Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Overview
Causes
The cause is not always known. Excess bleeding can be caused by other health issues such as:
- Adenomyosis—abnormal uterine tissue growth
- Cervical or endometrial polyp
- Uterine fibroid
- Pelvic infections
- Bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease
- Medicine that slows blood clotting
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Liver, kidney, or thyroid disease
- Hormonal imbalance
- Ovarian cyst
- Intrauterine device (IUD)
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Menorrhagia may be:
- Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days
- Very heavy bleeding (soaking through a sanitary napkin or tampon every hour)
- Flow that needs change of sanitary napkin during the night
- Large clots
- Problems going through normal day because of very heavy flow
Long periods of heavy flow can also lead to fatigue and shortness of breath.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor if you have symptoms of menorrhagia.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical examination, including a pelvic exam, will be done. Tests to look for possible causes may include:
- Pap test
- Blood tests
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Removal of a sample of endometrial tissue— endometrial biopsy
- Scraping of the inner lining of the uterus— dilation and curettage
- Test to closely view the uterus and fallopian tubes— hysteroscopy
Treatments
Treatment
Treatment will be based on the cause. Some steps may include:
Medicine
Medicine may help to stop or ease heavy flow, such as:
- Hormonal therapy
- An IUD that releases the hormone progesterone
Other medicine may help to ease symptoms of a heavy flow, such as:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Iron supplement
Surgical Procedures
Surgery may be needed if the bleeding is severe and not responding to other treatment. Surgery choices include:
- Dilation and curettage
- Operative hysteroscopy—may be used along with other tools to remove a polyp
- Removal of the lining of the uterus— endometrial ablation
- Removal of the uterus— hysterectomy
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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