When it comes to our periods, many of us would consider our menstrual cycles “normal,” but there’s a whole segment of ladies that know this flow is heavier than “normal.” A Heavy period, also referred to as menorrhagia, is characterized by blood loss of more than 8 teaspoons per cycle.
Although since we don’t go around measuring our menstrual flow, it’s not easy to know exactly how many teaspoons of blood you lose. Now if you use a Diva Cup instead of tampons and pads, then you might have a better idea of how much blood you pass with each cycle.
Why Heavy Bleeding During Period?
With that being said, a “heavy period” is still a subjective term mainly because periods vary from woman to woman in terms of days on your menstrual cycle, the time between each period, along with the actual amount of blood that is passed.
Other than throwing a slight monkey wrench into our normal, everyday social activities, heavy bleeding during a period is not necessarily a problem until they impose some aggravating inconvenience or physical issues such as anemia, which can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and light-headedness.
Much of the woman’s reproductive system is still a mystery to the medical profession. But if you’re suffering from heavy bleeding in periods here may be some reasons why:
Reasons Of Heavy Bleeding In Period
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones rise and fall regularly during the course of your menstrual cycle. Around the time of perimenopause though, these hormonal fluctuations may get out of whack, causing heavy bleeding in periods. Thyroid disease can have the same effect on hormones gone haywire.
Uterine Fibroids
These are benign tumors that form in the during childbearing years and they commonly cause heavy bleeding during periods and/or longer periods.
Polyps
Polyps are the same as fibroids, only smaller.
Ovarian Dysfunction & Heavy Period
You may experience heavy bleeding during periods if, for some reason, your ovaries are not ovulating properly.
Iud (Intrauterine Device)
Although a once-popular form of birth control, a heavy period is a common result of using these devices.
Miscarriage Cause Heavy Period
One single very heavy period could be the sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
Certain Medications
Anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs can cause heavy bleeding in periods too.
Cancer
Uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer can certainly be the cause of Heavy bleeding in periods as well.
Other Medical Conditions Of Heavy Period
Endometriosis, thyroid problems, pelvic inflammatory disease, or liver/kidney disease are also hidden culprits.
So if periods plague you, go and see your doctor as soon as possible so that together you can rule out any problems that may require immediate attention and devise a health recovery plan. Most often, a heavy period signals hormonal imbalances that can be easily corrected but, of course, you want to be sure.
It isn’t necessary to get your panties in a bunch over periods. Especially if they come at regular intervals and you’re feeling well otherwise. (Sorry for the cheesy pun). Plus if you’re reaching your perimenopausal years, heavier periods almost pretty much come with the territory so brace yourself.
Conclusion
A Heavy period is normal, yet it can bigly affect a lady’s regular day-to-day existence. They don’t generally have a fundamental reason, however, they can result from issues like fibroids or endometriosis, so it’s critical to get your side effects looked at.
However, if you notice sudden, unusual more bleeding, or a heavy period accompanied by unusual discomfort, schedule an appointment with a trusted medical professional right away. Be well 😉
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