Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia), is a common problem for many women. Bleeding can be considered heavy if it is causing problems with daily normal activities. During a normal menstrual period, blood loss is only about 5 tablespoons of blood. Changing a pad or tampon every hour would be considered as having heavy mentrual bleeding. Blood loss could be as much as 10 to 25 times more than normal if this is occuring.
During different stages of life, from the beginning of menstruation, until the eventual onset of menapause, some of the most common causes of excessive menstrual bleeding can be caused by hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalties in the uterus and medical conditions. Hormones can also play an important role in why some women have excessive mentrual bleeding. Too much production of estrogen or progesterone can cause an imbalance of a regular menstrual cycle. Medical conditions like thyroid problems, blood clotting disorders, liver or kidney disease could also be factors that cause heavy bleeding.
Gynecologic conditions also could play an important role which could cause heavy bleeding such as fibroids, complications from an IUD (Interine Uterine Device) or miscarriage. Women should definitely see a health care provider when experiencing any abnormal excessive menstrual bleeding.
Diagnostic tests to help find the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding can include the following:
1. Pregnancy test to make sure that a pregnancy or related complication is not the cause of the bleeding.
2. Blood test to check for anemia or a low blood platelet count.
3. A Clotting test will give information about the patients ability to form clots in the body, which helps stop the
bleeding. Patient could have a blood clotting disorder.
4. Thyroid test to examine the thyroid gland and its function in the body.
5. An ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis.
6. An endometrial biopsy which takes a sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus.
When excessive menstrual bleeding is a problem, discuss with a health care professional or your gynecologist regarding the symptoms and treatment options available. Once the symptoms are diagnosed accurately, the healthcare professional and the patient can choose the treatment that is best suited for their needs.
As a leading provider of compassionate, highly qualified Lake City and Gainesville, FL OB/GYN care, specialists at All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology offer women and families the best obstetrics and gynecology information and care – whether that be in-person or through outlets such as this website. Helping all women better understand their general health and pregnancy needs is a critical mission of the practice.
Drs. Anthony Agrios, M.D, Joseph lobst, M.D. and their highly capable nurse midwives, nurses and support staff offer Gainesville, Lake City and surrounding areas in Florida the most complete, personal care for women during pregnancy and all stages of life. Everyone from the front-desk assistant to Drs. Agrios and lobst take special care to carefully listen to all of your questions and concerns and make you feel welcome.
In addition to comprehensive pregnancy care, All About Women also offers everything from simple birth control treatment to complex hysterectomy surgery using the most technologically advanced treatment options available, including the innovative DaVinci Robotic surgical system. With offices adjoining a world-class hospital, gynecology specialists at All About Women are capable of offering world class care in a hometown setting.