Does it seem as though your period keeps getting heavier every month? While some fluctuations in flow are normal, unusually heavy menstrual bleeding — menorrhagia — isn’t something you should ignore.
Cynthia McNally, MD and the team at Evergreen Women’s Health provide caring, comprehensive gynecology services in Vancouver, Washington. We work with you to identify the root cause of your period concerns and develop tailored solutions to balance your cycle.
Research estimates that between 27% and 54% of menstruating women experience menorrhagia, but it doesn’t have to be your new normal. Here, we explain what defines an excessively heavy period, possible causes, and how you can address it.
Every woman’s menstrual cycle is unique — some have lighter and shorter periods, while others’ are naturally heavier and longer. How can you tell when it crosses the line from inconvenience to potential concern? Here’s what to look for:
If you’re dealing with these symptoms, or if your period regularly interferes with your work or daily life, it’s more than just a heavier-than-average flow. This level of excessive bleeding and discomfort could point to a treatable underlying issue.
When you notice a significant change in the flow or duration of your period, it’s natural to feel a bit worried or anxious. But you don’t have to navigate the uncertainty alone — our team is here to help you pinpoint the exact cause of menorrhagia, which may include:
Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels often affect menstrual flow. Factors like stress, weight changes, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to a thicker uterine lining and heavier bleeding when it sheds.
Noncancerous growths like uterine fibroids or polyps could be a potential cause as well. Their presence can lead to heavy or prolonged bleeding — 60% of women with fibroids deal with heavy periods — as well as symptoms like pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, and pain during sex.
In adenomyosis, uterine lining tissue grows into the muscular wall, causing the uterus to enlarge and thicken. Endometriosis is a condition in which this tissue, the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. Both can lead to painful, heavy periods that last longer than a week.
Infections in the reproductive tract can also cause your period to get heavier. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, as well as complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and endometritis can cause irritation and inflammation, resulting in increased menstrual bleeding.
Your period shouldn’t control your life. The first step toward a lighter, more manageable monthly cycle is sitting down with our team. We review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and may recommend specific tests to uncover the reason(s) behind your increasingly heavy periods.
Based on the diagnosis, we develop a personalized plan that manages your symptoms while also effectively addressing the root problem. Our goal is for you to have control over your cycle and how it impacts your life. We offer both medications and procedures, such as Novasure Endometrial Ablation.
Are you looking for ways to break free from the worry and disruption of heavy, painful periods? Let the team at Evergreen Women’s Health help you — contact us today to schedule a consultation.
