By excessive menstrual bleeding we mean excessive and/or prolonged vaginal bleeding. Almost every woman experiences excessive vaginal bleeding at some point in her life. In some women, this may even be their entire menstrual cycle. The normal menstrual cycle varies in every woman, but on average it occurs every 28 days. Menstrual bleeding lasts 4 or 5 days. A total of 50 to 250 milliliters (4 tablespoons to 1 cup) of blood is lost. Menstrual bleeding can be regular or irregular, light or heavy, painful or painless, long or short.
What are the Symptoms
- You change your tampon or pad completely wet every hour
- If you use double pads during your menstrual bleeding
- If you feel the need to change your pad during the night
- Your menstrual bleeding lasts more than seven days
- If there are clots in the bleeding
- If your life is affected by your bleeding
- If you have constant abdominal pain during your bleeding
- If your periods are irregular
- If you feel tired, weak or your breathing has become more frequent (if you have symptoms of anemia), you have excessive menstrual bleeding.
Why It Happens
Although there are many causes of excessive menstrual bleeding, in some cases the cause is unknown. The most common causes are the following;
- Hormonal imbalance
- Fibroids
- Polyps
- Ovarian cysts
- Ovaries not working well
- Intrauterine device (spiral)
- Low
- Cancer of the uterus, ovaries and cervix
- Some medicines (drugs that prevent blood clotting, chemotherapy drugs used in cancer)
- Other diseases (uterine infections, thyroid disorders, liver and kidney diseases, some blood disorders)
What are the Risk Factors
It can occur in every woman at some point in her life. The risk of occurrence is higher in women between the ages of 12 and 18, when ovulation does not occur regularly, and in older women close to menopause due to hormonal imbalance. Women with hereditary bleeding disorders are also at increased risk.
When to consult a doctor
Every woman over the age of 18 who has started a sexual life should already have a gynecological examination and pap smear test every year. However, if you have had irregular vaginal bleeding before the check-up or bleeding after menopause, you should see your doctor.
How to Diagnose
Your doctor will ask questions about your health history and your menstrual cycle. After the examination, he or she may order some tests. Since you have lost a lot of blood, you will be checked for anemia. A Pap smear test will show whether you have cervical infection or cancer. If necessary, a biopsy sample can be taken from the uterus. Ultrasound will be used to evaluate the condition of the uterus and ovaries inside the abdomen. Further, the uterus can be examined directly with an instrument or colored fluid can be injected into the uterus and ovarian ducts for radiological visualization.
What It Can Lead To
Excessive and prolonged menstrual bleeding can cause anemia. You may experience severe pain during these bleedings. Depending on the condition that causes excessive bleeding, infertility can sometimes occur. If the tampon you use stays in for more than 8 hours, it can cause a serious condition called toxic shock syndrome. Here you will have high fever, diarrhea, sore throat and extreme weakness. Red skin rash may develop on hands and feet. Blood pressure can drop significantly.
How to Treat
The treatment depends on many factors. Your general health and history will play a role, as will the duration and cause of your excessive menstrual bleeding. Medications may include iron supplements for anemia, painkillers for pain, birth control pills to reduce bleeding and the hormone progesterone. If your bleeding is caused by the hormone medication you are taking, then your doctor will stop these medications. If this medication does not help, surgical treatment can be performed. Curettage is used to remove the uterus. Very serious cases can lead to hysterectomy.
What You Should Do
On days when you have heavy menstrual bleeding, rest and do not tire yourself.
Count the number of pads or tampons you use so that you can give more accurate information to your doctor. Also, remember to change your pads and tampons regularly, do not leave them in for more than 4-6 hours. Avoid aspirin. Aspirin increases bleeding, so you need to use other painkillers. Take care of your health. Eat a regular and balanced diet, exercise. Do not hesitate to ask for support from relatives and friends.