What is menorrhagia, and how is it treated?

In this article here below, highly experienced consultant gynaecologist, Mr Mahantesh Karoshi, discusses both PCOS and menorrhagia in detail, as he explains what both conditions are.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterised by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. PCOS is associated with various metabolic and reproductive complications, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and endometrial cancer.

What are the main symptoms of PCOS?

One of the common symptoms of PCOS is menstrual irregularity, which can manifest as oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods), amenorrhea (absence of periods) or menorrhagia (heavy or prolonged periods).

What is menorrhagia, and how is it treated?

Menorrhagia is defined as menstrual blood loss exceeding 80 ml per cycle or lasting longer than seven days. It can cause anaemia, fatigue, dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and a reduced quality of life.

The prevalence of menorrhagia in women with PCOS is not well established, but some studies suggest that it ranges from 10 to 30 per cent. The possible mechanisms underlying menorrhagia in PCOS include hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

The treatment of menorrhagia in women with PCOS depends on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms and the fertility goals of the patient. Some of the available options are:

• Lifestyle modification
• Hormonal contraception
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Tranexamic acid
• Surgical intervention

To consult with Mr Mahantesh Karoshi, simply visit his Top Doctors profile today, where you can schedule in an appointment.