Menorrhagia (or menorragia in Portuguese) is the medical term for abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It is a common gynecological condition that can lead to significant physical and emotional distress, including anemia and reduced quality of life. Key Features of Menorrhagia: Excessive blood loss (soaking through one or more pads/tampons every hour for several hours). Periods lasting longer than 7 days. Large blood clots (bigger than a quarter). Needing to change protection during the night. Symptoms of anemia (fatigue, weakness, dizziness, pale skin). Common Causes: Hormonal imbalances (e.g., PCOS, perimenopause, thyroid disorders). Uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus). Endometrial polyps. Adenomyosis (endometrial tissue growing into the uterine wall). Bleeding disorders (e.g., von Willebrand disease, platelet dysfunction). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometriosis. Certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, hormonal IUD side effects). Cancer (endometrial or cervical cancer—rare but serious). Diagnosis: Medical history & physical exam (including pelvic exam). Blood tests (CBC for anemia, thyroid function, coagulation studies). Ultrasound (transvaginal or abdominal to check uterus/ovaries). Endometrial biopsy (if cancer is suspected). Hysteroscopy (to view the inside of the uterus).