MENORRHAGIA
Excessive bleeding from the womb may be due to a condition called metropathia hemorrhagica.
This condition is more common in the forties, although it may occur at any age during reproductive life.
It is due to an unbalanced action of the oestrogen hormone from the ovary which acts on the lining of the womb.
Usually ovulation ceases and there is an excess production of FSH, or follicle stimulating hormone, produced by the pituitary gland.
FSH acts on the ovaries causing the ovum to ripen and produce oestrogen. Over-activity of this hormone may cause the development of a cyst in the ovary which in itself produces oestrogen.
These often spontaneously disappear and rarely require treatment. The oestrogen acts on the endometrium or lining of the womb, causing it to thicken and to develop a greater blood supply.
Then a drop in the level of oestrogen leads to the onset of bleeding and this may go on and on.
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