Menorrhagia

Menstruation is a natural part of our female cycle. For some women* it can become a serious burden, especially if they suffer from menorrhagia. But what is menorrhagia? What are the symptoms and causes? And are there treatment options and support and help for those affected?

What is menorrhagia?

Not every heavy menstruation is a menorrhagia.

Menorrhagia refers to excessively heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding that exceeds the normal amount and can lead to impairments in everyday life. Menorrhagia can have both physical and emotional effects.

Symptoms of menorrhagia include:

- Heavy bleeding lasting longer than 7 days

-Using more than one tampon or menstrual cup per hour

-Large blood clots during menstruation

-Anemia due to blood loss

What can be the causes of menorrhagia?

The causes of menorrhagia are varied. There are both common and rare causes. Nevertheless, you should not immediately worry if you notice any symptoms, but rather consult your doctor first.

Common causes:

Harmless hormones, myomas (muscle knots/growths) in the uterus, copper IUD, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, generally increased tendency to bleed

Rare causes:

Uterine cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism

Is menorrhagia bad?

As excessively heavy and long periods, menorrhagia can have a significant impact on quality of life. Those affected often report severe pain, fatigue and limitations in daily life. Many suffer from menstrual cramps so severe that their period and the associated pain can affect their work, daily and social life. If left untreated, menorrhagia can lead to anemia due to severe blood loss.

It is important to stress that menorrhagia should not be dismissed as a menstrual problem. If you are suffering from excessive menstrual bleeding, you should speak to your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms and find appropriate treatment options.

Treatment options and support

The treatment of menorrhagia varies depending on the cause and severity. That's why it's all the more important to discuss possible symptoms with your gynecologist early on and find out about treatment options. Please take care of your health and don't hesitate to seek help if you suffer from menstrual problems.

For more safety: ooia's most absorbent period underwear

If you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, it can be helpful to use highly absorbent period panties - either alone or as a back-up to tampons or a menstrual cup.

Our ooia Strong Styles absorb up to 6 tampons worth of liquid, do not slip and can give you extra protection against leakage and therefore more security, be it in everyday life, in the office, on the go or overnight.

Find out more about our most absorbent panties here: ooia Strong Styles