Menorrhagia is the medical term used to indicate particularly abundant or prolonged menstrual discharge (more than a week). Blood loss and consequent cramps associated can be debilitating and affect the normal daily life, sometimes leading to anemia and problems associated with it, such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
Among the possible causes of the problem are: hormonal imbalances, malfunction the ovaries or diseases such as uterine fibroids, polyps, endometriosis or, more rarely, cancer. Sometimes menorrhagia is associated with complications of pregnancy, the use of a spiral or taking certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant.
What kind of diseases can be associated with menorrhagia?
Diseases that may be associated with menorrhagia are the following:
- Adenomyosis
- Ovarian cancer
- Thyroid disorders
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Von Willebrand disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Uterine polyps
- Uterine cancer
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for menorrhagia?
The best remedy in case of menorrhagia depends on its severity, its cause, the state of health and medical history of the patient. Sometimes the use of drugs anti-inflammatories can relieve the pain or drugs which help to limit the menstrual flow, including the pill.
In case of anemia the intake of iron may be prescribed, whereas if menorrhagia is associated with taking medication you may need to stop taking it. Other times it is necessary to intervene surgically, for example in the case of fibroids.
Finally, if the menorrhagia is due to a specific disease, to resolve the problem is necessary to act in a specific manner on the latter.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of menorrhagia?
In case of menorrhagia it is always good to seek advice from your doctor. When your menstruation is so abundant that you have to change a tampon every hour, you should consult a doctor
