Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia is another term for an unusually heavy and/or prolonged menstrual period.
Specifically, it refers to losing 5 1/2 tablespoons or more of blood during the menstrual cycle. The Mayo Clinic states that signs and symptoms of Menorrhagia may include:
* Menstrual flow that soaks through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours.
* The need to use double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow.
* The need to change sanitary protection during the night.
* Menstrual periods lasting longer than seven days.
* Menstrual flow that includes large blood clots.
* Heavy menstrual flow that interferes with your regular lifestyle.
* Tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath (symptoms of anemia)
Some women develop Menorrhagia during the onset of puberty, many of whom have it last their entire reproductive lives. Others develop this as they approach menopause. In either case, their symptoms may be pain free or excessively painful. Women with this condition might also have additional health concerns, which might or might not be the underlying cause of the symptoms, such as endometriosis or fibroids.