Chronic Conditions

Why Is My Menstrual Period So Heavy?

Heavy menstrual bleeding

Overview
Some women have menstrual bleeding that is heavy or lasts for more than a few days. This condition used to be called menorrhagia. Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common concern. But most women don’t have enough blood loss for it to be called heavy menstrual bleeding.
Some women have menstrual bleeding between periods, or earlier or later in their cycles than expected. This type of bleeding is called abnormal uterine bleeding or irregular menstrual bleeding.
Heavy menstrual bleeding, blood flow, and cramping make it harder to do your usual activities. If you dread your period because you have heavy menstrual bleeding, talk with your doctor. Many treatments can help.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding may include:

  • Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row.
  • Needing double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow.
  • Getting up at night to change sanitary pads or tampons.
  • Bleeding for more than a week.
  • Passing blood clots larger than a quarter.
  • Limiting daily activities due to heavy menstrual flow.
  • Feeling tired, fatigued, or short of breath as the result of blood loss.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical help before your next scheduled exam if you have:

  • Vaginal bleeding is so heavy it soaks at least one pad or tampon an hour for more than two hours in a row.
  • Bleeding between periods or unusual vaginal bleeding.
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause.

Causes

Fibroid locations

There are three major types of uterine fibroids. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular uterine wall. Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity. Subserosal fibroids project to the outside of the uterus. Some submucosal or subserosal fibroids may be pedunculated. This means they hang from a stalk inside or outside the uterus.

Uterine polyps

Uterine polyps attach to the uterus by a large base or a thin stalk. They can grow to be several centimeters in size. Uterine polyps can cause irregular menstrual bleeding, bleeding after menopause, very heavy menstrual flow, or bleeding between periods.

Adenomyosis

With adenomyosis, the same type of tissue that lines the uterus is present within the muscles that make up the walls of the uterus. It also can grow from the surface of the uterus into the walls of the uterus. This tissue also is known as endometrial tissue.

In some cases, the reason for heavy menstrual bleeding is unknown. However several conditions may cause heavy menstrual bleeding. They include:

  • Hormones are out of balance. In a typical menstrual cycle, there’s a balance between the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This controls the buildup of the lining of the uterus. The lining of the uterus also is known as the endometrium. This lining is shed during a menstrual period. When hormones are out of balance, the lining becomes too thick and sheds by way of heavy menstrual bleeding or unexpected bleeding between periods. Several conditions can cause hormone imbalances. These include obesity, insulin resistance, thyroid problems, and polycystic ovary syndrome, which also is called PCOS.
  • Problems with the ovaries. Sometimes ovaries don’t release an egg during a menstrual cycle. This also is known as anovulation. When this happens, the body doesn’t make the hormone progesterone the way it usually does during a menstrual cycle. This leads to hormone imbalance and may result in heavy menstrual bleeding or unexpected bleeding between periods.
  • Uterine fibroids. These tumors develop during the childbearing years. They are benign, which means they are not cancerous. Uterine fibroids may cause heavier than normal menstrual bleeding or bleeding that goes on for a long time.
  • Polyps. These small growths on the lining of the uterus may cause menstrual bleeding that is heavy or lasts for a long time. They may cause bleeding between periods. Polyps also can cause spotting or bleeding after menopause. The growths are not cancerous.
  • Adenomyosis. In this condition, glands from the lining of the uterus grow into the wall of the uterus itself. This can cause heavy bleeding and painful periods.
  • Intrauterine device, also called an IUD. Heavy menstrual bleeding is a well-known side effect of using a hormone-free IUD for birth control. Talk to your doctor about other birth control options. IUDs with progestin may ease heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Pregnancy complications. A single, heavy, late period may be due to a miscarriage. Another cause of heavy bleeding during pregnancy includes the unusual location of the placenta, which supplies nutrition to the baby and removes waste. The placenta may be too low or covering the opening of the uterus, which is called the cervix. This condition also is known as placenta previa.
  • Cancer. Cancer of the uterus or cervix can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, and unexpected or heavy menstrual bleeding. These cancers can happen before or after menopause. Women who have had an abnormal Pap test in the past are at higher risk of cervical cancer.
  • Genetic bleeding disorders. Some bleeding disorders that run in families cause heavy menstrual bleeding. These include von Willebrand’s disease, a condition in which the blood does not clot properly.
  • Medicines. Some medicines can result in heavy or lengthy menstrual bleeding. These include hormonal medicines such as birth control pills that have estrogen and progestin. These medicines typically help lessen menstrual bleeding but sometimes cause unexpected bleeding between periods. Medicines that prevent blood clots also may cause heavy menstrual bleeding. They include warfarin (Jantoven), enoxaparin (Lovenox), apixaban (Eliquis), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
  • Other medical conditions. Several other medical conditions may cause heavy menstrual bleeding. They include liver, kidney, and thyroid disease.

Risk factors

Risk factors vary with age and the medical conditions you have. Usually, the release of an egg from the ovaries signals the body to make progesterone. Progesterone is the hormone most responsible for keeping periods regular. If no egg is released, the body does not make enough progesterone. This can result in heavy menstrual bleeding or unexpected bleeding between periods.

In teenagers, an irregular period or heavy menstrual bleeding often happens when an egg is not released during a monthly cycle. Teenagers are most likely to have cycles without an egg release during the first year after they have their first period.

In older women of reproductive age, heavy menstrual bleeding is often caused by problems with the uterus. These include fibroids, polyps, and adenomyosis. But other problems also could cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Examples include cancer of the uterus, bleeding disorders, side effects of medicines, and liver or kidney disease.

Complications

Menstrual bleeding that is too heavy or lasts too long can lead to other medical conditions. These include:

  • Anemia. Heavy menstrual bleeding can cause anemia related to blood loss. Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues. The number of red blood cells is measured by hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia occurs as the body tries to make up for lost red blood cells. The body uses iron stores to make more hemoglobin so that enough oxygen can be carried to tissues. Heavy menstrual bleeding may make iron levels too low. This may result in iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms include headaches and feeling tired. Although diet plays a role in iron deficiency anemia, the problem is made worse by heavy menstrual periods.
  • Severe pain. Along with heavy menstrual bleeding, you might have painful menstrual cramps. This also is known as dysmenorrhea. Talk to your doctor if your cramps make it hard to do your daily activities.

Related Posts

120 thoughts on “Why Is My Menstrual Period So Heavy?”

  21. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100 sure. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it

    Reply

  22. Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thanks Nonetheless I’m experiencing concern with ur rss . Don抰 know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting equivalent rss downside? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

    Reply

  23. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.

    Reply

  24. I have observed that in the world the present moment, video games will be the latest phenomenon with kids of all ages. Periodically it may be not possible to drag young kids away from the video games. If you want the very best of both worlds, there are many educational games for kids. Interesting post.

    Reply

  25. Very good written post. It will be valuable to anybody who employess it, as well as me. Keep doing what you are doing – looking forward to more posts.

    Reply

  26. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

    Reply

  27. Fantastic blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally confused .. Any tips? Thank you!

    Reply

  28. Thank you for the good writeup. It if truth be told was once a leisure account it. Glance complex to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we keep up a correspondence?

    Reply

  32. My spouse and i felt really lucky that John could carry out his homework with the precious recommendations he gained from your blog. It’s not at all simplistic to just choose to be giving out ideas that many some others could have been trying to sell. We know we have got the blog owner to be grateful to for that. All the illustrations you made, the straightforward site navigation, the friendships you can help create – it is everything superb, and it’s leading our son in addition to our family know that the concept is enjoyable, which is extremely vital. Thank you for the whole lot!

    Reply

  34. Hey there! I’ve been reading your site for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from New Caney Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the great work!

    Reply

  35. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one these days..

    Reply

  36. I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I’m hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a good example of it.

    Reply

  37. Wow, marvelous weblog structure! How lengthy have you been running a blog for? you make blogging glance easy. The whole glance of your website is fantastic, let alone the content material!

    Reply

  38. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you really know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my site =). We could have a link exchange contract between us!

    Reply

  39. There are some attention-grabbing closing dates in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There is some validity however I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as properly

    Reply

  40. you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is amazing. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a magnificent job on this topic!

    Reply

  43. I’m impressed, I must say. Really not often do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you will have hit the nail on the head. Your thought is outstanding; the difficulty is something that not sufficient people are talking intelligently about. I’m very joyful that I stumbled across this in my seek for something regarding this.

    Reply

  44. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.

    Reply

  46. Somebody essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish incredible. Excellent job!

    Reply

  47. Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

    Reply

  48. whoah this blog is magnificent i really like studying your posts. Keep up the good work! You understand, many people are hunting round for this info, you could help them greatly.

    Reply

  49. It is perfect time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I have learn this put up and if I could I wish to recommend you few attention-grabbing things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles relating to this article. I want to learn even more things approximately it!

    Reply

  50. Thanks for the good writeup. It if truth be told used to be a entertainment account it. Look complex to more introduced agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?

    Reply

  51. I’ve been surfing on-line more than three hours today, but I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content as you probably did, the internet will probably be much more useful than ever before.

    Reply

  52. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless think about if you added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this site could certainly be one of the greatest in its field. Wonderful blog!

    Reply

  53. I’m not sure exactly why but this site is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

    Reply

  54. Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my website thus i got here to “go back the desire”.I’m trying to find issues to improve my web site!I suppose its adequate to use some of your ideas!!

    Reply

  55. I have been surfing on-line more than three hours these days, yet I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It’s beautiful value sufficient for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will probably be a lot more useful than ever before.

    Reply

  56. Hello there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading your posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics? Thanks a lot!

    Reply

  57. Thank you for another informative website. Where else could I get that kind of info written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.

    Reply

  59. Medical coders who are certified play a pivotal role in keeping accuracy in medical billing.Revenue cycle optimization is done by integrating experienced coders into the healthcare team.

    Reply

  60. Pretty part of content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to claim that I get in fact loved account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing in your feeds or even I achievement you access constantly rapidly.

    Reply

  64. Exceptional post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Many thanks!

    Reply

  65. Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Superb blog and amazing design.

    Reply

  66. I think other web site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and magnificent user genial style and design, as well as the content. You’re an expert in this topic!

    Reply

  67. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!

    Reply

  68. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your web-site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you抳e on this website. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What a perfect web site.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *