Heavy periods, medically known as menorrhagia, can be caused by several factors including hormone imbalances, growths in the uterus, pregnancy-related complications, bleeding disorders, certain medications, and other health conditions.
Common Causes of Heavy Periods
- Hormone imbalances: When estrogen and progesterone levels are not balanced, the uterine lining can become too thick, leading to heavier bleeding during menstruation. This can happen due to factors like lack of ovulation, perimenopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Growths in the uterus: Noncancerous growths such as fibroids and polyps can make periods heavier or last longer.
- Pregnancy-related issues: Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placenta problems can cause heavy bleeding that might seem like a heavy period.
- Bleeding disorders: Genetic conditions like Von Willebrand disease can cause excessive bleeding.
- Medications: Blood thinners, some hormonal medicines, or intrauterine devices (IUDs), especially non-hormonal ones, can increase menstrual bleeding.
- Other health conditions: Thyroid problems, kidney or liver disease, endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and obesity can also contribute to heavy bleeding.
When to See a Doctor
Heavy bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons every hour, lasts longer than a week, or is accompanied by symptoms like pain, fatigue, or irregular bleeding should prompt consultation with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In summary, heavy menstrual bleeding can have multiple causes ranging from hormonal changes to uterine abnormalities or systemic health issues. Identifying the precise cause often requires medical evaluation. This explanation should help understand why periods may be unusually heavy.
