"
My period is frequent and very heavy, and it gets in the way of exercise and intimacy. I have an arsenal of tampons and pads. My doctor says my heavy periods are called menorrhagia."
--Jennifer
Menstruation is an experience all women share. Think back to when you first learned about periods. You were taught to anticipate a cycle that occurs every 28 days and lasts four to five days. But for 32 percent of us, the reality of our periods is much different.
If you are experiencing excessive menstrual bleeding, your periods may occur with more frequency and intensity than what is normal. Frequent hemorrhaging, profuse bleeding over many days, clotting and severe cramping all can accompany what physicians refer to as "menorrhagia" (men-or-ra-ja), a clinical term for periods that are too heavy, too long or too frequent.
The amount of menstrual bleeding that is bothersome varies from woman to woman. The best gauge of whether your menstrual bleeding is excessive is when you perceive it is, and when it compromises your quality of life.
Causes
Why is your body inclined to menstruate in this manner? There are a number of causes of abnormal bleeding, and many of them are easily treated. Common causes include hormonal changes, ovarian cysts, or uterine fibroids. A number of other medical conditions also can cause or increase the risk for excessive bleeding. Other times, the cause is unknown.
Symptoms
If your periods are characterized by the following symptoms, they may be considered excessive:
- Periods lasting more than seven days
- Bleeding that soaks through more than 10 pads a day
- Menstrual flow that includes blood clots
- The need to use double sanitary protection
- Cramping in your abdomen during your period
- Nausea, dizziness, weakness, fatigue and anemia
Answer the following questions and share the results with your physician at your next appointment.
Menorrhagia Self-Test
- Does your period last longer than seven days?
- Do you use more than three pads or tampons per day?
- Do you feel the need to double up on feminine protection?
- Do you become fatigued due to your heavy bleeding?
- Does your heavy bleeding affect your social, athletic or sexual activities?
- Do you miss work because of your periods?
- Do you pass clots during your periods?
- Do you avoid leaving your home for fear of accidents?
- Do you avoid wearing light colors during your period?
- Has medication (birth control pills) failed to help your heavy bleeding?
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may be suffering from excessive menstrual bleeding.
Print out a copy of this test and share the answers with your doctor at your next appointment.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and print any PDF documents.
Click here to download this free program.
Effects
Bleeding excessively can limit your life in many areas. Exercising, sexual intercourse, your choice of clothing, and your ability to work at your desk all day, are just a few of the areas in which a heavy period can limit you. Periods that are too long and too heavy also have an emotional toll: You may experience stress, embarrassment and feelings of isolation.
But did you know that excessive menstrual bleeding also can severely affect your health? Iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which blood becomes low on healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to tissues, can occur in women with menorrhagia.
Solutions
Learn More
Learn more about
Her Option® Cryoablation Therapy.
Seeing a Doctor
Talk to your doctor about your excessive menstrual bleeding, and share the results of the Menorrhagia Self-Test.
Fortunately, there are many treatments available that can help you achieve a more normal cycle.
