Menorrhagia
men-oh-RAY-jee-ah
Definition
Menorrhagia is abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding occurring at regular intervals (21–35 days). It is defined as blood loss exceeding 80 mL per cycle or periods lasting longer than 7 days. Heavy bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia and significantly impact quality of life.
Why It Matters
Menorrhagia is not just an inconvenience—it can cause anemia, fatigue, and disruption to daily activities. Common causes include fibroids, polyps, thyroid disorders, clotting disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment and preventing complications.
Related Conditions
Related Modalities
Frequently Asked Questions
Seek evaluation if you're soaking through pads or tampons every 1–2 hours, passing large clots, bleeding for more than 7 days, or experiencing fatigue and dizziness. These symptoms may indicate menorrhagia requiring medical assessment.
Naturopathic approaches include iron and vitamin C supplementation to prevent anemia, hemostatic herbs like shepherd's purse and yarrow, hormonal balancing with vitex, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and addressing root causes like fibroids or thyroid dysfunction.
Dr. Sanika Kshirsagar, ND
Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
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