Hysterectomy for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

Menstruation is a natural part of a female’s life. However, for some, it can become a source of severe discomfort and disruption. Menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, affects countless women worldwide, leading to numerous physical and emotional challenges. It can be painful and can be a result of conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis. In situations where other treatments have proven ineffective, a hysterectomy can provide an effective solution to this problem. Hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus and can be an effective treatment for heavy bleeding.

In this comprehensive guide, we have taken references from Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, a renowned gynaecologist who is known for performing the best hysterectomy treatment in Mumbai at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital. 

This article details what menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) is, its causes, and how a hysterectomy can be a viable option for those seeking relief from this distressing condition. Continue reading for more information. 

What is Menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is a term that refers to abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. Heavy bleeding is a relatively common condition, affecting anywhere from 27% to 54% of individuals who menstruate*. In this condition, a woman has a heavy period that lasts longer than one week, and she loses more blood in typical menstruation. Other common signs of menorrhagia include soaking sanitary pads or tampons every alternate hour, blood clots along with period blood, severe abdominal cramps, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc.

What Causes Menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia can be caused due to several underlying health conditions, such as:

1. Problems related to the uterus, such as cervical cancer, usage of birth control devices, abnormal growth in the uterus, such as uterine fibroids, and ectopic pregnancy, i.e., when the child grows outside of the uterus.

2. Hormonal problems such as PCOD, thyroid disorders, higher levels of estrogen, insulin resistance etc.

3. Other illnesses such as bleeding disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, etc.

What is Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus and, in some situations, the cervix and fallopian tubes too. It is a permanent treatment for menstrual bleeding and is recommended for those women who do have plans for childbirth in the future. During a hysterectomy, the surgeon might remove other reproductive organs, such as the ovaries or the fallopian tubes, depending on the condition the hysterectomy is meant to treat.

In women who are yet to reach menopause, the removal of the uterus will stop monthly periods and eliminate heavy bleeding. However, this makes future pregnancies impossible. A hysterectomy is performed either as an open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure and is an effective treatment for women who are experiencing heavy bleeding, i.e., menorrhagia.

If one is looking for a gynaecologist in Mumbai who performs safe and effective hysterectomy treatment, one can trust Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi for the same who practices at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital.

How Does Hysterectomy as a Treatment Help Women With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Hysterectomy can eliminate heavy bleeding in situations where other treatments have not worked or when bleeding has a significant impact on a woman’s life. However, women of reproductive age think of undergoing hysterectomy treatment only if they do not plan to have children. 

The hysterectomy procedure removes a woman’s uterus by disconnecting it from the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or upper part of the vagina. The overall surgery may last for 1-3 hours, but the total time depends on the size of the uterus and whether there is a need to remove endometrial tissues or other organs such as the fallopian tube or ovaries.

Here's how a hysterectomy can help women with heavy menstrual bleeding:

1. Eliminates Bleeding: During the menstrual cycle, the uterus is the organ that sheds its lining. The uterus is removed during a hysterectomy, which removes the main cause of menstrual bleeding. Menstrual bleeding usually significantly decreases or stops altogether as a result of this.
   
   

2. Relief from Several Symptoms: Severe cramps, exhaustion, anemia, and other unpleasant and disruptive symptoms are a few symptoms associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. By removing the uterus, these symptoms can be relieved, improving a woman's overall quality of life.
   
   

3. Resolution of Underlying Conditions: In some cases, heavy menstrual bleeding is caused by underlying conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometriosis. Removing the uterus can also treat these conditions, thereby providing long-term relief from the symptoms associated with them.
   
   

4. Avoiding the Need for Other Treatments: When other treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding, such as hormonal medications, endometrial ablation, etc., are ineffective or not suitable, a hysterectomy may be considered a more permanent solution. This can save a woman from undergoing multiple treatments or surgeries.
   
   

What are the Different Types of Hysterectomies Performed?

The kind of hysterectomy depends on the need for the surgery and how long the uterus and reproductive system can remain intact. The main types of hysterectomy include:

1. Total Hysterectomy: This is the most commonly performed procedure where the womb along its neck (cervix) is removed.

2. Supracervical/ Subtotal/ Partial Hysterectomy: In this type, only the womb is removed and the cervix is left in its place.

3. Radical Hysterectomy: This type involves the removal of the uterus and surrounding tissues, which include the ovaries, fatty tissues, parts of the vagina, and fallopian tubes.

4. Total Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy: This includes the complete removal of the womb, ovaries, cervix, and fallopian tubes.

Final Takeaway

Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) can significantly impact a woman's physical and emotional well-being. While conservative treatments are often effective, they do not work for everyone. In such cases, a hysterectomy can provide lasting relief from the distressing symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding. It's important to note that a hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure and should be considered carefully. There are potential risks and consequences associated with the surgery. These include the loss of fertility and potential hormonal changes, which can lead to menopausal symptoms if the ovaries are removed as well.

Before undergoing a hysterectomy, women should have a thorough discussion with their gynaecologist to explore all available treatment options. The choice of treatment should be based on an individual's specific medical history, symptoms, and preferences.

One can consult Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, a famous gynaecologist in Mumbai, at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital. 

The expert gynaecologist has more than 25 years of experience and has won a Guinness World Record for removing the largest uterus of 4.1kg laparoscopically.

She carries out the hysterectomy procedure with several approaches, such as abdominal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy, or robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy.

To learn more about the hysterectomy cost to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital today!