Top Causes of Heavy Menstrual Periods

If you struggle with heavy bleeding during your periods, you are not alone. Many women suffer from long or heavy periods that can disrupt their lives. While an occasional heavy period is normal, if you have three or more heavy periods in a row, you may have an underlying condition causing your menstrual issue. Menstruation that lasts longer than seven days is called menorrhagia and may need treatment to prevent complications. Here are some of the top causes of heavy or long periods.

Hormone Imbalance

The most common cause of menorrhagia is changes in your hormone balance. Estrogen and progesterone regulate menstruation, so if your body is producing more or less of either, it can change your period. There is usually a reason for the hormonal imbalance, which can be addressed to restore normal menstruation. Hormone therapy can also be used – hormonal birth control is often effective in controlling heavy or long periods.

Endometriosis

When uterine or endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, it can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain and other complications. This condition is called endometriosis, and it requires treatment to reduce risks of infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Hormone therapy and removal of endometrial tissue can be used for endometriosis treatment. These treatments may include the use of IUDs or an endometrial ablation.

Uterine Fibroids and Polyps

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that are within the uterus lining. In some cases, these fibroids can result in heavier menstruation. Uterine polyps are another type of growth in the endometrium that can cause longer or painful periods. If fibroids or polyps are causing menorrhagia, removal of the growths or endometrium may be recommended.

Lifestyle

Not all menorrhagia is caused by a specific health condition. Many times, heavy menstruation is due to lifestyle. Weight gain, substance abuse, stress and other factors can contribute to long or painful periods. Using hormonal birth control is often recommended to reduce heavy periods caused by lifestyle factors.

At FEM Women’s Wellness, we offer advanced treatments for menorrhagia or heavy periods. If you have consistent heavy menstruation, come see our GYN specialists. Call our office in the Reno, Lake Tahoe and Carson City, NV, area to schedule your appointment.