Our second topic for the “Period Problems” series is Menorrhagia vs. Amenorrhea, issues at opposite ends of the spectrum that can cause equal amounts of distress. Below are some frequently asked questions about each condition.
Menorrhagia
What is menorrhagia?
One in five women experience menorrhagia, or excessive bleeding during your period.
What is considered “excessive”?
Bleeding for more than seven days, the need for double protection (pad and tampon in tandem), or protection needing to be changed frequently throughout the day. Basically, if menstrual bleeding affects your daily activities, you may be experiencing menorrhagia. It can be accompanied by severe cramps or headaches, causing you to feel tired or moody.
What causes menorrhagia?
Hormonal issues, ovarian dysfunction, fibroids, IUDs, and clotting disorders are some of the common reasons for menorrhagia. In turn, menorrhagia can cause iron deficiency anemia and painful cramps.
Are there any treatments?
From a medical perspective, hormonal and non-hormonal therapies are available to reduce menstrual bleeding. Some women have found healthy eating, exercise, yoga, and acupuncture to be beneficial as well. If you are experiencing excessive bleeding, please contact your Capital Women’s Care provider to schedule a consultation.
Amenorrhea
What is amenorrhea?
In the simplest of terms, amenorrhea means the absence of menstruation. This means your period either never started or suddenly stopped.
What would cause this?
Aside from pregnancy and menopause, common reasons for amenorrhea are sudden weight change, stress, hormonal issues, illness, certain medications, and extreme exercise. Family history and eating disorders can increase your risk.
Should I be concerned if I’ve missed a period?
If you are definitely not pregnant and have missed three periods in a row, it’s important to see your Capital Women’s Care provider. You may need to take medication; however, in many cases, amenorrhea simply works itself out.
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