Menstrual Bleeding that is Heavy and long
With heavy menstrual bleeding, blood flow and cramping make it harder to do your usual activities.
If you dread your period because you have heavy menstrual bleeding, talk one of our doctors. There are many treatments that can help.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is not normal. It can disrupt your life and may be a sign of a more serious health problem.
Any of the following can be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding:
- Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days.
- Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row.
- Needing double sanitary protection to control your menstrual flow.
- Needing to wear more than one pad at a time to control menstrual flow.
- Needing to change pads or tampons during the night.
- Menstrual flow with blood clots that are as big as a quarter or larger.
- Limiting daily activities due to heavy menstrual flow.
- Feeling tired, fatigued or short of breath as the result of blood loss.
If you are not pregnant, heavy and prolonged bleeding may be related to problems with the lining of the uterus called the endometrium or may be caused by an enlarged uterus.
Heavy bleeding and prolonged bleeding may also be related to abnormalities with ovulation or hormone production.
Common causes of heavy menstrual bleeding include:
Hormonal – Abnormal ovarian function can lead to abnormal hormonal production which can produce abnormalities to the lining of the uterus.
- Hormone production abnormalities.
- Dysfunction of the ovaries.
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometrial Cancer
Structural – There are conditions that can cause the uterus to enlarge which can cause heavier flow.
- Uterine fibroids – These tumors develop during childbearing years. They are benign, which means they are not cancerous. Uterine fibroids may cause heavier than normal menstrual bleeding or bleeding that goes on for a long time.
- Adenomyosis – In this condition, glands from the lining of the uterus grow into the wall of the uterus itself. This can cause heavy bleeding and painful periods.
- Polyps
Other medical conditions that can cause a women to have heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Thyroid disease
- Liver disease
- kidney disease
Are you anemic?
Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues. The number of red blood cells is measured by hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues throughout the body
Heavy menstrual bleeding can cause anemia related to blood loss.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs as the body tries to make up for lost red blood cells. The body uses iron stores to make more hemoglobin so that enough oxygen can be carried to tissues.
Heavy menstrual bleeding may make iron levels too low. This may result in iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms include headaches and feeling tired.
If you believe you are experiencing abnormal or heavy menstrual flow, I encourage you to see one of our specialists.
The providers at County Obstetrics & Gynecology have the knowledge, experience, and resources to identify the cause of your abnormal bleeding.
Treatments for menstrual irregularities is tailored to each individual woman and depending on her age, overall health, severity of symptoms and whether you’re pregnant or would like to get pregnant in the future.
County Obstetrics & Gynecology
STL Leaders in Women’s Healthcare
Board Certified Physician:
Dr. Lawrence V. Boveri
Dr. Stephen A. Boveri
Our Location
1859 Bowles Avenue
Suite 103
Fenton, MO 63026
Our Hours:
Monday: 8:00 – 5:00
Tuesday: 12:00 – 6:00
Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00
Thursday: 8:00 – 3:00
Friday: 8:00 – 12:00