But there are times when heavy menstrual bleeding is a sign of a problem.
Symptoms
What’s considered heavy bleeding during menstruation?
Heavy uterine bleeding can be frequent or intermittent, depending on the cause.
Image Source / Getty Images
You might also experience bleeding between your periods.
Duringperimenopause, which can last for several years before menopause, menstrual bleeding can be irregular.
It is usually lighter than usual, but some people can occasionally experience heavy bleeding.
It can happen if you have a hormonal imbalance, an infection, or a structural problem.
Sometimes a growth or a tumor in the female reproductive system can cause bleeding.
Common causes include:
Bleeding During Pregnancy
Generally, bleeding during pregnancy requires medical attention.
It can signal a problem, such as an impending miscarriage.
If you are concerned or if you also have cramps with your bleeding, call your healthcare provider.
Bleeding Problems
Heavy menstrual bleeding can also happen due to ableeding disorderor from taking blood thinners.
Blood thinners include prescription therapies that are oftenused to prevent vascular events.
Many over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) used to manage mild to moderate pain can cause bleeding as well.
If that happens, you may need to take iron supplements.
If you are diagnosed with fibroids, you might need hormone therapy or a procedure to remove them.
In most cases, ablation ends bleeding by destroying the lining of the uterus.
However, this procedure does not guarantee 100% protection from pregnancy.
People who do not desire children should continue using their preferred birth control method after having ablation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is obesity a risk factor for abnormal uterine bleeding?
Obesity is associated with PCOS, one of the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding.
How long can you continue to take progesterone for abnormal uterine bleeding?
Your healthcare provider may prescribe hormone therapy for you to help manage abnormal uterine bleeding.
How is abnormal uterine bleeding treated?
The treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding depends on the cause.
You might need hormone therapy, a procedure, or treatment for an infection or a bleeding disorder.
How is abnormal uterine bleeding diagnosed?
During pregnancy, you should see your healthcare provider urgently if you experience vaginal bleeding.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Heavy periods: Overview.
Elmaogullar S, Aycan Z.Abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents.J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol.
2015;61(8):693697.
