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Safe alternative to hysterectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding – Uterine Balloon Therapy

Menorrhagia is a common problem affecting women in the age group 35-45 years.Technically, menorrhagia is defined as heavy periods lasting longer than 7 days, or a blood loss more than 60- 80 ml (4 – 5 tablespoons approximately) or presence of clots or when there is a chance of staining clothes. Heavy periods are not just an embarrassment , but they can seriously disturb a woman’s lifestyle , cause anaemia , ill-health and low morale .
The most common cause of heavy periods before menopause is hormonal imbalance , seen in 40% of patients . Other causes include benign growths (fibroids, polyps) , cancer and precancer conditions of uterus , infections , medical disorders of blood , liver , kidneys , or the use of certain drugs like anticoagulants , steroids , and chemotherapy .

The normal menstrual cycle ranges between 21 – 35 days , lasts 2 – 4 days , with an average blood loss of 20 – 40 ml per cycle . Abnormal uterine bleeding is defined as changes in the frequency , duration and the amount of blood flow . Menorrhagia is defined as regular , heavy , cyclical  bleeding occurring over several consecutive cycles . Though the exact amount of blood loss is difficult to quantify , most  women who bleed more than 7 days , or use more than 10 towels per cycle or experience night time soiling or daytime embarrassment or have to miss social or work engagements due to periods are said to have    ‘ heavy periods ‘. Objectively,  blood loss more than 80 ml per cycle  is termed as heavy periods or menorrhagia. Although this is an age old definition , this serves the purpose because