Menorrhagia is a condition wherein women experience heavy bleeding during menstruation. The flow may be so heavy that you have to change your pad or tampon every hour or so. The heavy flow may cause cramps and can even lead to anemia. The passing of large blood clots is common with this condition. There are various causes for heavy flow during periods, a few causes of menorrhagia could be:
1. Bleeding disorders
Certain bleeding disorders make it difficult to control bleeding. For instance, underlying bleeding-related disorders, such as von Willebrand disease (VWD) or platelet function disorder may also cause or contribute to menorrhagia in some female patients. If you suspect you may have a bleeding disorder, please consult with a gynecologist.
2. Hormonal problems
Menstruation is the shedding of the lining in the walls of the uterus. Excess estrogen in the body can lead to even more thickening of the uterine walls than usual. This can result in heavier and longer flows.
3. Fibroids and polyps
These growths inside the uterus result in heavier clotted bleeding. Rarely, heavy periods are a symptom of cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries. Women may experience heavy flow during perimenopause too. If the periods are generally normal but suddenly heavy in one particular month, the reasons could be the growth of a polyp.
4. Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy
During a miscarriage, heavy bleeding is common with clots. Many times women are not aware that they have miscarried and realize only after a trip to the gynecologist. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus and does not last. Normally the period is later than the due date in both instances.
5. Intrauterine device (IUD)
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a side effect of an IUD. In the first few months, the bleeding may be severe. In case the heavy bleeding persists beyond 3 months, it is advised to have a consultation with a gynecologist.
6. Medication
Certain medicines cause heavy periods. In case you had recently started a new medication and experienced heavy flow in the subsequent month, immediately check with the doctor. Continuous heavy periods can lead to anemia. The doctor will change your medication to reduce the flow.
7. Post-childbirth
Some women have heavy periods in the months following childbirth. This will go back to normal gradually. Occasionally the flow of the period may increase permanently, after childbirth.
Whatever the reason, heavy bleeding should not be treated as normal until the doctors examine you.
Women normally discharge around 30 to 40 milliliters of blood during menstruation, while those with heavy bleeding can discharge around 60 to 80 milliliters. Heavy passing of blood during menstruation in one woman may be normal where it isn’t for another. One could have heavy flow in the first two days and none after that. Some could have less bleeding for 7 days. There is no general outline for heavy or normal blood flow. So, to assess if you have heavy periods, discuss with your gynecologist about your menstrual cycle and any physical discomfort you experience during periods.
