Are heavy periods getting in the way of your life?

Information about Menorrhagia—and what About Women Ob-Gyn can do to help.

What is Menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is the most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. In some cases, bleeding may be so severe and relentless that daily activities become interrupted.

NovaSure®: A Fast, Effective Treatment for Heavy Bleeding in Women who do Not Plan to Become Pregnant in the Future

At About Women Ob-Gyn, a one-time, hormone-free treatment called NovaSure®–performed in about five minutes in our office—is available for treatment of menorrhagia. It’s a fast, noninvasive procedure that requires no incisions, and most patients experience little or no pain. For more information, please visit our NovaSure® page.

What causes Menorrhagia?

There are several possible causes of menorrhagia, including the following

• Imbalance of hormones (particularly estrogen and progesterone), especially seen in adolescents who are experiencing their first menstrual period and in women approaching menopause
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Uterine fibroids
• Abnormal pregnancy (i.e., miscarriage, ectopic)
• Infection, tumors, or polyps in the pelvic cavity
• Certain birth control devices (i.e., intrauterine devices, or IUDs)
• Bleeding or platelet disorders
• High levels of prostaglandins (chemical substances which help to control the muscle contractions of the uterus)
• High levels of endothelins (chemical substances which help the blood vessels in the body dilate)
• Liver, kidney, or thyroid disease

What are the symptoms of Menorrhagia?

In general, bleeding is considered excessive when a woman soaks through enough sanitary products (sanitary napkins or tampons) to require changing every hour. In addition, bleeding is considered prolonged when a woman experiences a menstrual period that lasts longer than seven days. The following are other common symptoms of menorrhagia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
• Spotting or bleeding during pregnancy

The symptoms of menorrhagia may resemble other menstrual conditions or medical problems. Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is Menorrhagia diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a health care provider evaluating a woman’s medical history and a complete physical examination including a pelvic examination. A diagnosis of menorrhagia can only be certain when the health care provider rules out other menstrual disorders, medical conditions, or medications that may be causing or aggravating the condition. Other diagnostic procedures for menorrhagia may include the following:

• Blood tests
• Pap test. A test that involves microscopic examination of cells collected from the cervix; used to detect changes that may be cancerous or may lead to cancer, and to show noncancerous conditions, such as an infection or inflammation.
• Ultrasound (also called sonography)
• Biopsy (endometrial). A procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. An endometrial biopsy removes tissue from the lining of the uterus.
• Hysteroscopy. A visual examination of the canal of the cervix and the interior of the uterus using a viewing instrument (hysteroscope) inserted through the vagina.
• Dilation and curettage (D & C). A common gynecological surgery which consists of widening the cervical canal with a dilator and scraping the uterine cavity with a curette.

Treatment for Menorrhagia 

Specific treatment for menorrhagia will be determined by your healthcare provider based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the condition
• Cause of the condition
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the condition
• Your opinion or preference

Treatments range from management with iron supplementation (for menorrhagia caused by a deficiency of red blood cells) or medications, to minimally invasive procedures to eliminate the lining of the uterus, to surgical removal of the lining of the uterus or of the uterus itself.

Treatment for menorrhagia may include:

• Iron supplementation. This treatment is used if the condition is coupled with anemia, a blood disorder caused by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
• Prostaglandin inhibitors. These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin or ibuprofen, which help reduce cramping and the amount of blood expelled.
• Oral contraceptives. These inhibit ovulation.
• Progesterone. Hormone treatment.
• Endometrial ablation (including NovaSure®. A procedure to eliminate the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
• Endometrial resection. A procedure to remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
• Hysterectomy. A surgical removal of the uterus.