If you are experiencing heavy periods, there can be a number of potential causes. It could be related to an underlying health condition, such as hormone imbalances, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, endometriosis, thyroid issues, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
It can also be caused by certain medications, such as those that contain hormones or blood thinners. At times, it can also just be a normal variation in your menstrual cycle.
To diagnose the cause of your heavy bleeding, it is best to see your doctor or healthcare provider for an evaluation. Depending on the underlying cause, there may be ways to help manage or lessen the severity of your heavy periods.
This could mean changing some medications or taking contraceptives, or other treatments depending on the cause. In some cases, additional tests may need to be done to help identify the issue. Seeing your healthcare provider is the first step towards getting the help you need.
What can cause heavy periods?
Heavy periods (also known as menorrhagia) can affect a large portion of women at some point in their lives. A heavy period typically means a woman is losing more than 80ml of blood during her menstrual cycle (usually more than five tablespoons), when it usually should be between 30-40ml.
Some of the common causes of heavy periods include:
1. Uterine Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths that can form in the uterine tissue and they can block the flow of blood while causing an increase in the size of the uterus which in turn can cause more blood to flow while menstruating which then results in heavier periods.
2. Hormonal Imbalance: An imbalance in the hormones estrogen and progesterone can often lead to heavier menstrual bleeding and could be a result of an underlying medical condition such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or Endometriosis.
3. Endometrial Hyperplasia: This is a thickening of the lining of the uterus which can lead to the accumulation of too much tissue and cause heavier menstrual periods.
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is an infection of the organs in the pelvic region that often have no symptoms and can go undiagnosed. It can lead to a buildup of fluid in the uterus, which can then cause heavy periods.
5. Disorders of Blood clotting: People with certain clotting disorders such as von Willebrand disease or Factor V Leiden deficiency can often experience heavy periods since these disorders can prevent the body from forming blood clots, leading to increased bleeding.
6. Changing Contraceptive Methods: When introducing a new method of birth control, such as the Pill or the Intrauterine Device (IUD), it can take a few months for the hormones to adjust to the new form of contraception causing some changes in the menstrual cycle.
While some of the causes of heavy periods are all related to hormonal balance, it is important to visit your doctor and get a proper diagnosis if you experience a sudden increase in the flow of your period.
Your doctor may recommend a course of medications or other treatments that can help reduce heavy bleeding.
Why is my period so heavy all of a sudden?
It can be difficult to determine the exact cause without speaking to your doctor, but some of the most common reasons include hormonal imbalances, certain medications, or a lack of nutrients in your diet.
Hormonal imbalances can cause heavy and/or irregular periods. Birth control can alter your hormone levels and cause heavier periods, as well as other medications like antidepressants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Additionally, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause heavy bleeding and hormone fluctuations.
Having a poor diet can also lead to heavy periods. Your body needs essential nutrients like iron, folate, and Vitamin B12 in order to function properly and help regulate your menstrual cycle. If you are not getting enough of these vitamins and minerals, it can cause heavier than normal periods.
If your period has become noticeably heavier all of a sudden, it’s important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. They can help you determine the cause and provide you with treatment options to help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce the amount of bleeding.
When should I be concerned about heavy periods?
You should be concerned about your periods if you have heavier-than-usual bleeding or prolonged bleeding (seven or more days). You should also be concerned if you experience any other unusual symptoms along with your period such as unusually large clots, fatigue, dizziness, pain, or anemia.
Additionally, if you experience symptoms like nausea, fever, and chills, you may want to be concerned and contact your doctor right away. While heavy periods are common and nothing to be overly worried about, they can be a sign of an underlying condition such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or an infection, so keep an eye on your symptoms.
If you experience any of the symptoms above or have any questions, be sure to contact your doctor for further advice.
Does a heavy period mean you are healthy?
No, a heavy period does not necessarily mean that you are healthy. Depending on the amount of blood loss and any pain or discomfort associated with it, a heavy period could indicate that something is wrong.
In general, a menstruation cycle should involve light to moderate bleeding for two to seven days. If you experience an abnormally heavy period with uncomfortable symptoms, or your period lasts longer than seven days, it is a good idea to see a doctor.
Heavy bleeding could be caused by many different factors, including hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, infection, medications, or pregnancy. If you are experiencing a heavy period, it is important to speak to a doctor to determine the underlying cause and to ensure you are healthy.
Why does my period gush when I stand up?
The process of your menstrual flow gushing when you stand up is known as ‘gravity gushing’, and it is a very common and normal experience. It occurs when the muscles in your lower abdomen tense up due to the movement, forcing the menstrual fluid out of the body forcefully.
This can be a temporary effect and should not be a worry – it’s just your body’s natural response to the change in position.
However, if it is particularly heavy or you consistently experience suddenly gushing blood when standing up, it could be a sign of a more serious health issue. It’s important to speak to your doctor or gynecologist to get it checked out, as it could be a sign of a disorder or hormonal imbalance.
If you want to reduce the effects of gravity gushing, try changing the products you are using. Thicker sanitary pads or tampons will help to absorb more of the flow and reduce the gush, as well as avoiding tight clothing, sitting down more during your period, and lying down after intense activity.
