Menorrhagia is a medical term to describe menstrual conditions with excessive amounts of blood coming out or menstruation that lasts more than 7 days. This condition can also be accompanied by other conditions, such as dysmenorrhea or cramps due to menstruation. If left unchecked, menorrhagia can interfere with activities to trigger anemia.
Causes of Menorrhagia
Menstruation is the process of shedding the uterine lining, which is marked by the discharge of blood from the vagina. Normally, this menstrual blood discharge phase will last 4-7 days, and the amount of menstrual blood removed is around 30-40 ml per cycle. A woman is considered to have excessive menstruation if the blood that comes out is more than 80 ml per cycle.
The following are a number of causes of menorrhagia:
- Side effects of contraceptives, such as birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
- Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Menstrual cycle without ovulation.
- Genetic disorders, especially those that affect the blood clotting process, such as von Willebrand's disease.
- Certain types of cancer, including cervical cancer and endometrial cancer.
Menorrhagia symptoms
Not a few women experience irregular menstrual cycles. Sometimes menstruation can last longer or be heavier than in previous months. However, menorrhagia is different from those variations in the menstrual cycle. When a person experiences menorrhagia, the menstruation they experience will be so heavy that it can interfere with daily activities.
Symptoms of menorrhagia include the following:
- Pads or tampons full of menstrual blood within 1-2 hours.
- Menstruation that lasts 7 days or more.
- Feeling cramps due to heavy menstruation and very painful.
- Menstrual blood that comes out is accompanied by blood clots the size of a quarter of a coin.
Heavy bleeding is a symptom of menorrhagia.
Menorrhagia Treatment Options
The main cause determines menorrhagia treatment. The first options for menorrhagia treatment include the following.
1. Birth control pills
This pill can stop ovulation, resulting in lighter menstrual blood flow.
2. Prostaglandin inhibitors (NSAIDs)
This oral medication contains ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, which help reduce pain and menstrual blood flow.
3. Hormonal IUDs
The hormonal IUD is a contraceptive device that releases the hormone progestin to thin the lining so that it can reduce cramps due to menstruation and the flow of menstrual blood that comes out.
4. Iron Supplements
Iron supplements can be taken if the blood loss is too much, causing iron deficiency.
5. Operations or other medical procedures
If medical treatment doesn't solve the problem, surgery can be considered, such as myomectomy, hysterectomy, or other procedures.
Self Treatment
Although it may not be able to cure the main cause of menorrhagia, self-treatment at home can reduce and relieve the symptoms that appear. Self-treatment with home remedies can also be done to reduce the risk of anemia.
To treat menorrhagia symptoms at home, you can take NSAIDs available on the market and accompanied by adequate rest. Some people also find heating pads helpful for relieving pain and cramps.
Make sure to get adequate hydration, especially if you have heavy bleeding. Eating foods high in iron, such as beef liver and spinach, can also reduce the risk of iron deficiency due to anemia.
Replace fluids lost during menstruation by drinking enough water.
It is recommended to see a gynecologist or doctor if you experience heavy menstruation for 2 consecutive months. Several types of tests can be done to help doctors determine the underlying cause of menorrhagia, such as blood tests, biopsies, and ultrasounds of the uterus. The results of the tests that have been carried out are also useful in determining the most appropriate method of treatment and care.
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Reference:
Whelan, C. & Henigsman, S. A. (2021). What Is Menorrhagia and Is It Dangerous? [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/menstruation/menorrhagia