Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is a condition characterised by abnormally heavy or extended menstrual bleeding. Women suffering from menorrhagia experience severe blood loss, pain and cramping which can restrict their usual activities.

Symptoms

Women with menorrhagia may suffer from:

• Menstrual flow that soaks one or more pads per hour for several hours
• The need to use double sanitary protection to control the blood flow
• The need to change pads frequently during the night
• Periods lasting longer than seven days
• Menstrual flow that includes large blood clots
• Fatigue, weakness or shortness of breath

Diagnosis

Menorrhagia may be diagnosed by one or more of the following methods:

• a pelvic examination
• a pelvic ultrasound scan
• a biopsy of the womb lining
• a hysteroscopy

Treatments

• Iron supplements
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce blood flow and cramping
• Oral contraceptives
• Oral progesterone
• Mirena - an intrauterine device that releases progestin
• In severe cases, surgery may be recommended