As a unique individual, your menstrual cycle is different from anyone else’s. Because what’s normal for you might not be normal for other among women, it’s difficult for experts to define exactly what “heavy bleeding” is.
There are two commonly accepted definitions of heavy bleeding, or menorrhagia, one based on sanitary products and the other on a measurement of blood. You are experiencing heavy bleeding if:
- You need to change your sanitary pad or tampon more than once an hour for several days
- You bleed more than 80 milliliters per cycle
The most important factor in determining if you have heavy bleeding, though, is whether the amount of blood is significantly more than what’s normal for you. If it is, you should contact us at Comprehensive Womens Center for an appointment with Dr. Victor Cantero to investigate why your cycle had changed.
Here are five common causes of menorrhagia to help you understand why you might be experiencing heavy bleeding.
Hormonal Imbalances Cause Heavy Bleeding
Estrogen and progesterone are sometimes called female hormones, partly because they play a big role in menstruation. If the two become imbalanced, it could lead to a change in how much you bleed each month, as well as cause other symptoms, and possibly lead to uterine cancer.
There are several ways your hormones can become imbalanced, including stress, failure to ovulate, miscarriage, or perimenopause, among others. There are treatments available, depending on the specific cause of the imbalance as well as your personal situation.
Uterine Polyps and Fibroids Lead to Menorrhagia
As many as 70% of women will develop uterine fibroids by the age of 50. The small, non-cancerous tumors form in the muscle wall of the uterus, and the most common symptom is heavy bleeding. Spotting, pain in the lower belly, and cramping are also symptoms, and the treatment varies depending on the number and location of the fibroids.
Uterine polyps are also noncancerous growths but occur in the lining of the uterus rather than in the muscle wall. The symptoms are similar to those of uterine fibroids, and treatment also varies.
Some Medications Make Menstrual Bleeding Heavier
If you’ve been prescribed medication and noticed a change in the amount of blood each month, you should discuss what medicines you’re taking with Dr. Cantero. A few medications that are known to be associated with menorrhagia include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Estrogen
- Progestin
- Anticoagulants
Your Choice of Birth Control Could Cause Menorrhagia
Some intrauterine devices (IUDs) are associated with heavy bleeding during your periods. If you have an IUD or you are considering one as an option, you may want to discuss this possibility with Dr. Cantero. He may have suggestions for managing menorrhagia or may suggest an alternative IUD or method of birth control.
Certain Health Conditions Are Linked to Heavy Bleeding
There are several health conditions that may lead to heavier bleeding, including:
- Some uterine cancers
- Certain inherited bleeding disorders
- Thyroid disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
If your period has changed, you should make an appointment to discuss it with Dr. Cantero because there are so many possibilities that can’t be confirmed without specific tests. Some of the causes of menorrhagia are nothing to be worried about, but some are quite serious.
If you have observed a change, or you are having difficulty managing the amount of bleeding you experience, book an appointment with us at Comprehensive Womens Center.