Menorrhagia (Heavy Bleeding)

What is menorrhagia?

Excessive bleeding during menstruation is called menorrhagia. You may have this condition if your bleeding lasts 7 or more days per cycle, or is so heavy that you need to change protection nearly every hour. Menorrhagia can disrupt a woman’s life with effects such as fatigue, anemia, embarrassing accidents, and restricted activity. Menorrhagia is a common condition, with about 1 in 5 women experiencing unusually heavy menstrual bleeding.

How can menorrhagia be treated?

Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy consists of oral contraceptives or other medications that treat hormonal imbalances. This tehrapy is effective only 48% of the time, and usually must be continued in order to remain effective. Some women experience undesirable side effects, including headaches, weight change, and nausea.

Dilation and curettage (D&C)
Dilation and curettage is a surgical procedure that involves scraping the inside of the uterus. However, for the majority of women with menorrhagia, it’s only a temporary solution that reduces bleeding for a few cycles.

Endometrial ablation
Endometrial ablation may be your doctor’s recommended treatment if you do not plan to have children in the future. Several methods of this minimally invasive surgical treatment are current available:

  • Conventional endometrial ablation removes the lining of the uterus with an electrosurgical tool or laser. Risks include perforation of the uterus, bleeding, infection, or even heart failure due to fluids used to open up or distend the uterus.
  • A new generation of endometrial ablation devices is now available. Some devices remove the endometrium by using heated fluid. Others use freezing temperatures to remove the tissue or a precisely controlled does of energy.

Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy, or surgical removal of the uterus, is the only definitive treatment for menorrhagia. Hysterectomy is a major procedure, performed in the hospital under general anesthesia, and is accompanied by surgical risks, hospitalization, and, depending on the technique used, a recovery period of up to 6 weeks.