Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: Signs, Causes, and Management
Menstruation, a monthly occurrence in women of reproductive age, involves the shedding of the uterine lining.
However, for some women, this bleeding can extend beyond the usual duration.
This condition is called prolonged menstrual bleeding or Menorrhagia and leads to concerns and discomfort.
It affects approximately 10% of women and may indicate other health concerns like Anemia.
This article will explore all possible signs and causes of prolonged menstrual bleeding and some management tips.
Signs of prolonged menstrual bleeding
In addition to prolonged bleeding itself, women with Menorrhagia may experience additional symptoms.
It may include:
- Passing blood clots larger than a quarter
- Anemia symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath
- Menstrual bleeding that interferes with daily activities
- Needing to change sanitary products frequently, even during the night
- Bleeding that lasts longer than seven days
Causes of prolonged menstrual bleeding
There are various causes of prolonged menstrual bleeding.
They include the following:
Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance, a common cause of prolonged menstrual bleeding, occurs when there are disruptions in the Estrogen and Progesterone levels.
For example, high Estrogen can lead to excessive growth of the uterine lining, resulting in heavier and longer periods.
Progesterone deficiency, on the other hand, can lead to irregular shedding of the uterine lining, leading to prolonged bleeding.
Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and other factors (stress, thyroid disorders) can contribute to these imbalances.
Women experiencing hormonal imbalance may also notice other symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, or irregular menstrual cycles.
Perimenopause
Menstrual cycles may become irregular, and women may experience changes in the duration and intensity of menstrual bleeding during Perimenopause.
Some women also have excessive bleeding at this phase.
| Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to Menopause when a woman’s body produces less Estrogen. |
Fibroids and polyps
Structural abnormalities of the uterus, like fibroids and polyps, can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and cause prolonged bleeding.
Fibroids are the growths that develop in or around the uterus and can vary in size and location.
It commonly causes heavy menstrual bleeding, leading to a loss of blood and iron over time.
Similarly, uterine polyps (small tissue growths on the uterine lining) can cause irregular bleeding patterns and prolonged periods.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus begins to grow into the muscular walls of the uterus.
It may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and pain.
Endometrial hyperplasia
Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition known by an overgrowth of the cells lining the uterus, known as the endometrium.
This abnormal growth may result in prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Blood thinner drugs
Some medicines can contribute to prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Blood-thinning medicines, such as anticoagulant drugs, can affect the individual body’s ability to form blood clots and lead to heavier periods.
Bleeding disorders
Certain blood disorders like Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) or platelet function disorder can lead to prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding problem characterized by a dysfunction or deficiency of the Von Willebrand factor, a protein helping blood clot.
On the other hand, a platelet function disorder is a condition where the platelets in the blood do not function properly, or the platelet count in the blood is too low or high.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to inflammation and abnormal uterine bleeding.
It is often caused by STIs such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea.
In addition to prolonged menstrual bleeding, women with PID may experience symptoms such as pelvic pain or unusual vaginal discharge.
Also Read: There are various antibiotics that are used in treating PID. To know more about them, you can go through our guide, PID Antibiotics: Choosing the Right Treatment Approach.
Management
Effective management of prolonged menstrual bleeding involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause.
Doctors may conduct a physical exam, ask about medical history, and perform tests like blood tests, ultrasound, or a biopsy.
Once the cause is identified, treatment will be tailored to address the specific condition.
This may include medication, hormonal therapy, surgical procedures, or other procedures to resolve the issue.
Hormonal treatments, like birth control pills, can be prescribed to regulate menstrual bleeding and reduce heavy flow.
NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, can help alleviate menstrual pain and reduce bleeding by blocking prostaglandin production.
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Maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in iron, and managing stress, can help manage menstrual symptoms.
For women who have severe Anemia due to prolonged bleeding, blood transfusions may be necessary to restore normal blood counts.
It’s important to communicate any changes in symptoms or concerns with your doctor to ensure optimal management of prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Conclusion
Prolonged menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia) affects approximately 10% of women and may indicate underlying health concerns.
It can happen commonly due to hormonal imbalance, structural abnormalities like fibroids, bleeding disorders, and PID.
Identifying and addressing the root reason of the problem is important.
Hormonal treatments, NSAIDs, and surgeries such as myomectomy may be prescribed by doctors.
Maintaining a good lifestyle, including regular exercise, a diet rich in iron, and stress management, can help manage menstrual symptoms.
It’s important to communicate any changes in symptoms with healthcare providers for optimal management of prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes prolonged menstrual bleeding?
There are various causes of prolonged menstrual bleeding. It can result from factors like hormonal imbalance, structural abnormalities like fibroids or polyps, bleeding disorders, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Can prolonged bleeding lead to Anemia?
Yes, prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to Anemia. It can happen due to continuous blood loss, resulting in a deficiency of red blood cells and iron over time, causing weakness and fatigue. It’s essential to address prolonged bleeding to prevent complications like Anemia.
Can hormone imbalance cause prolonged bleeding?
Yes, hormone imbalance, such as high Estrogen levels or Progesterone deficiency, can disrupt the menstrual cycle. It can lead to excessive growth of the uterine lining or irregular shedding, resulting in prolonged bleeding.
How to stop prolonged menstrual bleeding?
To stop prolonged menstrual bleeding, treatment depends on the cause. Options include hormonal therapy, NSAIDs to reduce bleeding and pain, and surgeries for the removal of fibroids and polyps. Maintaining a healthy diet and stress management can also help reduce heavy flow.
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