Myths and Facts About Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged bleeding that lasts more than seven days and can impair everyday activities. 

Many women experience heavy menstrual bleeding at some point in their lives. However, menorrhagia is different. Blood loss may be so great that you’re forced to restrict daily activities to prevent “accidents.” 

Menorrhagia may also cause you to feel tired and fatigued, because the blood loss can deplete your iron levels.

Take a moment to allow our experts at Serrano OBGyn to address common myths about menorrhagia so you have the facts to make informed decisions regarding your well-being. 

Myth: Heavy periods only happen to women who have recently given birth

Heavy bleeding is actually a consequence of a hormone imbalance. It’s common for hormones to be out of whack during puberty or menopause. 

There are also certain conditions that can cause hormone imbalances at any age, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, Cushing syndrome, thyroid disorders, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). 

Other conditions that can lead to heavy periods include eating disorders, low body fat, overexercising, and certain medications. 

Myth: Supplements don’t have any effects on hormones 

While supplements aren’t as potent as medications, certain supplements derived from soy, ginseng, and flax oil can have a negative impact on your hormones. 

These substances can bind to estrogen receptors in your body and cause changes in your hormones. When visiting a medical professional with regards to your menstrual cycle, bring a list of all of the supplements you’re currently taking.

Myth: Pain during a period is normal 

While almost all women experience some level of discomfort during their period, excruciating pain isn’t a normal part of the menstrual cycle. 

If you’re curling in your bed each time you’re getting your period, you may be suffering from dysmenorrhea, the medical term for heavy periods accompanied by severe pain.

Myth: Heavy periods go away on their own

Yes, sometimes heavy periods go away on their own, but menstrual irregularities are often a sign that your body needs help battling an underlying condition or a hormone imbalance, or that it’s reacting negatively to stress and medications. 

Ignoring your heavy periods could be dangerous. Fixing your period doesn’t just improve your fertility, but it also enables your body to function optimally.

Treat your menorrhagia with us 

Heavy periods followed by pain aren’t a requirement for being a woman. You shouldn’t have to suffer every month during your menstruation. 

Call our office in San Antonio, Texas, at 210-761-5309 to schedule an appointment and find out what’s causing your symptoms and what can be done to improve your quality of life. You can also use our convenient online booking feature, or send a message to the team here on our website.