

For this test, cells from your cervix are removed and then looked at to find out if you have an infection, inflammation, or changes in your cells that might be cancer or might cause cancer. It will then be looked at to check for anemia, problems with the thyroid, or problems with the way the blood clots. In this test, your blood will be taken using a needle. Your doctor might tell you that one or more of the following tests will help find out if you have a bleeding problem: Your doctor also will do a pelvic exam and might tell you about other tests that can be done to help find out if you have menorrhagia. You can make your own chart based on the one shown. Above is a picture of a chart that is used by some doctors to track your period. Do this before you visit the doctor so that you can give the doctor as much information as possible. You might want to track your periods by writing down the dates of your periods and how heavy you think your flow is (maybe by counting how many pads or tampons you use). He or she may also have you complete this questionnaire to help determine if you need to be tested for a possible bleeding disorder. Your doctor may also ask if any of your family members have had heavy menstrual bleeding. How do your periods affect your quality of life?.How many days do you consider your period to be heavy?.How many days does your period usually last?.How old were you when you got your first period?.He or she may ask you questions like the following: To find out if you have menorrhagia, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and menstrual cycles. If you have bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days per period, or is so heavy that you have to change your pad or tampon nearly every hour, you need to talk with your doctor. However, women who have menorrhagia usually bleed for more than 7 days and lose twice as much blood.

Usually, menstrual bleeding lasts about 4 to 5 days and the amount of blood lost is small (2 to 3 tablespoons). Are tired, lack energy, or are short of breath.įinding out if a woman has heavy menstrual bleeding often is not easy because each person might think of “heavy bleeding” in a different way.Have constant pain in the lower part of the stomach during your periods.Have a heavy menstrual flow that keeps you from doing the things you would do normally.Have a menstrual flow with blood clots the size of a quarter or larger.Have menstrual periods lasting more than 7 days.Need to change pads or tampons during the night.Need to double up on pads to control your menstrual flow.Have a menstrual flow that soaks through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row.If you have bleeding such as this, and your gynecologist has not found any problems during your routine visit, you should be tested for a bleeding disorder. Doctors have not been able to find the cause in half of all women who have this problem. In addition, certain drugs, such as aspirin, can cause increased bleeding. Nonbleeding-related disorders such as liver, kidney, or thyroid disease pelvic inflammatory disease and cancer.Bleeding-related disorders, such as von Willebrand disease (VWD) or platelet function disorder.An ectopic pregnancy is when a baby starts to grow outside the womb (uterus), which is not safe. A miscarriage is when an unborn baby (also called a fetus) dies in the uterus. Problems related to pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, can cause abnormal bleeding.Certain types of birth control-for example, an intrauterine device (IUD).Growths or tumors of the uterus that are not cancer these can be called uterine fibroids or polyps.Possible causes fall into the following three areas: Sometimes treatments, such as dilation and curettage (D&C) or a hysterectomy, might be done when these procedures could have been avoided. If you have a bleeding problem, it could lead to other health problems. Anemia is a common blood problem that can leave you feeling tired or weak. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can stop you from living your life to the fullest. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor. How do you know if you have heavy bleeding? If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. It can also be bleeding that is very heavy. Menorrhagia is menstrual bleeding that lasts more than 7 days.
