Heavy Periods: Causes and Treatment

Heavy menstrual bleeding is common, but only one third of women seek treatment for it. Abnormal uterine bleeding can affect all areas of life, and many women miss work, school or social activities because of it.

Heavy bleeding is not normal and could indicate that something is wrong. Talk with your doctor if you experience any of the following during your period:

• Bleeding for more than seven consecutive days
• Blood clots that are quarter-size or larger
• Fatigue and exhaustion, even after a good night of sleep
• Heavy menstrual flow that interferes with daily activities
• Soaking through a tampon or pad every hour
• Using more than one pad at a time to control flow

Experiencing heavy periods? Request an appointment with an OBGYN or gynecologist at Beaufort Memorial.

What Causes Heavy Periods

Here are some of the common causes for heavy bleeding in women:

• Adenomyosis. This condition occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the outer muscle wall of the uterus, which can lead to painful, heavy menstruation.
• Ectopic pregnancy. These pregnancies, when a fertilized egg attaches somewhere that isn't the uterus, cause the fallopian tube to rupture, which is followed by intense pain and heavy bleeding.
• Endometriosis. The uterus is lined with endometrial tissue. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to this grows on other pelvic organs and can lead to symptoms including heavier periods and pelvic pain.
• Uterine fibroids. Fibroids are growths that can cause pain and heavy bleeding.

Diagnostic Tests and Physical Exams

Every woman's cycle is different, but the average blood loss during a period is usually no more than two to three tablespoons. Losing twice as much blood or bleeding more than seven days in a row is not normal.

For several months before you speak with your OBGYN or gynecologist, keep a detailed log of your menstrual cycle. This can give your doctor an idea of the duration of your period and intensity of symptoms.

During a physical exam, your doctor may order a pregnancy test, complete an endometrial biopsy or use a hysteroscopy to find possible reasons for heavy bleeding. Your may also need a blood test to check for anemia.

Treatment for Heavy Periods

Women experiencing heavy periods shouldn't feel alone. At Beaufort Memorial, our women's health specialists are trained in treating symptoms from heavy periods. Treatment options may include:

• Birth control pills or other forms of birth control
• Hormone therapy
• Iron supplements
• Tranexamic acid, a medication that minimizes heavy bleeding by improving blood clotting