Heavy menstrual bleeding

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB), also known as Menorrhagia, is a medical condition characterized by abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. With HMB, menstrual bleeding lasts more than 7 days and/or is so heavy that it requires frequent changing of sanitary protection. This condition can significantly impact an individual's physical, emotional, and social life.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Heavy menstrual bleeding can result from a variety of causes, including but not limited to:

Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus can lead to heavier or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.
Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus is found outside the uterus, causing heavy periods.
Adenomyosis: When the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus.
Bleeding disorders: Conditions such as von Willebrand disease can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs can result in heavy bleeding.
Thyroid problems: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
IUD (Intrauterine device): A non-hormonal IUD can increase menstrual flow.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding include:

Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours
Needing to use double sanitary protection to control menstrual flow
Needing to wake up to change sanitary protection during the night
Bleeding for more than a week
Passing large blood clots (larger than a quarter)
Restricting daily activities due to heavy menstrual flow
Symptoms of anemia, such as tiredness, fatigue, or shortness of breath

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding may involve:

Medical history evaluation and physical examination
Blood tests to check for anemia, thyroid problems, and blood-clotting disorders
Pap test to check for changes in cervical cells
Endometrial biopsy to take a sample of the lining of the uterus
Ultrasound to obtain images of the uterus, ovaries, and pelvis

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding may include:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): To help reduce menstrual blood loss
Tranexamic acid: To reduce menstrual blood loss
Oral contraceptives: To help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce bleeding
Hormonal IUD (Intrauterine device): To reduce menstrual bleeding
Iron supplements: To treat anemia caused by heavy menstrual bleeding
Surgery: Procedures such as endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolization, or hysterectomy may be considered in severe cases

Prevention[edit | edit source]

While it may not be possible to prevent heavy menstrual bleeding, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help manage symptoms and underlying conditions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress levels can also be beneficial.