Heavy Bleeding

Heavy Bleeding

What Is Heavy Bleeding ?

Excessive menstrual bleeding affects one in five women. The amount of blood lost in each period varies enormously from individual to individual. Some women lose a few teaspoonfuls and hardly notice their periods, while other women regularly lose large volumes of blood. Because of this wide variation it is impossible to define a 'normal' period in terms of the amount, length, and frequency of bleeding. A heavy period for one woman may be normal for another. However, for any individual woman, the amount of blood lost every month tends to remain relatively constant, apart from slight variations with age. It would be unusual for a woman to lose a few teaspoonfuls of blood one month and a pint of blood the next. Because the amount of blood loss is relatively constant, each individual woman tends to consider her own periods to be normal for her, and usually only worries about them or consults her doctor when she feels that her periods have changed. Doctors define menstrual bleeding as heavy (and call it menorrhagia) when periods last longer than seven days or more than 80ml of blood is lost during a period. It is possible to measure menstrual blood loss and doctors can have this done by their local hospital departments, especially if there is concern about a woman becoming anaemic. However, the way that a woman perceives the heaviness of her period is as important as any clinical measurements

What Causes Heavy Bleeding ?

If your periods have changed, it's very important to see your doctor. There are a number of diseases which can cause heavy bleeding (see list below). The doctor will investigate possible causes and offer the appropriate treatment. But in about half the women with heavy bleeding, no cause can be found.Some causes of heavy menstrual bleeding If your periods have changed, it's very important to see your doctor. There are a number of diseases which can cause heavy bleeding (see list below). The doctor will investigate possible causes and offer the appropriate treatment. But in about half the women with heavy bleeding, no cause can be found.

Simple, non surgical method of treating heavy menses is to insert a hormonal intrauterine device (LNG _ IUD). This is a small shaped ‘T’device, which looks like a Copper T or loop but has hormone inside it. This can be placed inside the uterus in two minutes, without any anaesthesia and once inside the womb, it reduces or stops bleeding during menses for a period of 5 years. This also gives contraceptive benefit to women . This is a temporary method and the device can be removed at any time.

What Is Treatment Of Heavy Bleeding ?

Treatment for heavy uterine bleeding in women, known as menorrhagia, depends on the underlying cause and the individual's health. Common approaches include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and bleeding, hormonal therapies like birth control pills to regulate menstrual cycles, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) releasing progestin. In cases of severe bleeding, iron supplements may be recommended to prevent anemia. Surgical options include endometrial ablation to remove the uterine lining or hysterectomy for those who no longer desire fertility. Treatment is tailored to the woman's specific condition, aiming to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and address any underlying health concerns.