• Source:JND

Heavy Menstrual Flow: The normal vaginal bleeding that takes place as a part of a female's monthly reproductive cycle is referred to as menstruation. UNICEF states that on average a woman menstruates for about 7 years during their lifetime. When menstruating, we often struggle with the question of how much blood loss is normal during this cycle and what factors lead to heavy blood flow.

While explaining all about menstruation, Dr Anusha Rao P, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad said that heavy menstrual bleeding, known as menorrhagia, is a common condition that affects many individuals during their reproductive years. It is characterised by an abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual flow, often requiring more frequent pad or tampon changes than usual.

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Dr Rao explains that a general guideline is that if you need to change your sanitary product every hour for several consecutive hours, or if your period lasts longer than 7 days, it can be counted as a heavy period flow. While normal periods last around 2 to 7 days, and women lose about 20 to 90 ml (about 1 to 5 tablespoons) of blood in a period.

Factors That Contribute To Heavy Period Flow

According to Dr Rao, hormonal imbalances, caused by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and lead to excessive bleeding. Uterine fibroids or polyps, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, can also contribute to heavy bleeding. Infections, certain medications (like blood thinners), and bleeding disorders may also play a role.

Effects Of Heavy Menstrual Flow

Heavy menstrual bleeding extends beyond the physical discomfort. It can lead to fatigue, anaemia (low red blood cell count), and a decreased quality of life due to disruptions in daily activities. Emotional and psychological well-being can also be affected, as managing the challenges of heavy bleeding can be stressful and emotionally draining.

 

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 Dr Rao suggests that If you're experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, it's essential to consult a qualified gynaecologist, who performs a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. This involves a physical examination, blood tests, ultrasounds, or other diagnostic procedures. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and individual factors. They might include hormonal therapies, non-hormonal medications to reduce bleeding, minimally invasive procedures like endometrial ablation, or in some cases, surgical interventions like hysterectomy.


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