HEAVY
PERIODS
PERIODS
(MENORRHAGIA)
Royal Hospital, Ahmedabad provides specialized treatment for patients experiencing heavy periods, medically referred to as menorrhagia. Menorrhagia entails menstrual periods characterized by unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding.
Individuals afflicted by menorrhagia often find it challenging to engage in routine activities during menstruation due to the excessive blood loss and accompanying cramping. If you find yourself dreading your period owing to the severity of menstrual bleeding, it's imperative to initiate a dialogue with your healthcare provider. Numerous effective treatment modalities are available for managing menorrhagia, ensuring improved quality of life and menstrual health.
Doctors typically initiate the diagnostic process for menorrhagia by delving into your medical history and menstrual patterns. You may be requested to maintain a diary detailing bleeding and non-bleeding days, along with notes on the intensity of menstrual flow and the type of sanitary protection required.
Subsequently, a physical examination may be conducted, followed by recommendations for various tests or procedures, including:
These evaluate your blood sample for indicators of iron deficiency (anaemia) and screen for other underlying conditions such as thyroid disorders or abnormalities in blood clotting.
Utilizing sound waves, this imaging technique generates detailed images of your uterus, ovaries, and pelvic region, aiding in the assessment of structural abnormalities.
Cells obtained from your cervix are analysed for signs of infection, inflammation, or precancerous changes.
Your doctor may procure a tissue sample from the inner lining of your uterus for further examination by a pathologist.
procedures may be recommended, including:
This procedure involves the insertion of a thin, illuminated instrument through your vagina and cervix into the uterus, enabling visualization of the uterine interior.
Achieving a definitive diagnosis of menorrhagia hinges upon thorough exclusion of other menstrual disorders, medical conditions, or medication- related factors that could potentially contribute to or exacerbate this condition. Through meticulous evaluation and targeted investigations, healthcare providers can ascertain the underlying cause of menorrhagia, facilitating tailored management strategies.
Common signs and symptoms of menorrhagia encompass:
Individuals may find themselves soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for consecutive hours, necessitating frequent changes.
Menorrhagia may disrupt sleep patterns, compelling individuals to awaken during the night to change sanitary protection.
Individuals may observe the expulsion of blood clots larger than a quarter, indicative of significant menstrual flow.
These fibroids originate within the muscular wall of the uterus. They have the potential to enlarge and expand the uterus due to their location. Intramural fibroids can develop within the body's cavities.
Chronic blood loss can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, characterized by manifestations such as fatigue, tiredness, and shortness of breath.
Recognizing these signs and symptoms is crucial for prompt identification and management of menorrhagia, ensuring optimal menstrual health and overall well-being.
Disruption in the equilibrium between oestrogen and progesterone, crucial hormones governing the uterine linings build up and shedding, can lead to excessive menstrual bleeding. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, insulin resistance, and thyroid disorders are known to induce hormone imbalances.
Thyroid disorders, encompassing both hypothyroidism (low thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) and hyperthyroidism (elevated TSH), can adversely impact menstrual cycles. Hypothyroidism often presents with disturbed menstrual cycles and occult menorrhagia, while hyperthyroidism may manifest as delayed menses or irregular menstruation.
Anovulation, characterized by the absence of ovulation during menstrual cycles, can result in inadequate progesterone production and subsequent hormonal imbalance, potentially leading to menorrhagia.
Small, benign growths on the uterine lining, called uterine polyps, have the potential to cause excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
This condition arises when endometrial glands infiltrate the uterine muscle, often resulting in heavy bleeding and painful menstruation.
Menorrhagia can occur as a known adverse effect of no hormonal intrauterine devices utilized for birth control.
Heavy menstrual bleeding may be indicative of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage or abnormal placental positioning.
Excessive menstrual bleeding, particularly in postmenopausal individuals or those with a history of abnormal Pap tests, may signal uterine or cervical cancer.
Certain genetic bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease, characterized by deficient or impaired blood-clotting factors, can precipitate abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Certain medications, including emergency contraception (e.g., I-Pill), hormonal agents like oestrogen and progestins, and anticoagulants such as warfarin or enoxaparin, may contribute to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Various medical conditions, including liver or kidney disease, may be associated with menorrhagia, necessitating comprehensive evaluation and management.
Identifying the underlying cause of menorrhagia is essential for instituting appropriate treatment strategies and mitigating the impact on menstrual health and overall well-being. Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized management.
Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding can precipitate various medical complications, including:
Menorrhagia can induce blood loss anaemia by diminishing the number of circulating red blood cells. This decline in red blood cells reduces haemoglobin levels, a vital protein facilitating oxygen transport to tissues. Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia encompass pale skin, weakness, and fatigue. While dietary factors contribute to iron deficiency anaemia, the condition is further exacerbated by heavy menstrual periods.
In conjunction with heavy menstrual bleeding, individuals may experience intense menstrual cramps, medically termed dysmenorrhea. At times, the severity of these cramps associated with menorrhagia warrants medical evaluation to manage discomfort effectively.
Monitoring and addressing these potential complications of menorrhagia are crucial for preserving overall health and well-being. Seeking prompt medical attention can facilitate the implementation of appropriate interventions to alleviate symptoms and mitigate the impact of heavy menstrual bleeding on daily life.
Medical Treatment: Medical interventions for menorrhagia may encompass:
Beyond their contraceptive function, oral contraceptives can aid in regulating menstrual cycles and alleviating episodes of excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Progesterone hormone therapy can rebalance hormonal levels and mitigate menorrhagia symptoms by addressing underlying hormone imbalances.
The Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) administers levonorgestrel, a type of progestin, to thin the uterine lining, thereby reducing menstrual blood flow and associated cramping.
If medical management proves ineffective, surgical interventions may be warranted. Treatment options include:
This procedure involves dilating the cervix to remove tissue from the uterine lining, effectively reducing menstrual bleeding. While D&C is commonly successful in treating acute bleeding episodes, recurrent menorrhagia may necessitate additional procedures.
Surgical excision of uterine fibroids can be performed via open abdominal surgery, laparoscopic techniques involving small incisions, or hysteroscopic approaches through the vagina and cervix, depending on fibroid size, number, and location.
A definitive solution for menorrhagia involves the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix. Hysterectomy results in sterility and cessation of menstrual periods, necessitating anaesthesia and hospitalization. Bilateral oophorectomy, or removal of the ovaries, may induce premature menopause as a consequence.
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