Menorrhagia is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It can be related to a number of conditions. These include problems with the uterus, hormone problems, or other conditions. While heavy bleeding can make it tough to take part in normal daily life at times, there are treatments to help.

During your menstrual cycle, if an egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining breaks down, and bleeds. The egg and the uterine lining are then shed during your period.

Hormone problems or conditions that affect the uterus can result in heavy bleeding. Other diseases or bleeding disorders can also cause it.

Hormone problems include:

• An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone or other hormones.

Problems with the uterus include:

• Fibroids (noncancerous) or endometrial polyps.
• Cancer.
• Pregnancy problems (such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy).
• The use of an intrauterine device.

Other conditions, such as thyroid, kidney or liver disease, cancer, or bleeding disorders, can also cause heavy bleeding.

If you have to change your pad or tampon sooner than every 1 to 2 hours because it's soaked, you bleed longer than 7 days, or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, see your doctor. Spotting or bleeding between periods should also be evaluated.

The symptoms of menorrhagia may look like other conditions or health problems. Always see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Your doctor will ask you about your health history and about your periods. You will also have a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. You may be asked to keep track of your periods and how many pads or tampons you use for a few months if you haven't already done so.

• Blood tests. These check for anemia and test for abnormalities in how your blood clots.
• Pap test. For this test, cells are collected from the cervix and examined. It's used to check for cancerous changes, infection, or inflammation.
• Ultrasound. Using sound waves and a computer, your doctor can check for fibroids or other problems inside the uterus.
• Biopsy. Examining a tissue sample from the uterine lining can help your doctor find cancer or other abnormal tissue.

Other tests include:

• Hysteroscopy. Using a viewing instrument inserted through the vagina, your doctor can see the cervix and the inside of the uterus.
• Dilation and curettage (D&C). This procedure involves scraping and then examining the uterine cavity.

Your doctor will consider your age and overall health and your personal preferences when finding the best treatment for you.

Treatment for hormone problems may include:

• Prostaglandin inhibitors. These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin or ibuprofen. They help reduce cramping and the amount you bleed.
• Birth control pills. These stop ovulation and reduce the growth of the uterine lining to result in lighter periods.
• Progesterone. This is a type of hormone treatment.

Treatment for problems with the uterine lining (endometrium) may include:

• Ablation. Doctors use this procedure to destroy the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
• Resection. In this procedure, the lining of the uterus is removed.
• Hysterectomy. This is the surgery to remove the whole uterus.
• Iron supplements. You may need iron supplements if you have anemia as a result of the heavy loss of blood.

Contact your doctor if:

• You have to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours because it is soaked.
• You bleed longer than 7 days.
• You have spotting or bleeding between periods.
• You pass clots the size of a quarter or larger.

• Menorrhagia is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• It's caused by hormone problems, problems with the uterus, or other health conditions.
• Menorrhagia is diagnosed with a pelvic exam, ultrasound, pap test, and sometimes a biopsy.
• Treatment includes hormones or other medicine, or procedures to treat the uterine lining or remove the uterus.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your doctor:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your doctor tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your doctor gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your doctor if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends and holidays.