About 10% of women experience heavy menstrual bleeding. It’s considered a heavy period if you're typically losing more than 2.7 ounces of blood or bleeding for more than a week at a time.
No woman wants to deal with abnormal vaginal bleeding, but it's important to know what's causing it, especially if your periods become heavy suddenly. If you're tired of going through so many pads and tampons each month, see Dr. Inga Zilberstein for compassionate, professional OB/GYN care at her office in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City.
Dr. Zilberstein gets to the bottom of the problem and can provide solutions for heavy periods.
Heavy menstrual bleeding affects women for various reasons. It may be something you've always dealt with or something that has recently developed for no apparent reason.
Heavy periods are tough to deal with at any age and can be worrisome, especially when you don't know why they’re so heavy. There are many causes of abnormal bleeding, not all of which are serious. These are key signs that you have a heavy menstrual flow:
Heavy menstrual bleeding may be so bad that it limits your activities during your period. These signs indicate that there may be something going on that's causing heavier-than-normal vaginal bleeding.
A heavy period may not be cause for concern, or it could be a sign that something is amiss. Knowing the cause of heavy bleeding is essential for getting the proper treatment. Causes range from mild and temporary to severe and permanent. Some of the reasons you could be having heavy periods include:
You may have heavier-than-normal bleeding if you have polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid disorders. These disorders happen when estrogen and progesterone levels are abnormal.
These noncancerous growths inside the uterus can cause abnormal bleeding. Fibroids may cause heavy bleeding that can last more than seven days.
Obesity can lead to heavier-than-normal periods because excess weight can cause hormonal imbalances. Certain medications you take may disrupt menstruation and cause abnormal bleeding.
Bleeding disorders like von Willebrand disease and platelet or clotting disorders can also lead to heavy periods.
Sometimes, a period isn't what you expect and could indicate a complication in early pregnancy. A miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy can lead to heavy bleeding that may look like your period.
Infections like pelvic inflammatory disease and certain types of cancer also lead to heavy periods.
Heavy menstruation isn't just annoying – it's a sign that something could be wrong with your body. Anytime you're experiencing heavier than normal periods, it's a good idea to seek treatment.
It's also essential to get prompt treatment if you experience signs of anemia, including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Dr. Zilberstein performs pelvic exams and ultrasounds to diagnose and address pelvic health issues. Treatment depends on the cause of heavy bleeding, but may include hormone therapy or the NovaSure® procedure.
Contact Inga Zilberstein, MD, today to discuss options for managing heavy period symptoms by calling or texting 830-254-5941. You can also send a message through our website.
