Menorrhagia:

When Your 'Time Of The Month' Is Just Too Long

Menorrhagia means that periods are long and heavy, with the condition affecting both pre and peri menopausal women. Women suffering from menorrhagia typically lose around 80 mL or more of blood per period, compared with the 30-40 mL that is lost in a normal period.

The main presenting symptom in approximately 38 per cent of Australian hysterectomies, menorrhagia affects one in five women aged between 35 and 49 years old. In most cases the cause is unknown. However, some of the known causes include fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, infection and some forms of contraception. Menorrhagia has also been associated with being overweight, having a high number of children, depression, heavy smoking and excessive alcohol intake.