It is menstrual periods (female period) with abnormally heavy (losing 60ml – 80ml or more in each period, this should be a guide as females will know if it is light or heavy than usual) for more than 7 days compared with 30 – 40ml for the average woman with ‘normal’ periods or prolonged bleeding or severe menstrual bleeding for less than 7 days.
This condition increase with age.
Menstruation Cycle
In a normal cycle, the release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation) stimulates the body’s production of progesterone (the female hormone most responsible for keeping periods regular and stabilise the endometrium lining – the womb lining).
When no egg is released, insufficient progesterone is produced, the endometrium lining – the womb lining breaks down which then leaves the vagina as menstrual bleeding.
Oestrogen ‘s job is to makes the endometrium thicker (and more likely to shed) and progesterone is to stabilise the endometrium and make it thinner.
Heavy bleeding occurs because , If ovulation (when the ovaries releases the egg and stimulate the production of progesterone which stabilises the endometrium lining and make it thinner) does not occur, the period can be delayed and insufficient progesterone is produced which allows the endometrial lining to grow thicker so when it does eventually shed it is heavier.
Lighter periods, or spotting between periods, may represent an endometrial lining that is unstable and leaking because the lining may be too thick due to oestrogen levels and/or either because progesterone hormonal levels don’t adequately support it.
Cause
Hormone imbalance – In a normal menstrual cycle, a balance between the hormones oestrogen and progesterone regulates the build up of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), which is shed during menstruation. If a hormone imbalance occurs, the endometrium develops in excess and eventually sheds by way of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Dysfunction of the ovaries – If your ovaries don’t release an egg (ovulate) during a menstrual cycle (anovulation), your body doesn’t produce the hormone progesterone, as it would during a normal menstrual cycle. This leads to hormone imbalance and may result in menorrhagia.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Menorrhagia in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.
There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!
