Menorrhagia cause is a condition that has many, such as abnormally heavy periods. Hormonal imbalances, PCOS, uterine fibroids, polyps, blood clots, etc. Some of the causes can be managed with lifestyle changes. For example, changing your dietary habits can reduce weight loss by 5-10% and relieve menopausal symptoms and Excessive hair growth (hirsutism). Although evidence on the benefits of exercise for PCOS is limited, studies have found that aerobic training can reduce BMI by up to 5%, improving function. Heavy bleeding and related symptoms in the reproductive system can be reduced through non-medical treatments like dietary changes, exercise, herbs, and acupuncture to enhance tumor symptoms.
What is Menorrhagia
It is characterized by abnormally heavy bleeding or prolonged menstruation. A natural menstrual cycle involves losing 30-40 ml of blood over 4 to 7 days. However, postmenopausal women may have periods lasting longer than 7 days and lose more than 80 ml of blood per cycle, which significantly impacts their quality of life.
It is essential to distinguish between normal menstruation and menopause. Excessive blood loss can lead to anemia, period fatigue, and other health problems. Early diagnosis of menopause is important to prevent complications and provide appropriate management. A thorough evaluation of symptoms and medical history is vital to determine the underlying cause and provide targeted treatment options.
What is Considered a Heavy Period (Menorrhagia)?
i). Continuous changing of sanitary pads or tampons, which means every hour needs to change.
ii). To need extra double sanitary protection.
iii). You wake up during the night to change your sanitary products.
iv). You experience painful menstrual cramps.
v). Passing large blood clots.
Menorrhagia Causes:
Common reasons for heavy periods include:
Menorrhagia in Different Age Groups
Hormonal Imbalances
Heavy periods, or "ovulatory dysfunction," occur when the hormonal balance between the brain and ovaries is disrupted. Common causes include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which leads to irregular or heavy periods due to hormonal imbalances, and thyroid issues like hypothyroidism that affect menstrual flow. Hyperprolactinemia, excessive levels of the hormone prolactin, can also cause heavy or missed periods. Stress, both mental and physical, and excess fat tissue in overweight individuals further disrupt hormone levels, often resulting in heavier menstrual cycles.
Uterine Issues
Heavy menstrual bleeding can stem from problems with the uterus. Polyps or fibroids, benign growths in the uterus, can interfere with its ability to contract, causing excessive bleeding. Endometrial issues, such as inflammation or infection, may also disrupt the normal shedding process, leading to heavy periods. Abnormal tissue growth, like cancer or precancer in the uterus or cervix, can bleed easily. Pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, may also result in heavy bleeding, sometimes before pregnancy is even detected.
Medications
Certain medications and medical conditions can cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Blood-thinning medications, taken to prevent clots, can increase bleeding during periods. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection in the reproductive organs, may cause inflammation that interferes with normal menstrual flow. Coagulation disorders like von Willebrand disease affect the body’s ability to clot blood, leading to longer, heavier periods. Managing these conditions properly is important to reduce their impact on menstrual health and improve overall health.
Other Factors
Certain medications and medical conditions can cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Blood-thinning medications, taken to prevent clots, can increase bleeding during periods. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection in the reproductive organs, may cause inflammation that interferes with normal menstrual flow. Coagulation disorders like von Willebrand disease affect the body’s ability to clot blood, leading to longer, heavier periods. Managing these conditions properly is important to reduce their impact on menstrual health and improve overall health.
Diagnosis of Menorrhagia
To diagnose menorrhagia causes, your gynecologist will first ask about your symptoms and perform a vaginal exam, possibly including a Pap smear. You may then get an ultrasound scan, often using a vaginal probe, to check the uterus and pelvic organs closely.
Sometimes, a sample of the uterine lining is needed to identify the cause. This endometrial sampling is usually done in an outpatient clinic with minimal discomfort. If not possible, a hysteroscopy might be performed to examine and sample the lining using a thin, telescopic instrument.
How to Stop Heavy Periods
The treatment for heavy periods varies based on factors like your age, the cause, and whether you have significant menstrual cramps. Generally, treatments include:
Hormonal Treatment:
Menorrhagia causes such as hormonal imbalance, and if women want to have children, birth control hormones are often used. These can be in the form of pills, patches, or hormonal IUDs, and they help regulate your period and reduce bleeding.
Blood Clotting Medication:
If women are close to menopause and don't want more kids, your gynecologist may start with blood clotting medicine like tranexamic acid to help with heavy bleeding. If that doesn’t work, they might recommend a progesterone intrauterine device. These options have significantly reduced the need for hysterectomy in cases of heavy bleeding.
Surgery Options:
Surgery options for heavy periods include endometrial ablation, which removes the lining of the uterus to reduce heavy bleeding, and hysteroscopy, which takes out fibroids or polyps. In severe cases, a hysterectomy (removing the uterus) may be suggested. These surgeries can offer long-term relief when other treatments haven’t worked.
Home Remedies Tips:
Home remedies for heavy periods include herbs like ginger or cinnamon, which might help with bleeding. Eating a healthy diet with iron and vitamin C can support blood health. Regular exercise and stress management, such as yoga or meditation, help balance hormones. These remedies can support treatment but shouldn’t replace medical advice.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many ways to manage menorrhagia Cause or menopause. It depends on the needs of each person. These range from hormone therapy and anticoagulants. to surgical options such as endometriosis. And surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). Home remedies include herbal supplements, healthy food, and stress management. Additional support can be provided. Preventing heavy bleeding with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan and avoid potential complications is essential. Effective management can significantly improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and prevent chronic health problems. Always consult your doctor to ensure comprehensive care and treatment tailored to your condition.
FAQ’s
What Is Menorrhagia vs. Metrorrhagia?
Menorrhagia refers to excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Metrorrhagia, on the other hand, includes bleeding between menstrual periods. Both conditions affect menstrual health but differ in their timing and bleeding pattern.
What Foods Does Menorrhagia Cause?
Certain ingredients can help manage menorrhagia, including iron-rich foods (spinach, pork) to combat anemia and vitamin C-rich meals (citrus culmination) to enhance iron absorption. Avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol can also help regulate bleeding.
What Is The Root Of Menorrhagia Causes?
Menorrhagia caused by, it can stem from hormonal imbalances (e.g., PCOS), uterine conditions (e.g., fibroids), thyroid disorders, or blood clotting problems. Identifying the underlying purpose is vital for effective treatment.
Can Drinking Water Stop Heavy Periods?
Drinking water cannot stop heavy periods, but staying hydrated helps overall health and may reduce bloating and discomfort associated with heavy bleeding. It’s important to address the root cause with medical treatment.
Which Deficiency Menorrhagia Causes?
Heavy periods regularly lead to iron deficiency anemia due to significant blood loss. Menorrhagia causes fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Successfully managing menorrhagia allows you to save yourself or deal with this deficiency.
