Excessive Menses Causes and Treatments
Excessive menses or in medical terms, menorrhagia, is the regular interval of abnormally prolonged and heavy menstrual period. In some cases, the condition could be associated with an abnormal dysmenorrhea. The causes may vary and may include any or all of the following:
- The abnormal clotting of the blood.
- If there is a disruption of the normal hormonal level.
- Disorders of the uterus’ endometrial lining.
When Are Menses Excessive?
The normal menstrual cycle can last from 21 to 35 days with menstrual bleeding averaging five days and 25 to 80 ml total blood flow.
The total blood flow can be estimated based on the number of sanitary pads or tampons that is consumed during the period. A fully soaked regular tampon holds about five ml of blood. But there are instances that despite the lighter blood volume, if the blood flow persists more than seven days, the condition can still constitute menorrhagia.
The Complications of Excessive Menses
More than anything else, it is the social distress that affects most women in having to deal with excessive menses.
The more severe complications that could happen when there is blood loss over time and when the iron reserves of the body will not be able to compensate or replenish blood naturally, is anemia. Symptoms of anemia include:
- Depression
- Getting cold easily
- Headaches
- Numbness and tingling sensation in toes and fingers
- Poor concentration
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- Weakness
Menorrhagia or Heavy Menses Treatment
Treatment for excessive menses can be determined upon knowing its underlying cause. Although eventually, heavy periods will soon die down upon menopause or cessation of menstrual periods, it is still recommended to identify the degree of bleeding so as to be able to now how to deal with it effectively.
Mild bleeding should not cause any alarm, but if anemia is evident, then iron supplements must be administered for a period of time to help restore to normal the hemoglobin level. Some doctors would advice continues treatment especially if excess menses is on a regular basis.
Alternative therapy is also recommended especially if excessive bleeding is manifested during the early or late part of menstrual years where there is the desire to conceive. Treatment would include:
- Progesterone pills
- Tranexamic acid tablets
- Hysterectomy
- Related Topics
- Remedies for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding | Heavy Bleeding during Period
- How to Stop Heavy Menstrual Bleeding | Heavy Menstruation Bleeding Treatment
- Menstruation Lasting 3 Weeks: Home Remedies For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- Causes of Prolonged Vaginal Bleeding | Home Remedies for Irregular Periods
- Heavy Bleeding Menorrhagia Causes, Symptoms, Treatment



I am experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding for the first time in my life. I am 40 years old. A few days back I had consulted a gyenic who did a pap smear test and said there was nothing wrong. In 2 weeks my menstrual cycle came up normal but from the second day bleeding is heavy i.e. I changed 6 pads in 7 hours? What could be the problem and what kind of treatment should I go in for?