Menorrhagia (Hypermenorrhea)

May 27th, 2007

Pronounced as: Men-ore-AH-gee-ah

Definition:Menorrhagia refers to excessive bleeding during menstruation and is experienced by many women at some point in their lives. Bleeding may be very heavy during a normal length period or in the form of prolonged bleeding every cycle. What is “normal” varies quite widely between different women and one woman may be used to a regular 28 day cycle with a 3-day bleed while another may menstruate every 35 days for 7 days. Both may be considered normal.Although about 30% of women have heavy periods, only 10% of women have menorrhagia. On average, menstrual flow occurs every 28 days and lasts for five days. Four tablespoons to one cup (60–250 milliliters) of blood is lost during this time.

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Bleeding in excess of what is considered “normal”, acceptable to the individual or even healthy may be known as menorrhagia.

Menorrhagia can include the following:
Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than seven days
Bleeding which soaks one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours
Needing to use “double” sanitary protection or change sanitary pads or tampons during the night
Menstrual flow that includes large blood clots
Heavy periods that interfere with your regular lifestyle
Tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath due to anemia

Causes :
In some cases the cause of menorrhagia is unknown. However, many conditions have been known to be associated with menorrhagia. These include:

Hormone imbalance (the most common cause)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Cervical or endometrial polyps
Uterine fibroids
Infection (Pelvic Infections)
Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or genital warts
Bleeding disorders
Liver, kidney, or thyroid disease
Problems with an intrauterine device (IUD)
Ectopic pregnancy
Ovarian dysfunction
Ovarian cysts
Chronic medical conditions
Anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory medications
Cancer of the uterus or cervix (rare)
Vaginal injury from trauma or sexual abuse
Complications from pregnancy, such as miscarriage

Some Risk Factors are:
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition. People at greatest risk for menorrhagia include:

Adolescent girls who have started menstruation within the last 12–18 months
Women approaching menopause
Women with hereditary bleeding disorders
Women who are obese

Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical examination including pelvic exam will be done as part of the evaluation. Tests may include:

Pap Test
Blood Tests
Pregnancy Test
Ultrasound – a test that uses sound waves to examine your reproductive organs (uterus and ovaries)
Endometrial Biopsy – removal of a sample of endometrial tissue to look for changes in the lining of the uterus
Dilation and Curettage (D & C) – scraping of the inner lining of the uterus
Hysteroscopy – examination of the cervix and fallopian tubes using a telescope-like viewing device
Modern Treatment :
Treatment of menorrhagia will depend on the underlying cause. Women who experience persistent excessive bleeding should discuss with their healthcare provider whether to take iron supplements to prevent anemia.

If there is no medical disorder causing your menorrhagia, your doctor may prescribe the following:

Medications may include:
Hormone therapy
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and mefenamic acid (Ponstel, Ponstan)

Surgical Procedures may include:

Dilation and curettage (D&C) – the cervix is dilated and the lining of the uterus scraped to remove uterine tissue.
Operative hysteroscopy – a long, thin instrument is inserted into the uterus that can aid in removal of a polyp or fibroid.
Endometrial ablation or resection – removal of the lining of the uterus using heat, microwave, or surgical tools. After this procedure, a woman is unable to carry a pregnancy.
Hysterectomy – the surgical removal of the uterus. After this procedure, a woman is unable to carry a pregnancy. If the ovaries are also removed, early menopause will follow.

Important Considerations When Choosing Modern Treatment

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

Conventional treatment of menorrhagia is based on treating any underlying cause or condition or, in the many women who have no known cause, symptomatic treatment may range from oral contraceptives and other hormonal medications to surgery.

The following herbal and homeopathic ingredients may work as very good remedy for Menorrhagia::

Artemesia vulgaris is a traditional herb commonly used for menstrual difficulties and the perimenopausal period. Considered by the ancient Anglo-Saxons to be one of the nine sacred herbs, Artemesia vulgaris is very effective in regulating menstruation and relieving menstrual pains.

Capsella bursa-pastoris has been used since the 19th century for bleeding problems including blood in the urine, bruises and heavy menstruation.

Calendula officinalis is used as a menstrual cycle regulator in naturopathic medicine. This herb is excellent for women who suffer from irregular periods and will also relieve pain associated with menstruation.

Viburnum opulus is also known as Cramp Bark and is known to ease nervous tension as well as relax the uterus, relieving menstrual cramps.

China (30C) is also known as Cinchona and is a homeopathic ingredient used to remedy anemia resulting from breast-feeding, diarrhea or excessive menstrual bleeding. China will increase physical stamina and energy.

Calc. Carb (30C) is a homeopathic remedy for heavy menstrual bleeding as well as relief of swollen and tender breasts related to PMS.

Sepia (30C) is excellent for treating PMS, menstrual cramps and mood swings from hormone imbalance.

Belladonna (30C) is also a homeopathic remedy and is very useful for regulating menorrhagia.

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Prevention :
For most women there are no specific steps for prevention. However, if your menorrhagia is caused by a medication, you may prevent the condition by discontinuing use of this medicine.

Also, avoid taking aspirin as this may prolong bleeding. Menstrual discomfort is better treated with pain relievers such as Motrin and Advil.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.

References:

http://www.beliefnet.com/healthandhealing/getcontent.aspx?cid=22631

http://www.nativeremedies.com/mens-reduce-menorrhagia-treatment.html?

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