Generally, as a woman our period should come at the same
time every month except for when it doesn’t which could be as a result of so
many things which are generally termed as 'irregularities'. Suddenly, without
warning you are early or late - your flow is heavy, light or shy (and you know you are not on birth control pills,
neither are you pregnant nor lactating). I am sure millions of women are with
me on this, most of us understandably get worried. Is this normal? Or is
something terribly wrong somewhere?
As for me, my period came around as usual, I had taken
certain precautions so I won’t be caught unaware. But this time…It was a
tsunami with many waves, one would probably think I just had a miscarriage or
abortion complications. I had to change my sanitary pads more frequently as the
flow was heavier than usual, thus I visited the toilet more often than
necessary. Annoying, right? You can’t imagine. This got me scared, so many
thoughts flew in and out of my head. The very first thought was fibroid, as a
close friend had the same issue, but thank God for early detection it was
treated. I had so many other assumptions. GOSH! Am too young to be worried sick
about this so I had to reach out.
Truly! I was nervous. It's impossible
to tell how first all these assumptions entered into my brain, but once
conceived, it haunted me day and night. So I booked a visit to see a gynecologist.“How exactly
do you feel?” that was the first question I had to answer, and I answered like
a proper Nigerian woman, “where do you want me to start from?” we both
chuckled. That broke the ice and an enlightening session ensued.
Apparently, the
medical name for this condition is called Menorrhagia (very heavy flow).
According to Dr.Akinsanya, a normal menstrual flow should range from a dot to
(35ml) that is like 2 full teaspoon.While, Menorrhagia would start from (80ml)
– (540ml) that’s like 2 tea cups. Studies have it that 25% of women
will experience very heavy flow during their menstrual cycle, especially women
in the reproductive bracket. According to the Mayo clinic, one of the major causes of
Menorrhagia is hormonal imbalance. In a normal menstrual cycle a balance
between the hormones: Estrogen and
Progesterone regulates the build up of the lining in the uterus (Endometrium),
which is shed during menstruation. If there is an imbalance, everything goes
south. The endometrium develops in excess and eventually sheds by way of
menstrual bleeding. This is among other major causes like: small benign growths
on the lining of the uterus (Uterine polyps) or certain drugs, including
anti-inflammatory medications and anticoagulants. All these can contribute to
very heavy menstrual flow.
So far I had enjoyed listening to all the medical jargons,
but I needed a fix, “so what are my options?” I asked. “I will prescribe
progesterone therapy” you can imagine the look on my face when she said so.
“Therapy?” my mind showed flashes of images, until she explained
further. “The progesterone (Progestin) hormone has been synthesized and its
orally micronized to suite ingestion”. The progestin when ingested will help
restore the hormonal balance which will in turn slow down or stop the heavy
bleeding. Also, Ibuprofen, extra salty drinks and increasing my dietary or
supplement iron can also do the trick.
I had sigh of relief. Living a healthy life is something we all desire,but
the key to peace of mind sometimes is talking to a qualified health
practitioner when in doubt.
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