Heavy menstrual bleeding
| Heavy menstrual bleeding | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Hypermenorrhea, menorrhagia |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
| Symptoms | bleeding more than usual |
| Complications | Anemia, severe pain |
| Risk factors | family history, anovulation, fibroids, polyps, and adenomyosis |
| Diagnostic method | based on physical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Irregular menstruation |
| Medication | tranexamic acid |
Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), previously known as menorrhagia or hematomunia, is a menstrual period with excessively heavy flow. It is a type of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).
Abnormal uterine bleeding can be caused by structural abnormalities in the reproductive tract, skipping ovulation (anovulation), bleeding disorders, hormonal issues (such as hypothyroidism) or cancer of the reproductive tract.
Initial evaluation during diagnosis aims at determining pregnancy status, menopausal status, and the source of bleeding. One definition for diagnosing the condition is bleeding lasting more than 7 days or the loss of more than 80 mL of blood.
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and interference with quality of life. Initial treatments often involve birth control pills, tranexamic acid, danazol and hormonal intrauterine device. Painkillers (NSAIDs) are also helpful. Surgery can be effective for those whose symptoms are not well-controlled with other treatments. Approximately 53 in 1000 women are affected by AUB.