If you’re experiencing menstrual bleeding that is heavier than usual, there are a few reasons this might be happening. Before you panic, take a moment to do your research and go to a Manassas OBGYN for expert help.
It’s not uncommon for a woman to experience heavy bleeding during certain menstrual cycles. In fact, hormones fluctuate throughout the month, and that can cause less or more blood flow. However, if you are experiencing heavy bleeding during your period, it’s important to get medical attention and find the underlying cause.
Let us now see the common causes of heavy periods.
- Hormone imbalance
Hormone imbalance may lead to an increase in the menstrual flow. You might be required to take hormonal medication to control this situation. Certain tests will help your OB-GYN determine the right treatment for you.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is the most common cause of menstrual irregularities in pre-menopausal women. If you have heavy bleeding during menstruation, one of the tests that your doctor will conduct is a pelvic ultrasound. This will help you diagnose PCOS. Polycystic ovaries are closely related to issues related to fertility and pregnancy, and an ultrasound can help detect any underlying conditions or complications.
- Uterine fibroids
These are non-cancerous growths that can cause heavy menstruation. If they are causing issues with menstruation, an ultrasound will help determine if the fibroid has caused any damage to adjacent uterine tissue.
- Uterine polyps
Polyps are non-cancerous growths that can cause bleeding during menstruation. An ultrasound examination will help your doctor determine whether you have uterine polyps or not. If you are experiencing bleeding, it is vital that you have a complete medical check-up in order to rule out the possibility of having an undiagnosed condition like cancer.
- Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition when endometrial tissue that lines the uterus starts growing in the muscular wall of the uterus. It may cause uterine bleeding as well as pain. Treatment includes myomectomy in severe cases.
- Cancer
Though rare, it’s important to rule out the possibility of cancer if you are experiencing heavy bleeding during your periods. A complete medical check-up will help detect any signs of cancer.
- Contraception and other medical issues
If you’re on a birth control pill or another form of contraceptive, it may change the production of your hormones in such a way that can cause a heavier period. So, if you are going through this problem, changing your contraceptive or taking care of other underlying medical conditions can be helpful.
