Are You having Heavy Menstrual Periods?

Many women complain of bleeding excessively during their menstrual periods. In medicine, this is called menorrhagia. Menorrhagia is usually diagnosed when a women is losing blood of more than 80 mls per period. However, though I don't expect you to start measuring your blood loss to see if it's up to 80mls, there are some symptoms that can be a pointer to menorrhagia. These include:
-frequent change of pads or tampons due to it being full.
-feeling weak or dizzy during or immediately after your period.
-menstrual period affecting quality of life.
Your menstrual period should not affect your quality of life. If you can't go to work or engage in your normal daily activities because you are on your period, there just may be a problem.
What are the causes of Heavy menstrual bleeding?
- No known cause : This is very common and even after investigations, no cause may be found. In medicine, this is called "dysfunctional uterine bleeding".
-Fibroid: This is a very common organic cause.
-Other Causes : thyroid disease, bleeding disorders, endometrial polyp, drug therapy including IUCDs(intrauterine contraceptive devices).

What can you do if you have Menorrhagia?
-You can visit your doctor and get some drugs that can help reduce bleeding.
-Request for investigations to be done to find out the cause of the menorrhagia.
-Eat lots of food rich in iron as you lose iron during bleeding and this can lead to anaemia. Such food include dark green leafy vegetables, seafood, beans, red meat, unripe plantain, pork and poultry, iron fortified cereals, breads and pastas.
-Take Iron supplements.
These are just a few tips and advice. Do see your health provider if you are suffering from excessive bleeding. You can also contact me for more information and referral if need be.
Till my next post, stay fabulous, stay well, stay healthy-pink!
Dr. Anire Oduko.