Video della Dr Nikki Ramskill
Heavy periods, causes and treatments
Descrizione:
Heavy periods, known medically as menorrhagia, is common and many women suffer unnecessarily. Here is what causes them and how you can manage them. What is normal blood loss? 80ml of blood (about 5 tablespoons) or less is considered normal, but I don't know anyone who measures their period blood! So if your periods are interfering with your ability to go to school, work or do your normal daily activities of life, it's too much! Causes: - Hormonal Imbalance: Fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle, leading to excessive bleeding - Hypothyroidism - Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus can increase menstrual bleeding (image credit: https://www.wrh.ox.ac.uk/research/endometriosis-care-what-are-fibroids) - Polyps: Uterine or cervical polyps can cause heavier periods. - Adenomyosis: This condition occurs when the tissue lining the uterus grows into the muscular wall, leading to heavier bleeding and severe menstrual cramps. - Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing heavy bleeding, pain, and other complications. - Blood Disorders: Conditions like von Willebrand disease or platelet function disorders can lead to excessive bleeding. - Certain Medications: Blood thinners or hormonal medications may increase bleeding. Symptoms: - Excessive Bleeding: Needing to change pads or tampons frequently, passing large blood clots, or bleeding through clothing or bedding. - Prolonged Periods: Menstrual periods lasting longer than a week. - Symptoms of anaemia: fatigue, weakness: feeling faint or dizzy, short of breath, looking pale, hair thinning and falling out, sore corners of the lips, spoon-shaped nails - Pelvic pain and pressure Diagnosis: - Medical History and Physical Examination: Discussing symptoms and health history with a healthcare provider. - Blood Tests: To check for anaemia and hormonal imbalance - Pelvic Ultrasound: To visualise the uterus and ovaries, identifying any structural abnormalities. - If needed, endometrial biopsy: Taking a small sample of the uterine lining to check for abnormalities or signs of cancer. Treatment: 1. Medications - Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Reduce menstrual bleeding and relieve pain. - Hormonal Birth Control: Regulates the menstrual cycle and reduces bleeding. - Tranexamic Acid: Helps reduce blood loss by promoting clotting. 2. Surgical Interventions - Endometrial Ablation: Destroys the uterine lining to reduce bleeding. - Uterine Artery Embolisation: Shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. - Myomectomy: removing individual fibroids surgically - Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, usually considered a last resort. 3. Lifestyle Modifications: Including iron supplementation to manage anaemia, stress reduction techniques, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. Conclusion: Heavy periods are common, with various underlying causes and treatment options. With the right approach, women can find relief from heavy menstrual bleeding and improve their overall quality of life. In short, don't suffer in silence! If you're needing help with this, book to see me for investigations and a planof action: https://www.thefemalehealthdoctor.com/book-an-appointment/#tve-jump-18d16c8f0d2 You can also join my facebook group for support too: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenshealthsupportuk