Heavy menstrual bleeding (also called menorrhagia) is excessive menstrual blood loss that interferes with a woman's quality of life.
Menstrual Flow
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In some cases, the cause is not known. However, many conditions have been associated with menorrhagia, such as:
Factors that may increase the risk of menorrhagia include:
Symptoms of menorrhagia include:
Call your doctor if you have symptoms of menorrhagia.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical examination, including a pelvic exam, will be done. Tests may include:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the heavy menstrual bleeding. Your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan.
Your doctor may recommend:
In some cases, surgery may be needed, such as:
RESOURCES:
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/
The National Women’s Health Information Center
http://www.womenshealth.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Women's Health Network
http://www.cwhn.ca/
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/
References:
Apgar B, Kaufman A, George-Nwogu U, Kittendorf A. Treatment of menorrhagia. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0615/p1813.html . Published June 15, 2007. Accessed August 14, 2012.
Heavy menstrual bleeding. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 25, 2012. Accessed August 14, 2012.
Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menorrhagia/DS00394 . Updated June 25, 2011. Accessed August 14, 2012.
11/20/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : FDA approves Lysteda to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. United States Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm190551.htm . Published November 13, 2009. Accessed November 20, 2009.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Andrea Chisholm
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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