MENORRHAGIA

General Information

DEFINITION--A fairly common disorder that is characterized by unusual heavy or prolonged period of menstrual flow. The average amount of blood loss during a normal menstrual period is about two ounces. With menorrhagia, a woman may lose three ounces or more. It rarely signifies a serious underlying disorder.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Female reproductive system.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Females from age 12 to 55.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Excessive menstrual flow (varies greatly from woman to woman).
• Menstrual period lasts for more than 7 days.
• Large clots of blood may pass.
• Paleness and fatigue (anemia).

CAUSES

• Imbalance of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
• Fibroids (benign uterine tumors).
• Pelvic infection.
• Endometrial disorder.
• Intrauterine device (IUD).
• Hypothyroidism.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Estrogen administration (without progestin).
• Young women who have not established a regular ovulation cycle.
• Women approaching menopause.

HOW TO PREVENT--To detect early signs of reproductive system disorders, have an annual pelvic examination with a cervical smear test (Pap smear).

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Special medical diagnostic tests (e.g., pregnancy test, endometrial biopsy, blood test) to help determine cause of bleeding may be performed.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Treatment usually depends on age of woman, whether or not she wants children and on any underlying disorder.
• Dilatation and curettage (D & C) may be performed.
• Hysterectomy may be considered in persistent cases where fertility is not desired.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Anemia due to excessive blood loss.
• Surgery may be required.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--

• Varies with cause of bleeding.
• Patients with hormonal causes usually respond to treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Wear extra sanitary pads during excessive flow to prevent embarrassment.
• If using an IUD, consider a change to another method of contraception.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Hormone therapy to control bleeding.
• Other medications to control the bleeding, if hormones cannot be taken for some reason.
• Iron replacement therapy for anemia.

ACTIVITY--Reducing activities during menstruation and resting with feet up may be helpful.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have signs or symptoms of menorrhagia.
• Symptoms worsen after treatment begins.
• New or unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may cause side effects.