Let’s talk about women’s health today.
Did you look forward to your first menstrual flow? Do you look forward to it now?
Several females dread that time of the month, for many reasons. For some, it’s pain during periods, known as dysmenorrhea. For others, it is the abnormally heavy flows that disrupt their normal daily activities.
This heavy flow is known as menorrhagia.
When can a lady suspect menorrhagia? If she notices that she gets soaked through several sanitary pads every hour for several consecutive hours, then it’s a sign. Menstrual bleeding should only last between 3-5 days. Hence, bleeding more than a week’s duration is characterized as heavy flow. Some ladies pass several blood clots during their menses. This isn’t usual.
The main thing is to know what’s normal for you. With this knowledge, any abnormality will easily be detected. Many times, the cause of this abnormally heavy flow is unknown. Some studies show that hormonal imbalances, contraceptives use, fibroids, cancer, and certain inherited bleeding disorders can cause it.
Remember I asked if you looked forward to your first flow? That’s right because it’s common in younger girls who are just menstruating, and in older ladies due to cancers and other causes as listed above.
Good news though. It can be managed medically. You’ll need a visit to the doctor. They’ll carry out both blood and radiologic tests to fish out the offending cause. Here, a pap smear to check for cancer, or ultrasound is routinely done. A blood test to check for anemia is done and to determine if the patient would benefit from a blood transfusion.
Treatment is via pain medication and other hormonal balancing agents, with lifestyle advice as well.
Reference:
Mayoclinic
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