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Heavy menstrual flow
Also known as Menorrhagia, Hypermenorrhea, Excessive Menstrual Flow, Excessive Menstruation, and Heavy Periods
Menorrhagia or Hematomunia is an abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period at regular intervals. Menorrhagia can be caused by abnormal blood clotting, disruption of normal hormonal regulation of periods, or disorders of the endometrial lining of the uterus. Depending upon the cause, it may be associated with abnormally painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
Source: WikipediaWhat causes it?
The most common causes of heavy menstrual flow are idiopathic excessive menstruation, uterine fibroids, and idiopathic irregular menstrual cycle. Other possible causes, such as vulvodynia, are more rare.
What symptoms are related?
Within all the people who go to their doctor with heavy menstrual flow, 54% report having painful menstruation, 39% report having unpredictable menstruation, and 31% report having pelvic pain.
- Painful menstruation strong predictor 54
- Unpredictable menstruation strong predictor 39
- Pelvic pain strong predictor 31
- Blood clots during menstrual periods strong predictor 25
- Long menstrual periods strong predictor 20
- Frequent menstruation strong predictor 12
- Vaginal discharge 10
- Intermenstrual bleeding 8
- Pain during intercourse strong predictor 5
- Cramps and spasms 5
- Recent pregnancy 3
- Arm lump or mass 3
What might my doctor prescribe?
Common Tests and Procedures
Patients with heavy menstrual flow often receive pelvis exam, hematologic tests, complete blood count, examination of breast, ultrasonography, standard pregnancy test, biopsy and mammography .
Common Medications
The most commonly prescribed drugs for patients with heavy menstrual flow include medroxyprogesterone, ortho cyclen, portia, norethindrone (loestrin fe), modicon, sevoflurane, etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol unidentified, drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol, desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol, nitrous oxide, ethinyl estradiol / norgestrel, ethinyl estradiol / norelgestromin and levonorgestrel .
| Medroxyprogesterone | $11 (28 days) | |
| Ortho Cyclen | $26 (28 days) | |
| Portia | $31 (28 days) | |
| Norethindrone (Loestrin Fe) | $59 (28 days) | |
| Modicon | $38 (28 days) | |
| Sevoflurane | ||
| Nitrous Oxide | ||
| Levonorgestrel | Under $1 (0 days) |
Who is at risk?
Groups of people at highest risk for heavy menstrual flow include age 30-44 years sex == female. On the other hand, age 75+ years, sex == male, age 60-74 years, age 1-4 years, and age < 1 years almost never get heavy menstrual flow.
Age
| < 1 years | 0.0x | |
| 1-4 years | 0.0x | |
| 5-14 years | 0.4x | |
| 15-29 years | 1.3x | |
| 30-44 years | 2.7x | |
| 45-59 years | 1.1x | |
| 60-74 years | 0.0x | |
| 75+ years | 0.0x |
Sex
| Male | 0.0x | |
| Female | 1.7x |
Race/Ethnicity
| Black | 1.5x | |
| Hispanic | 1.1x | |
| White | 0.8x | |
| Other | 1.3x |
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