Menorrhagia: Causes And Treatments For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Health & Medical Blog

Menorrhagia refers to bleeding heavily during your menstrual period. In addition to heavy bleeding during your periods, menorrhagia refers to periods that also last longer than usual. While menorrhagia is very common, the cause should be diagnosed by your OB/GYN so that the appropriate treatment can be quickly implemented. Over time, menorrhagia may raise your risk for fatigue, weakness, and anemia related to excessive blood loss. Here are some causes of menorrhagia and effective treatments that your gynecologist may recommend.

Menorrhagia Causes 

Menorrhagia can be caused by uterine fibroids, which are benign tumors of the uterus. While small uterine fibroids are often asymptomatic, large fibroids may cause pelvic pain, backaches, menstrual cramps, and prolonged and heavy bleeding during your periods. Endometrial hyperplasia may also cause both heavy bleedings during your periods as well as bleeding in between your periods. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus and hyperplasia refers to an abnormal thickening of that lining.

Other common causes for menorrhagia include side effects from certain medications and nutritional supplements. For example, aspirin and prescription "blood thinners" also called anticoagulants, can affect your platelet count, raising your risk for menorrhagia. Moreover, certain supplements such as garlic, turmeric, magnesium, and fish oil can also cause heavy menstrual bleeding.

Menorrhagia Treatments

If you have symptomatic uterine fibroids that cause excessive bleeding and pain, then your OB/GYN may recommend surgery to remove them. Depending upon the size and location of your fibroids, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopic surgery, also known as "keyhole surgery". If, however, your gynecologist determines that you are not a candidate for laparoscopic surgery, traditional abdominal surgery will be recommended.

Once your fibroids have been removed, your menorrhagia will also resolve. If your heavy bleeding is the result of endometrial hyperplasia, hormonal therapy may help relieve your symptoms, and if you take anticoagulants, taking a lower dose may help curb your excessive menstrual bleeding.

Because the above dietary supplements can cause menorrhagia, your physician may advise you to stop taking them for a month or so to see if your menorrhagia goes away. Eating fresh garlic, fish, and magnesium-rich foods instead of consuming them in supplement form may also help tame heavy menstrual bleeding.

If you bleed heavily during your menstrual periods or if your periods last longer than usual, make an appointment with your gynecologist. After they take a medical history and perform an examination they will recommend the appropriate treatment plan for your menorrhagia.

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25 February 2022

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