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What is Menometrorrhagia?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

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.

Women with menometrorrhagia often find they must change out tampons every two hours.
Women with menometrorrhagia often find they must change out tampons every two hours.

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.

It's important for women who experience menometrorrhagia to consult with a gynecologist.
It's important for women who experience menometrorrhagia to consult with a gynecologist.

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.

If menometrorrhagia is suspected, a gynecologist will conduct a full physical exam.
If menometrorrhagia is suspected, a gynecologist will conduct a full physical exam.

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.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

A cervical ablation will stop uterine bleeding but it also means no more children, so it's not a good option for many women. I have menometrorrhagia but I refuse ablation because I want more kids.

My mom had menometrorrhagia too but she was done with having kids at that time and actually got a hysterectomy. She has never regretted that choice because it treated her uterine bleeding permanently.

fBoyle

@burcinc-- I have menometrorrhagia but I still don't know what's causing it. My gynecologist has put me on oral contraceptives and I also have to take iron supplements daily because of the bleeding.

Since you have a cyst, that will probably have to be treated but when the menometrorrhagia cause is not known, contraceptives are usually the main treatment for this condition. If oral contraceptives stop working for me and if the bleeding gets out of control, I might get a intrauterine device (IUD) inserted.

burcinc

Does anyone have menometrorrhagia due to an ovarian cyst?

I have been experiencing heavy bleeding between periods for the past several months and I just found out that I have an ovarian cyst. My doctor hasn't met with me yet about treatment options and I'm getting scared.

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    • Women with menometrorrhagia often find they must change out tampons every two hours.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Women with menometrorrhagia often find they must change out tampons every two hours.
    • It's important for women who experience menometrorrhagia to consult with a gynecologist.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      It's important for women who experience menometrorrhagia to consult with a gynecologist.
    • If menometrorrhagia is suspected, a gynecologist will conduct a full physical exam.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      If menometrorrhagia is suspected, a gynecologist will conduct a full physical exam.
    • A woman's gynecologist can order screening tests to help determine the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding.
      By: JackF
      A woman's gynecologist can order screening tests to help determine the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding.
    • A miscarriage can cause menometrorrhagia.
      By: Ermolaev Alexandr
      A miscarriage can cause menometrorrhagia.
    • Menometrorrhagia can sometimes be caused by benign tumors called uterine fibroids.
      By: rob3000
      Menometrorrhagia can sometimes be caused by benign tumors called uterine fibroids.
    • Women with menometrorrhagia experience unusually heavy periods.
      By: Marin Conic
      Women with menometrorrhagia experience unusually heavy periods.