Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is a condition in which a woman has abnormally heavy and/or long periods. It is a common problem that affects many women of reproductive age, although it can affect women of any age. Menorrhagia is also known as hypermenorrhea or excessive menstrual bleeding. Menorrhagia is caused by an imbalance in the hormones that control the menstrual cycle. It can also be caused by medical conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The symptoms of menorrhagia can vary from woman to woman, but generally include: heavy bleeding, prolonged periods (lasting longer than 7 days), bleeding between periods, and the need to use more than one pad or tampon at a time. Additionally, women with menorrhagia may experience fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, and other symptoms related to anemia (a condition caused by a lack of iron). Treatment for menorrhagia may include medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal birth control, or progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs). In some cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) or shrink the fibroids. Menorrhagia can be a very disruptive and even disabling condition. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of menorrhagia, so that they can assess your condition and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.