Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts more than 7 days. What is heavy menstrual bleeding you may wonder? You may have heavy menstrual bleeding if you have to change your menstrual products after less than 2 hours or if you have blood clots that are a quarter size or larger. 

Menorrhagia affects more than 10 million American women every year which means about one out of every five women has menorrhagia. Many women that may have menorrhagia may not know they have it due to always having heavy menstrual bleeding. Other women may notice it as their menstrual bleeding changes and become heavier than normal. Females should talk openly to their doctors about their menstrual cycles to get the correct diagnosis. 

Symptoms: 

• Excessive bleeding 
• Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row
• Having to use double sanitary products to control bleeding
• Having to change your sanitary product during the night 
• Passing blood clots, a quarter size or larger 
• Bleeding longer than 7 days
• Fatigue
• Iron deficiency

Causes: 

 

It is unknown why some women may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, but several conditions can cause menorrhagia. 

Ovarian dysfunction: When a female's ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40.

Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous tumors on the uterus that appear during childbearing years.

Hormone imbalance: During menstruation, there is a balance between hormones estrogen and progesterone which helps regulate the uterus lining buildup. When hormones are imbalanced the uterus lining excessively buildup and when it does shed it creates a heavier menstrual bleed. 

Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid doesn’t release enough hormones. 

In-Conclusion: 

At Stetho Health Systems we address menstrual health & hygiene issues worldwide to understand females better and fulfill their hygiene needs. Menorrhagia affects millions of women every year and the majority of those women have no idea that they are being affected. With better menstrual education and comfort, women can be more vocal about their menstrual problems to their doctors.