Menstrual bleeding, which lasts for more than seven days and has excessive flow, often painful, is referred to as menorrhagia. However, this condition is relatively prevalent among most women. It is observed that almost one in two women experiences heavy bleeding during periods without any specific medical reason. However, in some cases, it could be an indication of a serious underlying ailment, and she should seek treatment for heavy painful periods.
If your menstrual flow produces unusual quantities of blood, to such an extent that you have to change your tampon or pad every hour for many hours continuously, then you may be facing the problem of menorrhagia. In some cases, a woman may require a laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery to cure the problem.
Additional signs of this condition include:
-
Passage of blood clots with the flow which is the size of a quarter coin or larger
-
The need to get up at night to change the pads
-
Experiencing persistent cramps during the period
If you are actively experiencing any of the above symptoms during your menstrual cycles, then you should seek immediate medical assistance. So, let us check out the causes and symptoms of heavy painful periods.
Hormonal imbalance
Every month, the tissues in your uterine region build up and later shed naturally during your menses. The tissues are called the endometrium. Further, the hormone estrogen regulates the growth of cells and causes the endometrium to become thick, while the hormone progesterone regulates the shedding of the cells and causing the tissues to thin. This mechanism is delicately balanced in equal proportions by both the hormones. However, this balance can get disrupted due to many factors, such as insulin resistance, thyroid problems, obesity, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and menopause.
The imbalance in the levels of progesterone and estrogen in your body can lead to endometrial hyperplasia. Further, higher estrogen levels will make the lining of the uterine thicker, resulting in heavy painful periods.
Uterine conditions
Uterine fibroids are muscular noncancerous tumours that grow on the inside of the uterus or the inner wall of the uterus or its outer surface. Such outgrowths could cause heavy, painful periods, including different complications, like repeated miscarriages or infertility, as these fibroids alter or change the structure of the uterus.
Endometriosis happens when the uterine tissues that line the inner wall of the uterus grow outside the uterus. As a result, the uterine tissues get deposited in different regions such as the fallopian tube, ovaries, bowel, bladder or rectum. Endometriosis can also cause heavy periods. And the woman would need treatment for heavy painful periods.
Another possible condition could be adenomyosis, wherein the endometrial or uterine tissue, which lines the inner wall of the uterus, breaks out into the external muscular wall of the uterus. This uterine tissue becomes thicker, and then, it breaks down and bleeds in every menstrual cycle. This process results in excessive bleeding and extreme pain during the menstrual cycle.
Diseases and disorders
Heavy, painful periods could also indicate the presence of cancer in the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes. Sometimes, thyroid, kidney or liver diseases could also be the reason for heavy, painful periods. An early investigation, when done at the private gynaecology clinic in London, will identify the underlying condition and would ensure that you receive proper treatment and medication to get it cured before it complicates further.
Heavy periods could also be the symptom of disorders related to blood-clotting conditions that are hereditary in their characteristics, like the von Willebrand disease or haemophilia. Both the conditions arise due to the lack or deficiency of a significant blood-clotting element. These ailments could have serious consequences on the person if left untreated.
Some women experience heavy periods as a consequence of the problems linked to pregnancy, like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Ectopic pregnancy would need immediate medical attention to prevent any fatal complications.
Birth control and medications
Sometimes, the side effects of certain prescribed medications include heavy painful periods. These medications include anti-inflammatory medicines, hormonal medicines, aspirin, and blood thinners or anticoagulants.
Women, who use copper IUDs or intrauterine devices, can also go through heavy periods, which could also be painful for some days. In these cases, bleeding returns to normal after the initial three to six months of inserting the IUD. However, if you still experience heavy periods after a certain period, then you should opt for another method of birth control.
Persistent heavy, painful periods can interfere with your emotional, physical and social wellbeing. In most cases, losing more than normal blood every month can also cause anaemia, and as a result, you will feel fatigued and weak all the time. Therefore, you should not delay diagnosis and treatment of the ailment, as prolonging treatment could escalate the condition putting you at risk of acquiring further advanced conditions.
Don’t delay a visit to the private gynaecology clinic if your heavy periods are persistent. An early diagnosis will help you find the proper treatment for your condition. It would undoubtedly improve your quality of life, and you can devote more time to your aspirations and endeavours.
If you want more information about laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery, then you must visit the Well Women Clinic today.
