Periods are painful, but for some, they can be excruciating if they bleed heavily.
Senior consultant, department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, heavy menstrual bleeding , also called menorrhagia, refers to blood loss that is significantly more than normal or bleeding that lasts significantly longer than expected, according to Dr Pranathi Aravind.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pranathi stressed that heavy periods are often ignored and considered normal, but they shouldn’t be, especially if they cause serious health repercussions. She also e xplained the diagnostic and treatment options available and why women should consider them. Meanwhile, in cases where the medication fails or if there is a structural problem like large fibroids or very severe adenomyosis, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be considered, Dr Pranathi advised. She further added that these surgeries may include polypectomy, myomectomy, and a hysterectomy in rare cases. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Treatment for severe menstrual bleeding begins with a few key steps: Moreover, depending on the woman’s age, symptoms and risk factors, additional tests like a hysteroscopy or an endometrial biopsy may be recommended to examine the uterine lining more closely, according to her. “Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, the woman’s age, and whether she wishes to bear children in the future, an individual treatment plan is created,” Dr Pranathi added. Many women often opt for different medicines like hormonal contraceptive pills, progesterone therapy or a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) to reduce excessive menstrual bleeding, according to Dr Pranathi. “Iron supplements are prescribed to those with anaemia as well,” she added.
