Abnormally excessive menstrual flow is medically referred to as menorrhagia. When you have menorrhagia, your period causes so much blood loss and cramps that you can't function normally. Talk to your doctor if you have severe menstrual bleeding and it causes you distress. Menorrhagia or heavy periods is easily treated with one of many available options.

 

How Dangerous it is to Have a Heavy Period?

 

If you lose enough blood during your period to be diagnosed with anaemia, you should seek medical attention immediately. Without treatment, anaemia may be fatal.

 

A heavy bleeding period may signify serious health issues like cancer that need prompt medical attention. Talk to your doctor about the potential dangers of your period bleeding.

 

Symptoms of Menorrhagia

 

Some women have persistently heavy flow from the beginning of their menstrual cycles. Others don't begin until the cyclical norm has been established for years or decades.

 

Talking to your doctor is a good idea if you've just started having problems with your periods being too thick. Anaemia (decreased red blood cell count) is a potential result, which might leave one feeling tired, weak, and short of breath. 

 

Women suffering from Menorrhagia may be required to do the following:

 

• Whether you're using pads or tampons, you should change them every hour for at least a day.
• Midnight pad swap
• Two pads worn simultaneously may effectively control a heavy flow.

 

Indicators of Severe Menstrual Bleeding

 

Constant excessive menstrual bleeding is a nuisance. Many individuals who have very heavy periods believe this is the norm. They may have seen other family members deal with heavy periods for years without seeking help, so they did the same. However, periods are never an excuse to limit your activities or put up with discomfort.

 

• Menorrhagia: Common Factors and Possible Roots
• Heavy menstruation is often caused by:
• Issues with Hormones

 

Your uterus (womb) develops a lining that you shed once a month during your period. When hormone levels are unbalanced, the body makes the lining overly thick, resulting in profuse bleeding when removed. You may get heavier menstruation and a thicker lining if you don't ovulate (the process by which an egg is released from an ovary).

• Cancerous tumours of the uterus (womb)

 

Uterine polyps are benign growths that develop in the uterine lining. The uterine lining may develop tumours called fibroids, although they are harmless. Both may increase the flow of blood during your period or extend its duration.

 

IUDs that aren't generic. Birth control by the tiny intrauterine device (IUD) is prevalent among women. Your menstruation might become heavier if your IUD does not include hormones.

• Challenges arising from the pregnancy

 

After sperm and an egg fuse, the developing ball of cells sometimes implants somewhere other than within the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy describes this condition. There's no way this pregnancy can continue, and it might be causing you major health issues, including bleeding that looks like a period but is far more dangerous. Heavy flow period may also signify a miscarriage, in which an unborn baby is lost during pregnancy.

• Disordered bleeding

 

Rare inherited bleeding diseases make it difficult for victims to staunch blood flow after an injury. They may also increase the flow and duration of a woman's menstruation.

What Kind of Tests Should I Do if I Have Heavy Periods?

 

If you are observing heavy bleeding during periods than usual, you should see a doctor. There are many hormonal or uterine abnormalities. Hence the reason is unknown for the vast majority of women. However, a thorough examination is essential.

 

The cervix and the size and form of the uterus are two of the many things a doctor may want to check out during a vaginal (internal) examination. However, there are some instances where an exam is unnecessary, such as in younger women who show no signs of abnormality outside dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

 

To determine whether anaemia is present, a blood sample may be taken. Heavy monthly bleeding might make it challenging to consume enough iron to replenish your body's supply. (Iron is required for haemoglobin synthesis.) This might result in anaemia, which can make you feel exhausted and has other unpleasant side effects. Anaemia affects up to two-thirds of women who get chronically heavy periods.

 

Vaginal examinations are often unremarkable; therefore, if no other symptoms are present, it may not be necessary to pursue additional testing. Often, dysfunctional uterine bleeding is diagnosed, and treatment may begin if necessary. Some women may be recommended to undergo further testing, particularly if it is suspected that there may be another explanation for the heavy periods than dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

 

How Do You Deal with Excessive Menstrual Bleeding?

 

Your health, age, medical history, and the cause and severity of your bleeding will all play a role in determining the best course of treatment. Your treatment plan will also be tailored to your preferences and how you respond to various medications. You may, for instance, choose to forego menstruation altogether or limit the amount of blood you lose throughout your period. Your intentions about pregnancy will also impact your treatment choices.

 

Final Thoughts

Hope now you know “Why is my period heavier than usual? “Just because having a heavy period is normal doesn't mean you must endure the pain it causes. Tell your doctor if maintaining healthy blood pressure interferes with your mental or physical well-being. They have a treatment plan that may help alleviate the pain.