Menorrhagia and Pelvic Pain

Causes of Menorrhagia and Pelvic Pain

The causes of menorrhagia and pelvic pain can be diverse, including:

• Hormonal imbalances: Irregularities in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and discomfort.
• Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus can lead to increased bleeding and significant pelvic pain.
• Polyps: Benign growths on the lining of the uterus or cervix can cause heavy bleeding.
• Endometriosis: This condition, where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, often results in severe pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Adenomyosis: When endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, it can cause heavy periods and sharp pelvic pain.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs can cause heavy bleeding and chronic pelvic pain.
• Gynecological cancers: Though less common, cancers of the reproductive organs can present with heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.

Symptoms of Menorrhagia and Pelvic Pain

Women experiencing menorrhagia may report:

• Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours
• Needing to use double sanitary protection to control menstrual flow
• Needing to change pads or tampons during the night
• Menstrual periods lasting longer than seven days
• Passing large blood clots
• Symptoms of anemia, such as tiredness, fatigue, or shortness of breath

Pelvic pain symptoms can vary widely but often include:

• Dull aching or severe cramping in the pelvic region
• Sharp, intermittent pains that may come and go or be constant
• Pain during intercourse, bowel movements, or urination

Diagnosis and Treatment

At London Private Ultrasound, our approach to diagnosing menorrhagia and pelvic pain includes:

• Ultrasound Scans: Our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology offers clear, detailed images of the uterus, ovaries, and pelvis, helping to identify conditions such as fibroids, polyps, and adenomyosis.
• Blood Tests: To check for anemia, clotting disorders, hormonal imbalances, and infections that could contribute to heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.
• MRI and CT Scans: For complex cases or when further detail is needed, MRI and CT scans provide comprehensive images of the pelvic anatomy.
• Referral to Specialists: Our clinic has a network of GPs and specialists, including gynecologists and endocrinologists, ensuring that patients receive expert, multidisciplinary care.

Treatment options may include medication to regulate menstrual cycles or reduce bleeding, hormonal therapies, non-hormonal IUDs, and surgical interventions for structural abnormalities or conditions not responsive to medication.