Common Causes of Heavy Bleeding

From having to run to the restroom at unexpected times to embarrassing accidents, there’s no doubt about it — heavy periods are a pain. At Progressive Women’s Health in Friendswood, Texas, we have good news for women living with heavy bleeding.

Board-certified OB/GYN Asia Mohsin, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating the underlying conditions that cause heavy periods. In this blog, Dr. Mohsin explains what some of these causes are and how she can treat them.

Understanding heavy bleeding

Beyond being irritating, heavy periods (menorrhagia) can also be a health concern. When not addressed, heavy bleeding can trigger additional conditions that affect your overall health, including iron deficiency. 

So how can you tell if your heavy period really is heavy? According to experts, losing more than 80mL of blood during your period means you have menorrhagia. If you’re like most women and don’t have a handy measuring tool, here are a few real-world symptoms to look for:

• Needing to change pads/tampons every hour (or more frequently)
• Needing to change pads/tampons overnight
• Flow that interferes with your everyday life
• Noticing large clots with your bleeding
• Feeling tired, out of breath, or like you don’t have any energy during periods
• Experiencing heavy or “deep” abdominal or lower back pain 

Heavy bleeding is never normal. If you’re experiencing signs of menorrhagia, be sure to schedule an appointment with Progressive Women’s Health. 

Common causes of heavy bleeding

Women experience heavy bleeding for different reasons. Understanding the underlying cause helps you get the most effective treatment. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of heavy bleeding:

• Hormone imbalances
• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Thyroid disorders
• Infection or sexually transmitted disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Uterine fibroids and/or polyps
• Endometriosis and adenomyosis
• Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants

You may also develop menorrhagia if you have uterine or cervical cancer. Sometimes the underlying cause can’t be identified. 

Treating heavy bleeding

If you’re struggling with heavy periods, Dr. Mohsin can help. Your treatment begins with Dr. Mohsin identifying the underlying cause of your bleeding. This helps her create a personalized treatment plan for menorrhagia.

To determine what’s causing your bleeding, Dr. Mohsin reviews your medical and family histories, discusses your symptoms, and conducts a physical exam. You may also need to have a blood test and/or imaging study (e.g., ultrasound). 

Even if Dr. Mohsin can’t identify the cause of your bleeding, she can help you manage heavy periods. Some common treatment options for heavy bleeding include:

• Hormonal birth control
• Endometrial ablation 
• Treatment for uterine fibroids
• Treatment for ovarian cysts
• Hormone replacement therapy

If you have heavy bleeding, we can help you get relief. To learn more, call 281-626-7694 or book an appointment online with Progressive Women’s Health today. We also offer telehealth visits.