HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Getting Long Menstrual Cycles. Not Active Sexually. Should I Be Worried With The Possible Diagnosis?

Posted on Tue, 24 Jul 2012

Question: I am 38 and I have experienced long menstrual cycles November to February, end of April to mid XXXXXXX and starting lightly again. I have to wear 2 overnight sanitary napkins and each cycle is accompanied by large clots. I know that this not normal but should I be worried with the possible diagnosis? African American 248 lbs (I struggle with my weight constanly up and down) no children, not sexually active. I've been irregular as long as I can remember but it has never been this bad.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (50 minutes later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You are having heavy and prolonged vaginal bleeding,a menstrual disorder called Menorrhagia.
There are many cause for having such heavy bleeding commonest being:-
-Female hormone imbalance,
-Uterine fibroids,
-Disorders of the uterine lining,
-Uterine,ovarian or cervical cancer,
-Hypothyroidism,
-Endometrial hyperplasia,
-Dysfunctional uterine bleeding, to name a few.
For diagnosis, you need to have an ultrasound scan of your lower abdomen and some blood tests.
Laboratory assessment of hemoglobin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), pregnancy (by βhCG), and androgen profile can be done.
The management of this condition would require treatment with progesterone to stabilize the endometrium and reduce bleeding along with hemostatic agents like ethamsylate or tranexaemic acid . Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) suppress endometrial development, reestablish predictable bleeding patterns, decrease menstrual flow, and lower the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

You might consult your OB-GYN who can do the needed tests and initiate the proper therapy.
Meanwhile start taking iron supplements to combat excessive blood loss from your body.

Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (14 hours later)

Once I share this problem with my doctor do I need to ask specifically for tests to be done or will she make these recommendations? Are there specific questions that I need to ask in order to make sure that I receive the proper treatment?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (12 hours later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
After consulting your gynecologist, she will recommend the necessary tests for you after a clinical examination. You do not have to ask for these individually.
The treatment will depend on the diagnosis.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (8 hours later)

Thank you very much for your assistance. Now I will not be going into the doctor blind.

Take care.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)

You are most welcome.
Please do recommend our website to your friends too.
Regards.

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar