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4207 GLASS RD NE, Suite #2

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

8:00AM – 5:00PM Monday – Thursday
Friday 8:00AM – NOON

Advanced gynecology

30 Years experience

Menorrhagia – heavy menstrual bleeding

Menorrhagia is a very common disorder among women. It is bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days, and sometimes can be quite heavy.

What is menorrhagia, exactly?

Menorrhagia can be a common condition in women. Menorrhagia is the medical name for prolonged periods of bleeding lasting more than 7 days, is a condition known as menorrhagia. About one in 20 women suffers from menorrhagia and some bleeding can be extremely heavy.

If left untreated, menorrhagia could lead to anemia. The heavy bleeding can disrupt sleep, cause lower abdominal pain, or make engaging activities difficult.

Talk to your doctor if you experience weakness or disruptions in daily life because of heavy bleeding.

SYMPTOMS and CAUSES

What are the signs and symptoms for menorrhagia

Menorrhagia symptoms include:

  • You can soak one or more tampons every hour for several consecutive hours.
  • Double your pad purchases
  • Long-lasting periods (lasts longer than 7 Days)
  • Bleeding that keeps you from normal activities
  • Constant pain in lower portion of stomach
  • You are short of energy
  • A shortness of breath

What causes menorrhagia

Other causes of menorrhagia include uterine problems, hormone issues or other illnesses. There are also other causes:

  • Tumors or growths in the uterus that do not indicate cancer
  • Cancer of the cervix, uterus
  • Different types of birth control
  • Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies (when the fertilized egg implants are outside the uterus)
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Liver, kidney and thyroid disease
  • You should not take certain drugs like aspirin
  • The menopause transition, also known as the perimenopause
  • Fibroids, or polyps, in the lining and muscle of your womb

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How can menorrhagia be diagnosed?

Your doctor will assess your medical history and examine your menstrual cycle to determine if you have menorrhagia. Our doctors may do further testing to determine if there is an anatomical reason for your bleeding.

  • When you got your first period.
  • The length of your menstrual cycles
  • How long your period will last
  • The number of days that your period is long
  • If your quality of life is effected during your period
  • If there is a family history of heavy bleeding, it may also be a member of your extended family.
  • Stress that you are currently experiencing
  • Probleme with weight
  • Current medications

The following are some of the physical or psychological tests that may be used to diagnose menorrhagia:

  • Pelvic exam
  • Blood test to test for thyroid, check for anemia, and determine how blood clots
  • Check your cervix for signs of changes with a Pap test
  • Endometrial biopsy to examine uterine tissues for cancer and abnormalities
  • Ultrasound can be used to verify the function of blood vessels and tissues.

Sometimes additional tests may still be necessary to identify the cause of bleeding.

  • Sonohysterogram to examine the lining of your uterus for any problems
  • Hysteroscopy for checking for fibroids and polyps
  • Dilation and curettage (“D&C”) This test can also be used to treat bleeding. Under sedation, the lining of your uterus will be scraped.

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

How is menorrhagia treated

The severity of your bleeding, the reason for it, your health, age, and other medical information will all affect the treatment. Your response to medications, your wishes and needs and how they affect your treatment are all important factors. You might not want to go through a period or want to lessen the bleeding. Your decision to get pregnant, or not, will impact the treatment you choose. You have the option to choose not to receive treatment if anemia is not present.

Some common treatments are:

  • Iron supplements to add more iron to your blood
  • Ibuprofen can be used to reduce bleeding and pain
  • Birth control is used to increase periods and reduce bleeding (pills or vaginal ring, patch).
  • Intrauterine contraception is used to reduce bleeding and make periods more frequent.
  • Antifibrinolytic drugs to reduce bleeding
  • To reduce bleeding, dilation and curettage (D&C) are performed by removing the top layer (uterus lining) of the uterus.
  • Operative Hysteroscopy: Removal of fibroids and polyps or the removal of the lining
  • Endometrial Ablation or Resection: To remove or destroy the lining of the uterus
  • Hysterectomy: To remove your uterus surgically and you will no longer have periods

PREVENTION

How is menorrhagia prevented

Menorrhagia is not preventable. Talking with our doctor about the diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent any other health problems in the future.

OUTLOOK/PROGNOSIS

What is the outlook for menorrhagia patients?

Menorrhagia is a serious condition that can disrupt your daily life if it is not treated. You may feel weak and tired, and it can lead to anemia. If the bleeding problem does not get resolved, there are other health problems that can arise. Menorrhagia can usually be treated with doctor help and managed.

LIVING WITH

If you suspect that you might have menorrhagia, when should you call the doctor?

If you experience abnormal heavy bleeding, it’s best to call one of our doctors.

How Do I Make an Appointment?

Making an appointment is easy! Just give us a call at 319-200-5900 and we will set you up with one of trained staff members to talk with you. If this is your first time visisting us please fill out a New Client Form.

How Do I Make an Appointment?
How to make an appointment: Please call 319-200-5900 and one of our staff members would be happy to get you scheduled. You may also request an appointment via our online portal at (insert portal link-25012.portal.Athenahealth.com
How Do I Cancel my Appointment?
How to cancel an appointment: Please call 319-200-5900 and we would be happy to reschedule or cancel your appointment. We do require 24 hour notice if possible. 
How Do I Order Refill of my Prescription?
How do I request a refill: Please call your pharmacy and let them know you need a refill of your medication. They will then send us the information directly, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the refill process. Refill requests can take up to 48 business hours from the date of request to be reviewed. 
How Do I Update my Information on File?
How do I update my information? You are welcome to login to our patient portal at (insert link) or give us a call at 319-200-5900 and our staff members are happy to get that information updated for you in our system.
Iowa Women's Health Center

Creating Happier & Healthier Lives for Iowa Women

Iowa Women’s Health Center is interested in talking to you about your decision when choosing which medical options are best for you.  IWHC is an advanced women’s health clinic located in Cedar Rapids, IA. We service all women through central Iowa and in neighboring states for progressive and advanced gynecological care.

We provide the latest and least invasive women’s health medicine throughout Linn County.

Please bear in mind that the best medicine is preventative medicine. IWHC is currently accepting clients so we may help you in that pursuit of a healthier and happier life.

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