Menometrorrhagia is abnormal uterine bleeding characterized by unusually heavy flow and an irregular menstrual cycle. There are a number of potential causes for this condition which make it important for women who experience menometrorrhagia to consult a gynecologist. The gynecologist can conduct a full physical exam, discuss the patient's history, and take samples for laboratory analysis to learn more about what is causing the abnormal bleeding.
Women with menometrorrhagia experience unusually heavy periods. They may need to change pads or tampons every two hours or less, even more frequently when they use devices designed for heavy flow. The period may also last longer than normal. Spotting between periods, which can sometimes become quite heavy, is also not uncommon. Women may also find that their menstrual cycles are disrupted, with menstruation occurring at random intervals, rather than on a regular schedule.
One cause of menometrorrhagia is a tumor or other malignant growth. The condition can also be caused by tubal pregnancies, hormone imbalances, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Sometimes women also experience heavy bleeding in the wake of a major surgery or a severe trauma to the uterus or the surrounding area. A miscarriage can also cause menometrorrhagia.
Left untreated, this condition can become a problem. Women may become anemic if they experience a very high rate of bleeding, which is most definitely a cause for concern. The heavy bleeding may also be occurring because of an underlying gynecological problem such as a cancer which could become deadly if left untreated. While visits to the gynecologist are not relished by most women, irregularities in menstrual flow are definitely a cause for a doctor's appointment, especially if a woman does not have a history of irregularity or problematic menstrual cycles.
A gynecologist can perform screening tests to learn more about what is causing the heavy bleeding, including blood samples to check hormone levels and biopsy samples from the uterus. Medications may be used to manage it, as seen when hormonal birth control is prescribed to women with menometrorrhagia to regulate their menstruation and lighten their flow. Surgery may also be an option, to correct a problem causing abnormal bleeding. In extreme cases, a hysterectomy may need to be performed, although this option is usually only considered as a last resort.
At times, it may take some serious medical detective work to get to the bottom of a case of menometrorrhagia. Women should be persistent about getting treatment and getting the issue addressed.