Heavy menstrual bleeding or Menorrhagia as it is referred to in a medical term can be fatal if not treated urgently. If you notice that you have to change a full pad every one or two hours, then you should conclude that the bleeding is abnormally heavy and seek immediate medical attention from Advanced OB GYN Associates or a local OB GYN. These are the most common causes of heavy menstrual bleeding that a specialist is likely to diagnose as the root of your menorrhagia.
1. Fibroids
Fibroids are tumours or growth-like features that line the interior or exterior of the uterine. This is quite a common condition in women, affecting about 80% of the female population. Fibroids can cause excessive bleeding if they are too many, too big, or negatively affecting other organs nearby.
2. Adenomyosis
This condition occurs when the uterus enlarges as a result of the endometrial glands growing abnormally until they merge with the uterine muscles. This condition is hard to diagnose since the x-ray scanning technology does not pick it out quickly.
3. Endometrial hyperplasia
This condition is manifested in the thickening of the interior lining of the uterine wall. It usually deteriorates into endometrial cancer and can cause irregular bleeding and heavy menstrual bleeding.
4. Polyps
Like fibroids, polyps are also growths on the wall of the uterus or the cervix. The growths are normally non-cancerous. They cause excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle or even after sexual intercourse. The best treatment for the condition is the removal of the polyps.
5. Endometrial and cervical cancer
This condition is caused by the development of malignant growths in the uterine wall and the cervix respectively. They interfere with the normal functioning of the reproductive organ, thus causing heavy menstrual bleeding.
6. Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is a primary cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding among teenagers and older women undergoing the menopausal stage. The menstrual cycle is dependent on a delicate balance between progesterone and estrogen. An imbalance may occur if the ovaries are dysfunctional.
7. Intrauterine device (IUD)
Women might also experience this problem if they are using an IUD – a non-hormonal birth control method.
8. Pregnancy complications
These include ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages that will be exhibited through excessive bleeding.
9. Medication
Various drugs such as anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory medications can cause excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
10. Medical conditions
Some medical conditions such as kidney, liver, thyroid diseases, or blood-related complications like platelet disorders can impede the blood clotting process. This can result in heavy menstrual bleeding.
In essence, when a woman is experiencing a heavy menstrual bleeding, she should seek medical attention immediately. Please call us at (972) 276-9902 to make an appointment. Those Dallas Ft. Worth area should visit our offices at Advanced OB GYN Associates in Richardson, TX for expert treatment and a caring staff.