Hypermenorrhea and menorrhagia: description
Normal menstrual cycle
Menorrhagia and hypermenorrhea – menstrual bleeding that is too long and too heavy.
In menorrhagia and hypermenorrhea (hypermenorrhea), there is prolonged menstrual bleeding and or increased loss of blood. A prolonged cycle contributes to increased blood loss, which is why hypermenorrhea and menorrhagia are often paired. The causes of both cycle disorders are also often the same.
An increased, prolonged menstrual period is quite unpleasant for those affected and has a decisive impact on everyday life, work and sex life. Due to the high blood loss, many women suffer from fatigue, exhaustion, circulatory problems and anemia. Iron is also lost with the blood – iron deficiency anemia may even occur.
Hypermenorrhea and menorrhagia: causes and possible diseases
An increased, prolonged menstrual period is quite unpleasant for those affected and has a decisive impact on everyday life, work and sex life. Due to the high blood loss, many women suffer from fatigue, exhaustion, circulatory problems and anemia. Iron is also lost with the blood – iron deficiency anemia may even occur.
Hypermenorrhea and menorrhagia: causes and possible diseases
General increased bleeding tendency: in women who have a general increased tendency to bleed, this is also the cause of heavy period bleeding.
Polyps – benign growths of the mucous membrane: Polyps can form on the cervix (cervical polyp) or in the uterine area (uterine polyp). Unlike the rest of the uterine mucosa, polyps are not shed during menstruation. Polyps can also cause menorrhagia or hypermenorrhea.
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis): Here, too, bacteria rising from the vagina trigger the infection. The pathogens pass from the vagina via the cervix into the uterus and to the fallopian tubes. Inflammation of the fallopian tubes can manifest itself, among other things, as increased, prolonged bleeding.
Thyroid dysfunction: Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can also lead to cycle disturbances and thus to a prolonged, increased period.
IUD: Especially in the first period after insertion of a copper IUD, many women experience increased menstrual bleeding. With hormonal IUDs, on the other hand, bleeding can decrease or even stop.
Hypermenorrhea and menorrhagia: when do you need to see a doctor?
Always pay attention to the length and intensity of your periods and discuss any major deviations with your gynecologist.
What does the doctor do if the menstrual bleeding is too heavy or lasts too long?
Diagnosis
To diagnose hypermenorrhea or menorrhagia, the doctor will first ask you about your menstrual cycle and your symptoms (medical history). The focus will be on bleeding frequency, bleeding intensity, pain or possible intermittent bleeding, among other things.
At the same time, a hysteroscopy is almost always performed, in which an optical instrument with a light source is inserted into the interior of the uterus. Polyps, for example, can be removed directly through a separate channel and subsequently examined for fine tissue.
Therapy
Endometrial ablation destroys and removes the lining of the uterus, which triggers heavy menstrual bleeding. The uterus itself remains intact. The procedure is performed through the cervix. Afterwards, the symptoms should be resolved.
Menorrhagia: What you can do yourself
You cannot prevent hypermenorrhea or menorrhagia yourself, but there are some tips you can use to positively influence the menstrual cycle and how you feel. The main focus is on a healthy lifestyle:
Get rid of stress: Adopt a relaxation method that you use regularly. This could be yoga, progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobson or autogenic training. This is a great way to keep stress in check.
Eat right: Make sure you eat a balanced diet with little fat or healthy fatty acids and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid frequent fast food and convenience foods.
Watch your weight: A balanced diet can help you avoid putting too many kilos on your hips.
Get enough sleep – this also has a positive effect on your well-being.
Avoid excessive alcohol and nicotine consumption – this is good for your health.
