Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, which disrupts daily routines and often leads to pronounced fatigue, weakness, and anemia.
The condition can result from a hormonal imbalance, structural changes in the uterus, or bleeding disorders. For some women, the cause is temporary and related to changes in the cycle, while for others, it is a sign of an underlying gynecological condition that requires diagnosis and monitoring.

Causes

Menorrhagia can occur due to both hormonal and organic factors. Hormonal imbalances often result in uneven buildup of the endometrium, causing heavier bleeding upon its shedding. Structural changes such as fibroids, polyps, or adenomyosis are also common causes. In rare cases, the issue is linked to blood clotting disorders, thyroid gland dysfunction, or medication side effects.

Symptoms

Menorrhagia is characterized by:

• menstruation lasting longer than 7 days;
• a significantly increased amount of blood, often requiring the replacement of pads or tampons every 1–2 hours;
• the presence of large clots;
• a feeling of exhaustion, dizziness, or symptoms of anemia.

For some women, the bleeding is accompanied by more severe menstrual pain and a decrease in overall vitality.

Risk Factors

The likelihood of developing menorrhagia is higher in cases of:

• hormonal imbalances (especially during teenage years and around perimenopause);
• presence of uterine fibroids or polyps;
• endometriosis or adenomyosis;
• thyroid gland disorders;
• hereditary blood clotting disorders.

Treatment

Treatment is determined based on the cause and individual characteristics of the patient. Often, the first step involves medication therapy — hormonal regulation, agents to reduce bleeding, or treatments to manage anemia. For structural changes like fibroids or polyps, minimally invasive procedures or surgical treatment may be recommended. In some cases, correcting hormonal balance and lifestyle changes are sufficient to stabilize the menstrual cycle.

Early diagnosis is key, as timely treatment prevents chronic anemia and significantly improves quality of life.

 Synonyms: Cycle with clots, Iron deficiency anemia and cycle, Hypermenorrhea