Patient's question:
I just finished my period yesterday, but after having sexual intercourse with my husband today, there was bleeding again with a large flow. What could be the reason?Doctor's answer:
Normal menstrual bleeding should be between 20 to 60 milliliters, and anything exceeding 80 milliliters is considered menorrhagia. Based on the usage of sanitary pads, the normal amount is about four to five changes per day, with no more than two packs per cycle (each pack contains 10 sheets). If you need three packs of sanitary pads and almost every sheet is soaked through, it is considered menorrhagia. The causes of menorrhagia can vary among women of different ages and physiological stages.In traditional Chinese medicine, menorrhagia is classified into:
1. Qi deficiency – Commonly seen in spleen qi deficiency. When qi is deficient, it cannot hold the blood. The spleen has a function of (nurturing and controlling blood), but due to spleen deficiency, the controlling function declines, leading to menorrhagia. Symptoms include excessive menstrual flow, pale color, and thin texture.
2. Blood heat – Characterized by excessive menstrual flow, dark red color, and blood clots.
Disorders in the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle can often cause menorrhagia. Conditions such as uterine fibroids, pelvic infections, or rare endometriosis can also lead to menorrhagia. The insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) can also cause this issue. It is recommended to seek medical examination.