Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Causes, Diagnosis & When to See a Doctor

Excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is defined as bleeding that lasts for more than eight days, soaks through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row, or interferes with your daily activities.

Causes

There are many possible causes of menorrhagia, including:

- Hormonal imbalances

- Uterine fibroids

- Adenomyosis

- Endometriosis

- Polyps

- Cancer

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing menorrhagia, your doctor will recommend diagnostic tests to determine the cause. These tests may include:

- Blood tests

- Ultrasound

- Biopsy

- Hysteroscopy

Treatment

Treatment for menorrhagia will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

- Medication

- Surgery

- Lifestyle changes

If you are experiencing menorrhagia, it is important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to get the treatment you need.