Menstruation involves the regular release of blood from the vagina each month. Generally, the amount of blood lost ranges from 2-3 tablespoons (about 30-40 ml) over 4-5 days. However, in cases of menorrhagia, bleeding can exceed 80 ml and last longer than 7 days. So, what are the causes of menorrhagia, and how can it be managed? Read on to learn more.

What is Menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is a condition marked by abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. Some signs indicating that you may be experiencing menorrhagia include:

• Menstrual periods lasting more than 7 days
• Heavy blood flow requiring frequent pad changes
• Using multiple pads simultaneously to prevent leakage
• Needing to change pads during the night
• Passing large blood clots
• Feeling weak and fatigued
• Difficulty carrying out daily activities
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Shortness of breath

If you experience extremely heavy menstruation, requiring you to change pads or tampons hourly for more than two hours consecutively, or if you have bleeding between menstrual cycles or post-menopausal vaginal bleeding, it’s essential to consult a doctor.

Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

Heavy menstrual bleeding can arise from hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, or side effects of certain medications. Some common causes include:

Hormonic Imbalance

Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to excessive bleeding. Conditions that may cause these imbalances include:

• Anovulation (lack of ovulation)
• Thyroid disorders
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Obesity

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus that can develop within the uterine wall, muscle layer, or outside the uterus, often resulting in heavier menstrual bleeding.

Adenomyosis

This condition occurs when the lining of the uterus grows into the uterine wall, causing it to thicken and leading to heavy bleeding and menstrual cramps.

IUD Use

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a common form of contraception. While hormonal IUDs typically do not affect menstrual bleeding, copper IUDs are known to increase bleeding and may cause significant menstrual pain.

If heavy bleeding occurs after starting a copper IUD, discuss alternative options with your doctor.

Medications

Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives and blood thinners, can cause heavier or prolonged bleeding.

Other Medical Conditions

Other health issues that may lead to heavy menstrual bleeding include:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Pregnancy complications, such as placenta previa
• Uterine cancer
• Genetic bleeding disorders

Excessive menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia can interfere with daily life. If you experience symptoms of menorrhagia, consult a doctor to receive proper care. You can also use the Ai Care consultation feature, available for download on the App Store and Play Store.

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