[18F] Experiencing severe menstrual issues and systemic symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing:

• Menorrhagia: This is the medical term for menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding. Symptoms can include soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours, needing to use double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow, or passing blood clots larger than a quarter.

  • Treatment options can include iron supplements, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral contraceptives, oral progesterone, hormonal IUD (Liletta, Mirena), and surgery in severe cases.

• Anemia: This is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen. Symptoms of anemia — like fatigue — occur because organs aren't getting what they need to function properly.

  • Treatment of anemia includes taking iron supplements and eating iron-rich foods.

• Dysmenorrhea: This is the medical term for pain with menstruation. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: "primary" and "secondary”. Primary dysmenorrhea is another name for common menstrual cramps. Cramps usually begin one to two years after a woman starts getting her period. Pain usually is felt in the lower abdomen or back. They can be mild to severe.

  • Treatment options can include over-the-counter pain relievers and heat.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all possible diagnoses. Other conditions could also explain your symptoms.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. You should go to the emergency department if you're feeling faint or if your bleeding is not controlled.

In the meantime, try to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• You're feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Your heart is beating faster than usual
• You're passing large blood clots
• You're soaking through your usual pads or tampons every hour for 2 or more hours
• You're unable to perform your usual daily activities because of the bleeding or pain

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this is not a substitute for professional medical advice.