Monthly heavy menstrual bleeding - Recognizing underlying causes

Various causes: In case of very heavy menstrual bleeding, have uterus examined
Menstruation is certainly not a good time for most women: many have symptoms such as pain, cramps, irregular or very heavy bleeding during their ordeal. If the latter is the case, it is best to see a doctor to find out the cause.

Affected by heavy bleeding
During menstruation, many women often experience severe menstrual pain. In addition to the abdominal cramps, a number of other symptoms can occur. Headache or migraine, back pain, sensitive breasts and a general malaise are possible. Some women feel particularly affected during their days by the often heavy bleeding. Something can be done about that.

Women who regularly lose too much blood during menstruation should seek medical attention to get to the root cause. Something can be done to prevent excessive menstrual bleeding. (Image: ruigsantos / fotolia.com)

When bandages and tampons need to be changed very quickly
About nine to 14 out of 100 women have excessive menstrual bleeding (hypermenorrhoea). This is reported by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWIG) on its portal "gesundheitsinformation.de".

In gynecology it is therefore assumed that menstruation is too heavy if a woman regularly loses more than 80 milliliters of blood during her menses.

This can be the case if a woman regularly has to change her bandages or tampons after one to two hours, if she feels very weak, tired and impotent during the period, or if the menstrual blood is lumpy.

Iron deficiency due to excessive blood loss
If a woman loses too much blood and iron during her period, iron deficiency may result.

If there is not enough iron in the body, insufficient red blood cells can be produced and anemia occurs (anemia).

Patients should consult a doctor to find the cause of the heavy bleeding and discuss treatment options if necessary.

The uterus can not contract properly
According to the experts, some girls have a very heavy menstrual period right from the start. In most women, however, the bleeding becomes stronger at a later time, for example, after birth or after the birth of a spiral for contraception.

Hormonal changes, such as menopause, can also help.

The most common cause of too much menstrual bleeding, according to the IQWIG, is that the uterus can not contract properly.

Possible reasons include larger benign tumors such as myomas and mucous polyps. The latter grow in the uterine lining, myomas in the muscular layer of the uterus.

Other common causes of heavy bleeding are adhesions or inflammations of the uterus. Rarely, other medical problems such as hormonal imbalances, blood clotting disorders, heart, kidney, thyroid or liver diseases can trigger an increased menstrual period.

Not always can a clear cause be found.

Treatment options depend on the cause
The treatment options for a very heavy menstrual period are according to IQWIG their cause. Polyps and fibroids can be surgically removed.

Some women try it but first with drugs that reduce the tendency to bleed. The oral contraceptive weakens the menstrual period.

In case of severe discomfort and completed family planning, the mucous membrane of the uterus can be removed or obliterated. For very severe and distressing complaints, the removal of the uterus may be considered.

Affected women can also manage without medical treatment, for example by wearing tampons and bandages on days with particularly heavy bleeding, advises the foundation. Dark pants or skirts can also hide small blood spots.

In principle, it is helpful if the partner, friends, relatives, colleagues, but also doctors take menstrual complaints seriously.

Relieve menstrual cramps naturally
Also, the other menstrual cramps can often be alleviated naturally. This allows women to combat abdominal pain by moving a lot.

However, even though sport helps against menstrual cramps, experts warn against training intensively as it can lead to an irregular period or even non-recurrence.

Women should only do sports if they feel they can. Those who suffer too much from the menstrual cramps do not have to force themselves to move.

Those who rely on naturopathy for regular pains, for example, with a medicinal tea, be used for the leaves of wormwood, lady's mantle, yarrow or camomile, provide soothing heat "from the inside". (Ad)