A heavy period is a term used to refer to menstrual periods that contain more than the usual amount of blood. This may be any woman’s most significant concern and cause severe discomfort, not only during the bleeding phase itself but also for up to two weeks before it starts. The average quantity of blood lost during a normal menstrual cycle is around 80 ml, but some women may experience a loss of blood between 80 to 200 ml per cycle.
This can vary in frequency or intensity, with most women experiencing it at least once in their lifetime. It can cause a lot of stress and concern, which is why you need to see a Lake Mary heavy bleeding specialist. Below are some common causes of heavy bleeding.
1. Uterine Fibroids
These are benign tumors that arise from the smooth muscle tissue present in the walls of your uterus. In most cases, it occurs as a result of genetic predisposition and hormonal changes. They’re common, but they can lead to complications such as heavy or irregular periods that painful cramps may also accompany.
In most cases, uterine fibroids are benign, particularly when they’re small. They tend to grow in the 20s and 30s but shrink just before menopause. When it becomes large enough to cause discomfort or fertility problems, you should consider surgery for its removal.
2. Endometriosis
This is another common condition that causes heavy bleeding during your period. The uterine lining becomes thicker than usual because hormones stimulate it to produce monthly egg cells.
This thickened uterine lining has no way of getting out, and when it continues to accumulate, it leads to endometriosis. When an endometrial-like tissue attaches itself somewhere outside the uterus, for example, in the ovaries, pelvic cavity, bowel, or bladder, it could cause pain and heavy bleeding.
3. Polyps
These are small benign tumors that grow anywhere in your reproductive system and may affect as many as 10 percent of all women. They’re usually the reason for heavy bleeding during your periods and can also lead to infertility, especially when they block or partly block your fallopian tubes.
Some women may also experience uterine bleeding between periods. This can be scary and frustrating since it doesn’t seem normal. The good news is that this type of condition usually resolves itself after menopause, but you may need medication to control the intensity or frequency of your bleeding.
4. Miscarriage
In some cases, it may be as a result of miscarriage or accidental pregnancy loss. For those who experience heavy bleeding during the first three months of pregnancy, there’s always a risk that they might lose their child.
It can also happen within the first trimester, and this is often referred to as threatened miscarriage. Women experiencing such signs during pregnancy should inform their doctor immediately.
To summarize, many women experience heavy bleeding at least once in their life. It is one of the most frustrating experiences. You may experience heavy bleeding due to polyps, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and miscarriage. If you experience any of these problems, you should see a gynecologist immediately.
