Heavy bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, refers to the period that lasts longer than 7 days and causes extremely high bleeding (heavier than usual). It may sometimes lead to the discharge of blood clots. If the heavy bleeding is affecting your lifestyle and is causing problems in your personal and professional life, reach out to the best gynecologist in Hiranandani hospital in Thane for treatment.

Are You Bleeding too Much?

How exactly do you know you have heavy bleeding? It’s pretty much obvious. Normal women change their pads or tampons every few hours. You might need 3-4 pads a day for the first three days and 1-2 pads every day for the remaining duration of your menstrual cycle. Women with heavy bleeding change their pads every hour continuously for several hours. 

Remember that menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than usual and involves blood clots is never normal. Some people experience bleeding with fatigue, cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Others might not experience these symptoms. Either way, if you are losing too much blood, it is a cause of concern. There can be a serious underlying issue for heavy periods. Normally, a woman loses 35-40 millimeters of blood during her period, but it is abnormal if you have lost more than 80 millimeters of blood. 

Causes of Heavy Bleeding

Sometimes, exhaustion or your involvement in strenuous activities can lead to heavy bleeding. It might seem normal initially, but if you are passing large blood clots and your period lasts longer than 7 days, see a gynecologist immediately. Adolescents who have just got their first period might experience heavy bleeding or an irregular menstrual cycle. Likewise, heavy bleeding is a common sign of menopause. Note that losing too much blood can cause anemia. Here are the common causes of heavy bleeding.

  • Hormonal Imbalance: A woman’s body produces estrogen and progesterone, the two hormones responsible for regulating your menstrual flow. Thyroid disease or PCOS can cause hormonal imbalance, affecting your period. This is also common in overweight and obese women, as weighing more than average can cause hormonal imbalance, which eventually leads to heavy bleeding. 
  • An Abnormal Growth in Your Uterus: The cells in your uterus might grow and multiply abnormally, causing a heavy period. It can indicate a cancerous or a non-cancerous growth. Fibroids or polyps in the uterus can result in heavy bleeding and are the most common causes of hysterectomy. Fibroid removal treatment in Thane can help relieve heavy bleeding caused by fibroid growth. Heavy bleeding can also indicate a serious underlying condition, such as uterine or cervical cancer. 
  • Pregnancy Complications: Miscarriage might be the cause of heavy bleeding, or if you have had many c-sections, your uterus develops a pocket that collects and releases blood. 

Medications: If you are taking blood thinners or other medications that interfere with your menstrual cycle, you might experience heavy bleeding. This includes birth control pills, tamoxifen, intrauterine devices, and radiation therapy. Hormone replacement therapy can also cause heavy bleeding.