Normal menstruation involves shedding the lining of the uterus (endometrium),
a cycle that repeats itself approximately every 28 days in women who aren't
pregnant.
Menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding, is defined as blood loss of
more than 80mL during a menstrual cycle. This translates into bleeding for
more than seven days or needing to use more than 10 pads or tampons per day
during the menstrual cycle.
Excessive menstrual bleeding is a common cause of iron deficiency anemia
(low blood count with low iron). More than two-thirds (67 percent) of patients
who have excessive menstrual bleeding also suffer from anemia.
Women describe the symptoms of excessive menstrual bleeding as unmanageable
bleeding and constant need to change soaked pads or tampons. They often complain
of fatigue and worry about embarrassing accidents.
Causes of excessive menstrual bleeding
Hormonal imbalance-- causes dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)
and accounts for approximately 20 percent of hysterectomies.
Fibroids and polyps -- cause structural uterine bleeding, and account
for 30 percent of hysterectomies performed.
Infection or disease-- infection of the uterus or cervix and certain
types of cancer, such as cancer of the uterus, cervix or vagina can cause
uterine bleeding.