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Menstrual bleeding is a natural phenomenon, but if you're experiencing painful cramps and heavy periods, it's important to check for any underlying conditions by visiting your doctor. Heavy bleeding isn’t a disease, but the blood loss can take a toll on your health. A person may lose a significant amount of blood during their menstrual cycle and it can drastically reduce the iron and hemoglobin levels in the body. Excessive blood loss during periods can lead to anemia, weakness, fatigue, and mood swings.
When Is Heavy Period Bleeding A Medical Concern?
Heavy menstrual bleeding is not determined only by how much blood is lost. It is also important to consider how the bleeding affects your everyday life.
If heavy bleeding makes it difficult to attend school or work, sleep comfortably, exercise, or carry out normal daily activities, it may be a sign that you should speak with a healthcare professional.
Heavy menstrual bleeding can have different causes, so identifying the underlying reason is an important part of treatment.
Why Can Heavy Bleeding Happen?
Heavy menstrual bleeding can have more than one possible cause. Some common causes include:
- Uterine conditions, such as fibroids or other structural abnormalities.
- Hormonal or ovulation-related problems, which can affect the normal menstrual cycle.
- Bleeding disorders, including conditions that affect how the blood clots.
- Thyroid disorders, which can sometimes be associated with abnormal menstrual bleeding.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other conditions that can affect ovulation.
- Certain medicines, including medicines that affect blood clotting.
Because the cause can vary from person to person, persistent heavy bleeding should be evaluated rather than treated only with home remedies.
Medical source: PubMed — Etiology and diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding among adolescent and adult patients
How Do You Know If Your Period Is Heavy?
According to research, during a normal menstrual cycle, a woman loses about 40 ml of blood. When a woman loses 70 ml or more of blood, it's classified as heavy menstrual bleeding. Here are some additional red flags to watch out for.
1. The menstrual cycle lasts for seven days or more.
2. Changing sanitary pads, tampons or cups every couple of hours.
3. Changing pads in the middle of the night.
4. Noticing big clots of blood during periods.
5. During periods women experience fatigue, breathlessness and fogginess.
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What Causes Heavy Bleeding During Periods?
Following are some reasons why you can have a heavy period (also known as menorrhagia).
#1. Fibroids
Most of the heavy bleeders suffer from fibroids, which leads to heavy loss of blood. Many women with heavy periods have fibroids, which can lead to heavy bleeding. Fibroids are usually small growths inside the uterine lining and are usually very common in women of childbearing age. The good news is that uterine polyps can be removed with minor surgery, and they're not cancerous.
#2. Hormonal issues
Another major cause of heavy bleeding is a hormonal imbalance. It usually occurs during the menopause phase or during adolescence. The hormonal imbalance is usually due to the high level of progesterone in women’s bodies. A woman bleeds heavily as her body takes the effort to accept the new changes.
#3. Issues Due To Pregnancy
Heavy bleeding can be due to common pregnancy complications like ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. Women can bleed heavily due to improper fetus positioning. Usually, the fetus forms outside the wall of the uterus. It can also be due to pregnancy loss or complications like miscarriage.
#4. Adenomyosis
In adenomyosis, menstrual tissue grows into the uterine wall, which can lead to pain, fatigue, and heavy bleeding over time. This can impact the uterine walls and sometimes lead to complications that may need medical attention. As a result, the uterine walls become weak, thin, and vulnerable to damage. In some cases, nearby organs may also be affected, leading to excessive menstrual bleeding.
#5. Birth control methods
Prolonged use of birth control intrauterine devices can also lead to excess menstrual bleeding.
#6. Cancerous cells
Cancerous cells can also cause unusually heavy menstrual bleeding. An abnormal or cancerous cell growth in or around the uterus can cause cervical or ovarian cancer in a woman. The chances are rare but the growth of cancerous cells in the body can lead to excessive menstrual bleeding.
Heavy periods usually mean the passing of blood clots too.
Also Read: Blood Clots In Period: Is It Normal?
Can Heavy Periods Cause Iron Deficiency Or Anemia?
Yes. Repeated heavy menstrual bleeding can contribute to iron deficiency and anemia.
Anemia can cause symptoms such as:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Reduced energy
If you regularly experience heavy bleeding along with these symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional. A blood test may be recommended to check for anemia and help determine appropriate treatment.
Could A Bleeding Disorder Be Causing Heavy Periods?
Sometimes, heavy menstrual bleeding can be associated with an underlying bleeding disorder.
This may be especially important when heavy periods have been present since the first menstrual periods or when there is also a personal or family history of unusual bleeding.
Tell your healthcare professional if you also experience frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, prolonged bleeding after dental procedures or surgery, or other unusual bleeding. These details can help determine whether further evaluation for a bleeding disorder is needed.
How Can Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Be Treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the severity of bleeding, and the individual's medical history. Depending on the situation, healthcare professionals may consider medicines that reduce menstrual blood loss, hormonal treatments, or treatment for an underlying medical condition.
Medical source: PubMed — Heavy menstrual bleeding diagnosis and medical management
Natural Home Remedies To Reduce Heavy Flow Of Periods
- Drink lots of water
- Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables
- Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
- Drink Gelatin
- Use period panties from Adira to prevent stains from heavy periods
Also Read: Period Pain: Tips To Deal With It
When To See A Doctor?
If you are having unusually heavy periods which you feel you cannot manage, then visit your doctor for a check-up. If it cannot be treated through home remedies, your doctor may recommend oral contraceptives, hormone supplements, or in some cases, even surgery can be considered as the treatment for heavy bleeding.
Conclusion
Many women face the common issue of heavy bleeding during periods. While it is a natural phenomenon, excessive blood loss can lead to anemia, weakness and fatigue. It is essential to identify the cause of heavy bleeding and seek medical advice if it cannot be managed at home.
Factors such as fibroids, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy complications, adenomyosis, birth control methods and cancerous cells can cause heavy periods.
Natural remedies such as drinking water, consuming fruits and vegetables, and using period panties can help reduce heavy flow.
However, if the problem persists, doctors may suggest oral contraceptives, hormone supplements, or surgery as treatment options. It is crucial to seek medical attention if the bleeding is unusually heavy or cannot be managed at home.
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Do you experience heavy flow? How do you manage your periods during work? Share below!
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