What is Menorrhagia?
The medical term for heavy periods is menorrhagia. It affects many women but can be difficult to diagnose. One person's idea of a "normal" amount of blood loss may be another's description of menorrhagia.
Menorrhagia can be caused (among many other things) by:
- An IUD
- Fibroids
- Hormonal imbalances
- Obesity
- Irregular periods
- Ovarian cysts
- Ovarian & uterine cancer
- Adenomyosis
Menorrhagia can be identified by:
- Passing large clots during your period
- Moderate to severe cramping
- Anemia
- Infertility
Menorrhagia can be diagnosed with a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, and occasionally a biopsy of the uterine lining. In addition, blood work, ultrasound, and other office procedures may be used to identify causes for heavy bleeding.
Menorrhagia can be treated in a number of ways, including oral contraceptives, hormonal treatments, medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.