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Menstrual Periods - Heavy, Prolonged, or Irregular
Alternate Names : Abnormal Menstruation, Irregular Menstrual Periods, Menorrhagia, Menstrual Periods - Abnormal, Menstruation - Irregular, Periods - Heavy, Prolonged, or Irregular
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Abnormal Menstrual Periods: Common Causes
- Anovulation (failure of ovaries to produce, mature, or release eggs)
- Endometrial polyps (the endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus)
- Endometrial hyperplasia (thickening/build up of the uterine wall) and cancers
- Uterine fibroids
- Abnormal thyroid or pituitary function
- Pregnancy complications -- like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus)
- Hormonal changes, such as menopause
- Changes in birth control pills or estrogens that you take
- Use of certain drugs like steroids or blood thinners (for example, warfarin or Coumadin)
- Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
- Recent trauma, surgery or other uterine procedure
- Pelvic inflammatory disease or other infection
- Stress, change in diet or exercise routine, recent weight loss or weight gain, travel, or illness
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• Definition
• Abnormal Menstrual Periods: Overview & Considerations
• Abnormal Menstrual Periods: Common Causes
• Abnormal Menstrual Periods: Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Review Date : 10/13/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/14/2002).
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