Menorrhagia refers to excessive menstrual bleeding. This can mean that your bleeding lasts for more than seven days, that the bleeding is very heavy, or a combination of both.
Bleeding through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours
Needing to use double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow
Waking up to change sanitary protection during the night
Bleeding that lasts longer than a week
Passing blood clots larger than a quarter
Interference with daily activities
Symptoms of anemia, including fatigue or shortness of breath
Inherited bleeding disorders
Medications
See your Hoag gynecologist or OB/GYN if you experience menorrhagia. Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to severe pain and/or anemia.
Hoag’s multidisciplinary team of board-certified gynecologic and OB/GYN health experts and other subspecialists work together to provide a coordinated approach to treatment options, which may include:
Hormonal therapy
Hysteroscopy – your doctor will atypical structures in your uterus, like fibroids and polyps.
Uterine artery embolization – this procedure stops blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Myomectomy – your doctor will remove fibroids, while keeping your uterus intact.
Endometrial ablation – this procedure uses laser, heat, electricity, energy or freezing to destroy the uterus lining.
Hysterectomy – this is the surgical removal of part or all of the uterus. It may include the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a hysterectomy performed with the aid of a laparoscope, a thin, flexible tube containing a video camera that guides the surgeons as they remove the uterus through the laparoscope tube or through the vagina.
Robotic-assisted hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon controls the arms of a robot to perform a surgery. The movement is more precise and there is better visibility than conventional laparoscopy. Hoag is a national leader in robotic-assisted gynecologic surgeries.
Vaginal hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus through the vagina. It is considered one of the most minimally invasive types of hysterectomies.