If your period feels more like a monthly disruption than a minor inconvenience, you’re not alone. Abnormal bleeding is common, but it’s not something you have to live with.
Heavy periods are often a sign of an underlying health condition that may require medical intervention. In this post, our team of women’s health experts at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, explains some of the causes of heavy periods and how we can help.
When is a period heavy?
Heavy menstrual bleeding, medically called menorrhagia, means you’re losing more blood during your period than what we would consider typical.
Common signs and symptoms of abnormally heavy periods include:
- Bleeding longer than seven days
- Soaking through several pads or tampons a day
- Needing to double up on protection to prevent leaks
- Passing large blood clots
- Changing pads or tampons during the night
- Being unable to do normal activities because of bleeding
Ongoing heavy menstrual bleeding can also cause anemia, which may lead to other symptoms like fatigue, cold sensitivity, or shortness of breath.
Causes of heavy menstrual bleeding
More than 25% of women of reproductive age experience heavy periods. The underlying cause can vary and may include:
Hormonal imbalance
Estrogen and progesterone regulate your menstrual cycle. When these hormones are out of balance, it can disrupt your cycle, leading to heavier or irregular bleeding.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one common hormonal condition that affects estrogen levels. Women with PCOS may skip periods, go months without menstruating, or experience episodes of very heavy bleeding.
Gynecological conditions
Gynecological conditions are also a common cause of heavy periods. Some of the more common culprits include:
Some of these causes are very serious, which is why it’s important to see your doctor when you experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
Other medical conditions
Medical conditions not related to your reproductive organs can also cause heavy periods, including thyroid disorders, bleeding disorders, and liver disease.
Life stages
Heavier periods are also common during certain life stages. It’s not uncommon to experience heavy bleeding when you first start menstruating or during the months or years leading up to menopause.
When to seek medical help for heavy periods
If you have any of the above symptoms of menorahgia, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN. Heavy periods are a symptom, not a diagnosis. Identifying the cause and starting treatment can improve your overall health and quality of life.
We conduct thorough evaluations for patients experiencing heavy periods. This may include reviewing medical and gynecological history, performing a physical and pelvic exam and requesting bloodwork or imaging studies like an ultrasound.
Treatment for heavy periods
Once we know the cause of your heavy periods, we can create a personalized plan to lessen the bleeding. Treatment may include medication to manage symptoms, birth control to regulate your menstrual cycle, or procedures to address a structural problem.
If you have no future plans for pregnancy, we may talk to you about endometrial ablation. This outpatient procedure uses heat to destroy the uterine lining, helping reduce or stop heavy bleeding in women who don’t respond to medical treatments.
Don’t ignore your symptoms. Let us help you find the cause of your heavy periods and get your life back. Call Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, or schedule an appointment online.
