previous one.

How to distinguish heavy bleeding during menstruation from pathology

Abnormal pathological processes that develop in the female body can be distinguished from menstruation by several characteristic features. Let’s take a closer look at when to see a doctor:

• Bleeding so bad that the pad has to be changed every hour and a half;
• Blood clots too numerous;
• Period lasts more than a week;
• Bloody discharge observed after sexual contact;
• The general state of health worsens, there is a strong feeling of lethargy, fatigue, constant weakness, the skin becomes pale;
• There are regular pronounced pains in the lower abdomen;
• Period irregular.

If you notice at least one of the above signs, then be sure to contact your gynecologist. You can make an appointment with a doctor at any convenient time. Remember that your health is in your hands. Do not ignore the alarm bells that the body transmits in the form of heavy bleeding during menstruation or in the interval between them.

Implantation bleeding

We all know that a sure sign of pregnancy is the absence of menstruation. But not all women are aware that during the implantation of the embryo into the uterus, scant spotting can be observed. This is due to microdamage to the surface of the uterus during the introduction of a fertilized egg into it. A young and inexperienced girl in matters of pregnancy may take such discharge for pathology, especially given the fact that they are observed in the middle of the menstrual cycle.

How to distinguish implantation bleeding from the consequences of the disease? Everything is very simple. During implantation, spotting can last no more than two hours, its color is either brown or pink. The girl does not experience any pain during this period of time.

Bleeding from the genital tract in the postpartum period

Bloody discharge from the vagina after childbirth (lochia) is considered to be a completely normal physiological process. Unfortunately for all the fair sex, they can last much longer than the usual menstruation – up to eight weeks, and such discharge is caused by the separation of the placenta. In this case, pathology can be suspected in the presence of the following factors:

• Lochia have an unpleasant smell;
• Bleeding too much, pad has to be changed every hour and a half;
• Discharge lasts more than eight weeks and becomes bright red;
• There is severe weakness, dizziness, lowering blood pressure;
• The discharge is too thin, without blood clots.

How to stop heavy menstruation

In order to prevent heavy blood loss during menstruation and stop heavy bleeding, it is not necessary to spend a fortune on buying medications. It is enough to follow simple recommendations:

• Do not play sports, do not lift heavy things and refrain from any physical activity;
• Drink more water;
• Avoid alcohol and coffee;
• Give the body more time to rest;
• You can not take a bath, hot shower, and even more so visit the sauna or bath.

To quickly stop heavy menstrual bleeding, place a cold heating pad on your lower abdomen for 15 minutes. If you keep the cold longer, you can catch a cold and aggravate an already unhappy condition with inflammation.

Whichever of the above recommendations you use, a doctor’s consultation is required. If at the moment it is not possible to visit the clinic, then a remote consultation by e-mail is possible.

What measures are taken in case of severe blood loss during menstruation

If there is even the slightest suspicion of abnormal bleeding during menstruation, the primary task is to quickly and correctly stop it. Abundant blood loss can be very dangerous to health, in particular, anemia can occur. You can’t do without the help of an experienced highly qualified doctor. There is no need to bring the state to a critical one. The sooner medical care is provided, the more likely it is to avoid complications.

With heavy bleeding, first of all, patients are prescribed hemostatic drugs, then, if indicated, hormonal drugs. As a rule, hormonal agents are oral contraceptives and they are used for a long course of treatment. The doctor prescribes the dosage regimen, as well as a combination of such drugs, for each patient individually, taking into account the characteristics of her body.

You can find out the cause of bleeding and at the same time stop it with the help of curettage of the uterus. This procedure is carried out only for postmenopausal women or women of reproductive age. In a similar way, girls of adolescence, as well as those who have not given birth, cannot stop bleeding.

After heavy bleeding, women are prescribed general strengthening therapy without fail. The doctor may prescribe immunomodulators or vitamins.

If the cause of severe bleeding was emotional upheaval, severe stress, then patients are prescribed sedatives.

The reproductive system of women has a fine organization, all kinds of external and internal factors can lead to malfunctions in its work. Therefore, it is very important to regularly be examined by a gynecologist. Abundant blood loss can have various root causes that require timely elimination. For help in solving gynecological problems, you can contact the clinics for the treatment of fibroids, where the leading luminaries of medicine work. Each patient will receive medical care at the highest level, the problem will be solved on an individual basis. The clinics employ the best professionals in various fields of medicine.

If you feel the slightest deviation from the norm, and your health worsens, do not postpone going to a medical facility. Also, you do not need to self-medicate. The correct diagnosis can only be made by a doctor based on the results of the tests. Folk remedies can help in the fight against the disease, but only in cases where you know exactly what needs to be treated. Otherwise, self-diagnosis, and even more so self-treatment, can lead to even more serious consequences than inaction.

Modern medicine has in its arsenal a large number of preventive, diagnostic procedures, as well as sparing methods of treatment. New discoveries are being made every day, and more effective treatments are being developed. Diagnoses that used to sound like a sentence are curable today. So, earlier, uterine fibroids were treated only with the help of a surgical operation, removing the tumor along with the uterus. Today, the treatment of such a pathology is possible with the help of uterine artery embolization. The duration of the procedure is from 15 to 40 minutes. After this simple manipulation, the problem of fibroids is solved, and the ability to bear children in women is fully restored.