I am 33 years old have always had regular HEAVY periods with severe cramps. About 5 months ago I had a period that lasted 2 weeks since the next one was normal I did not think anything about it but I am once again having a long period. I started on Dec 3rd and it is not over yet. 13 years ago I had cervical Cancer I had surgery and have not had any problem since until this. I was told it could be pre-menopause but I am only 33. I am not experiencing the cramps like I usually do which is great and it is not heavy at all but I did not know if I should be concerned over the longer period.

Answered by: Maria/MDHealth Forum.com Team

An abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period is referred to as menorrhagia. This is the most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding. In women with menorrhagia, the menstrual period lasts longer than 7 days. The menstrual flow includes large blood clots. Women with this condition may also experience persistent pain in the lower abdomen during their monthly period. Symptoms of anemia such as fatigue or tiredness and shortness of breath may also be observed due to blood loss.

Many conditions are associated with menorrhagia, the common ones are: hormonal problems, uterine fibroid tumors, blood clotting disorders, endometrial lining disorders, cervical polyps and pelvic inflammatory diseases. Cancer is said to be a rare underlying cause of menorrhagia, but each case is different. Considering your health history, a physician’s assessment is necessary to determine whether the bleeding is associated with cancer. You may will ask you of about your menstrual cycle: usual duration and how many sanitary pads are needed in a day. A physical exam will be done and your doctor may request for blood tests to find out if the excessive blood loss have made you anemic. Tests to determine whether you have thyroid problems or blood clotting abnormalities may also done. Imaging procedures like ultrasound scan may also be requested. It is quite likely that your doctor will request for pap test. Women who have had surgery to treat cancer are recommended to continue getting regular Pap smears even when the cervix has been removed.

I have read that signs and effects of the menopause-related changes can begin as early as age 35. This is called perimenopause , in this phase, estrogen -progesterone ratio is frequently unstable, causing symptoms such as heavy bleeding, irregular periods, hot flashes, dry eyes, sleep disruption, emotional distress, headaches, vaginal changes, hair loss, decreased in libido, weight gain and vaginal changes. However, if a women in her early 30’s is experiencing one or two of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that she is in perimenopausal stage because it is also possible that the symptoms have different underlying causes. Women in this transitional phase will not immediately land on menopausal stage; the length of perimenopause varies; some may be in this phase for years but for some women it may take a few months.

Women experiencing prolonged menstrual period are at risk for complications caused by excessive blood loss, therefore, seeking immediate medical care is very important. Treatment will be determined by your physician. Generally, the management will depend on factors such as medical history, etiology and extent of the condition.

Tags: cervical cancer, menorrhagia