Excessive Bleeding - How To Manage It?

Every woman has her own pattern of menstruation. Abnormal bleeding can lead to excessive and unnecessary blood loss and may result into anemia. If a woman notices that the amount and or number of days of menstruation are more... she should get herself checked to find out why is she having excessive bleeding. Many women think that it is good that they are bleeding heavily. But that is a myth. 

Causes: 

• Hormonal imbalance 
• Polyps or fibroids 
• Uterine infections 
• Cancer of the cervix, endometrium, or uterus 
• Pregnancy 
• Pre-menopausal age, when there is ovulation and altered levels of hormones 
• Hormone replacement therapy after menopause 

Diagnosis: 

• Blood test to check hemoglobin level 
• Pregnancy test 
• Ultrasound 
• Endometrial biopsy to check for growths 
• Hysteroscopy 

Management: Once the cause is diagnosed, then depending on the age and the woman’s gynecologic history, a treatment plan is made. 

1. Weight loss: Obesity is one of the causes of excessive bleeding so losing weight can help in controlling bleeding. Optimal weight also helps in controlling hormone levels. 
2. Hormonal imbalance: This can be corrected medically. A medicated intrauterine device lthat releases the medication in sustained manner can help in controlling bleeding. 
3. Birth control pills: These are hormones again which can prevent the lining of the uterus from becoming too thick, which in turn contributes to the bleeding. It also helps to regularize the cycles and controls cramping. 
4. Dilation and curettage: A biopsy is obtained from the lining of the uterus by sucking it out or scraping it out. This can guide the doctor to decide what medicine will be best suited to treat the condition. There are many medications available to treat the condition, thus avoiding surgery completely.