Overview

 

Metrorrhagia is the medical term for abnormal uterine bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods. It can involve light spotting or heavy, unpredictable bleeding and often disrupts the normal menstrual cycle pattern. This condition is commonly seen in adolescents, perimenopausal women, or those with hormonal imbalances. It indicates an underlying hormonal, structural, or systemic problem. This condition is not linked to the typical menstrual cycle because of its unpredictable bleeding.

Causes

Hormonal Fluctuations - Variations in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle can lead to changes in mood, physical symptoms, and menstrual regularity. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause a significant hormonal imbalance.

Uterine Fibroids or Polyps - These non-cancerous growths in the uterine lining can cause various symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure symptoms, depending on their size and location.

Endometrial Hyperplasia or Cancer -This condition involves the thickening of the uterine lining and can be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Early detection and management are crucial to preventing the progression of cancer.

Pregnancy Complications -  Issues such as ectopic pregnancies—where the embryo implants outside the uterus—can pose significant health risks for the mother. 

Oral Contraceptives or Hormone Therapy - The use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can affect hormonal balance, potentially leading to side effects and changes in menstrual patterns.

Infections - Conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can occur when sexually transmitted infections spread to the reproductive organs.

Symptoms

• Unexpected bleeding that occurs between Menstrual cycles.

• Spotting or a heavier flow than usual.

• Pelvic pain

Ayurvedic View

Aartava dushti-Intake of food having properties like ati ushna(hot potency food), alkaline food, consuming excess of spicy, salty, oily food,vidahi anna( food that causes burning sensation in GI tract), etc, along with other pitta-increasing food and activities, does dushti (vitiation) of blood and causes abnormal cycle involving artava vikara, bleeding in between cycle, this is metrorrhagia. Ayurveda's way of approach is to bring dosha back to prakruta awastha (balance state)-guna(quality),sthana(place)and karma(function), bring back normal flow and reduce further complications caused by this disease through ayurvedic panchakarma treatment.