What is Menorrhagia?

Date: 11 Aug 2025

Menorrhagia, commonly referred to as heavy menstrual bleeding, is characterized by unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, typically lasting more than seven days or involving blood clots.

This condition can significantly impact physical health and quality of life, causing fatigue, anemia, and emotional stress.

Identifying the underlying cause, whether hormonal imbalance, uterine pathology, or infection, is crucial for effective treatment.

 

Primary Causes of Heavy Bleeding

Common contributors to menorrhagia include:

• Uterine abnormalities: Such as fibroids, polyps, or adenomyosis, that increase blood loss.
• Hormonal imbalances: Particularly estrogen–progesterone dysfunction leading to excessive endometrial growth.
• Pelvic infections (PID): Untreated infections can disrupt the uterine lining and increase bleeding.
• Bleeding disorders: Conditions like von Willebrand disease may manifest as heavy menstrual flow.
   

 

Treatment Approaches by Underlying Cause

Effective management of menorrhagia depends on addressing the specific trigger:

1. Surgery to Remove Tumors or Fibroids

When fibroids or large polyps are identified, surgical removal—via hysteroscopy, myomectomy, or endometrial ablation—can drastically reduce bleeding. These interventions restore uterine integrity and often provide long-term relief for women experiencing structural causes of heavy periods.

2. Antibiotics for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

If PID is diagnosed, a treatment course involving broad-spectrum antibiotics is prescribed. Prompt therapy not only resolves infection but also helps stabilize menstrual cycles and reduce excessive bleeding caused by inflammation.

3. Hormone Therapy for Imbalance

Hormonal dysfunction is frequently corrected using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) or high-dose progestin therapy. These medications regulate the endometrial lining, slow its buildup, and stabilize bleeding. In some cases, intrauterine devices (IUDs) releasing levonorgestrel are used for continuous bleeding control.

Adjunctive and Supportive Treatments

Advertisements complement core treatments:

• Tranexamic Acid: An antifibrinolytic agent taken during heavy flow days helps reduce blood loss by inhibiting clot breakdown. (Pharmily)
• Iron Supplementation: Crucial for preventing or correcting anemia caused by chronic heavy bleeding.
   

 

Top Recommended Products from Pharmily Kenya

These pharmacy products offer supportive care during the treatment of heavy bleeding:

1. Quest Liposomal Iron 15 mg Capsules (30s)

A highly absorbable, stomach-friendly iron supplement ideal for managing anemia due to menorrhagia. Its liposomal delivery ensures higher uptake with minimal gastrointestinal side effects.

• Why it stands out: Gentle on the stomach, convenient once-daily dosing, and enhanced with Vitamin C for optimal iron absorption.
   

2. Natures Aid Iron Bisglycinate Tablets (90s)

Iron bisglycinate is known for its superior absorbability and tolerability. Formulated with Vitamin C, B12, and folic acid, this supplement helps rebuild healthy blood levels and combat fatigue. Why it stands out: Specifically designed for iron deficiency and especially helpful for women with heavy menstrual bleeding.
 

3. Vitabiotics Feroglobin B12 Liquid Iron (200 ml)

This liquid iron formula is flavored and easy to take, ideal for those who dislike pills. Enriched with B vitamins and minerals, it supports red blood cell production and energy. Why it stands out: Delicious flavor, gentle on the stomach, and ideal for ongoing supplementation during treatment.
 

Integrating Treatment & Supplements

Here’s how you can combine medical treatment with supportive supplements:

• Begin antibiotic or surgical therapy as indicated by your provider.
• For hormonal therapy, take prescribed COCs or initiate progestin treatment as directed.
• Use tranexamic acid during heavy flow days, as prescribed, to directly reduce blood loss.
• Supplement daily with an iron product—such as one of the top 3 above—to prevent anemia and restore vitality.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, lean protein, vitamin C, and fluids to support recovery.
   

Lifestyle Strategies for Long-Term Support

• Track menstrual flow and symptoms to monitor treatment effectiveness.
• Include regular moderate exercise and relaxation techniques to enhance hormonal balance.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol intake, which can exacerbate bleeding and cramps.
• Attend routine medical follow-up to assess hemoglobin levels and uterine health.
   

When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation

Consult your healthcare provider if:

• Heavy bleeding continues despite treatment
• You experience severe pain or signs of infection (e.g., fever or foul-smelling discharge)
• You develop dizziness, fainting, or symptoms of severe anemia
   

 

Menorrhagia can significantly affect physical and emotional health, but targeted treatment based on cause, combined with supportive supplements, can restore balance and wellness.

Surgical or medical interventions correct structural or infectious issues, while hormonal therapy regulates bleeding. Iron supplementation, particularly gentle, high-absorption formulas from Pharmily Kenya, supports recovery by preventing anemia. The option of tranexamic acid aids in reducing blood flow during treatment.

By taking a structured, informed approach, women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding can regain vitality and reclaim control over their lives.