Heavier Period Than Usual? Here's What Your Body's Trying to Tell You

Factors such as a fibroid, medications, your birth control and more could lead to a heavy period.
Image Credit: bymuratdeniz/iStock/GettyImages

Your period tends to serve as a temperature check for what's going on in the rest of your body. So if the bleeding has gotten really heavy and uncomfortable, there's a good chance something else is going on.

Advertisement

Heavier-than-normal periods are typically defined as having to change your tampon or pad after less than two hours or passing clots that are bigger than a quarter. That said, any time your period seems to veer off from ‌your‌ normal for more than a cycle or two, it's worth paying attention, says Jennifer Wu, MD, an ob-gyn with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

That's not to say that heavy bleeding always indicates a major problem. Often, the culprit is a harmless fibroid, wrong-for-you birth control or hormonal shifts like perimenopause. If you're wondering why your period is so heavy, here are some potential things you might be dealing with, plus the best options for getting your period under control.

1. You Have a Benign Fibroid

Fibroids are harmless (read: ‌not‌ cancerous) balls of muscle tissue, but they can have a major effect on your period.

"They're very common, and if they're located inside of the uterus lining, they can affect the heaviness of a woman's flow," Dr. Wu says.

Advertisement

That's because excess blood flows into the fibroid itself, which then gets shed along with the blood in the uterus lining that normally leaves your body during your period. They can also cause back pain and pain during sex.

Fix it: ‌Medications like birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists and antifibrinolytic meds can manage heavy bleeding caused by fibroids. If the meds don't help, or if the fibroid are causing other symptoms that are interfering with your everyday life, you and your gynecologist can discuss the option of having the fibroid surgically removed, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

2. Your Period Came Late

If your last cycle was longer than usual, your period might be heavier and crampier when it does arrive, since more blood has had a chance to build up in the lining of the uterus, Dr. Wu says. Cycles that are more spaced out than typical are especially common for people going through perimenopause and younger individuals who just recently started menstruating, she adds.

Advertisement

Fix it: ‌One longer or unusual cycle isn't necessarily cause for concern. But if your periods have gotten more spaced out or irregular, let your gynecologist know. Together you can figure out the underlying cause, whether it's menopause, a hormonal imbalance or something else.

3. It's Your First Postpartum Period

Pregnancy and childbirth can increase the size of your uterine cavity, creating more uterine lining that can then be shed in the form of your monthly period, per the Cleveland Clinic. As a result, "the first period after having a baby tends to be very heavy and long," Dr. Wu says.

You might notice more cramps too, especially if you gave birth via C-section, per October 2017 research published in Medical Hypotheses.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Fix it: ‌Your periods might start to feel more normal after another cycle or two. But tell your gynecologist if they're still unusually heavy or causing uncomfortable side effects after a few months. You can talk about options to regulate your flow, like hormonal birth control, or investigate possible underlying causes, like hormonal disorders or complications that happened during pregnancy or birth.

4. You Have a Hormonal Imbalance

The hormones estrogen and progesterone normally work together to regulate your monthly period. But your cycle can become heavier or lighter when the two are out of whack, Dr. Wu says.

Some of the most common things that can lead to a hormonal imbalance and effect your cycle include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance, thyroid problems and obesity, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Advertisement

Fix it: ‌Make an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss your symptoms. Getting your hormones back into balance starts with determining the underlying cause.

5. You Have an IUD

It's common for copper IUDs (such as Paraguard) to make periods longer and heavier, as well as leading to more spotting and cramping. The copper may cause changes to the blood vessels in the uterus, which can increase blood flow, per October 2008 ‌Contraception‌ research.

Fix it: ‌Many people who menstruate find that the increased bleeding and cramping from the copper IUD gets better on its own within three to six months after insertion, according to Planned Parenthood. (In the meantime, you can try these strategies to ease period cramps.)

If the problem isn't easing up, you can talk with your gynecologist about switching to another form of birth control, Dr. Wu recommends. Hormonal IUDs (such as Mirena) often have the opposite effect, making your period super light. Birth control pills can make your period lighter and more regular too.

6. You're Taking Blood Thinners

Anticoagulants that prevent your blood from clotting, such as warfarin or enoxaparin, can increase bleeding risk in general. So it's common for them to make your periods longer and heavier too, per the Mayo Clinic.

Advertisement

Fix it: ‌Let your gynecologist know if your blood thinners are making your periods unusually heavy. They might recommend a hormonal IUD to reduce bleeding. In some cases, endometrial ablation can also be used to remove a thin layer of the uterine lining, which can also lessen bleeding, Dr. Wu says.

7. You Have Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis happens when tissue that normally lines the uterine lining grows into the uterine muscle wall. The problem, which most often affects people with uteruses ages 35 to 50, can cause very heavy periods, severe cramping and pain during sex, says the Cleveland Clinic.

Fix it: ‌Depending on your how intense your symptoms are, you may be able to manage the bleeding by taking birth control pills or trying a hormonal IUD, Dr. Wu says. In more severe cases, you and your gynecologist might consider surgical options like a hysterectomy.

Listed above are just some of the potential causes for heavy bleeding during your period; others include:

Advertisement

  • Uterine or cervical cancer, particularly if you're postmenopausal or have had abnormal pap smears in the past, per the Mayo Clinic.
  • Blood disorders, such as Von Willebrand disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Low platelet counts can also be a factor, per University of Utah Health.
  • Other illnesses or disorders, such as liver or kidney disease, according to the CDC.

When to See a Doctor

One unusually heavy period may not be cause for concern. But if your period is suddenly very heavy month after month, or if heavy periods are impacting your lifestyle, you should let your gynecologist know.

"Some patients call out of work for those one or two days, or they have certain outfits for those days, or they won't plan big meetings or vacations," Dr. Wu says. "But you should still be able to function pretty normally during your period. You should still be you."

references

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

universo-virtual.com
buytrendz.net
thisforall.net
benchpressgains.com
qthzb.com
mindhunter9.com
dwjqp1.com
secure-signup.net
ahaayy.com
soxtry.com
tressesindia.com
puresybian.com
krpano-chs.com
cre8workshop.com
hdkino.org
peixun021.com
qz786.com
utahperformingartscenter.org
maw-pr.com
zaaksen.com
ypxsptbfd7.com
worldqrmconference.com
shangyuwh.com
eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com
playminecraftfreeonline.com
trekvietnamtour.com
your-business-articles.com
essaywritingservice10.com
hindusamaaj.com
joggingvideo.com
wandercoups.com
onlinenewsofindia.com
worldgraphic-team.com
bnsrz.com
wormblaster.net
tongchengchuyange0004.com
internetknowing.com
breachurch.com
peachesnginburlesque.com
dataarchitectoo.com
clientfunnelformula.com
30pps.com
cherylroll.com
ks2252.com
webmanicura.com
osostore.com
softsmob.com
sofietsshotel.com
facetorch.com
nylawyerreview.com
apapromotions.com
shareparelli.com
goeaglepointe.com
thegreenmanpubphuket.com
karotorossian.com
publicsensor.com
taiwandefence.com
epcsur.com
odskc.com
inzziln.info
leaiiln.info
cq-oa.com
dqtianshun.com
southstills.com
tvtv98.com
thewellington-hotel.com
bccaipiao.com
colectoresindustrialesgs.com
shenanddcg.com
capriartfilmfestival.com
replicabreitlingsale.com
thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com
gkmcww.com
mbnkbj.com
andrewbrennandesign.com
cod54.com
luobinzhang.com
bartoysdirect.com
taquerialoscompadresdc.com
aaoodln.info
amcckln.info
drvrnln.info
dwabmln.info
fcsjoln.info
hlonxln.info
kcmeiln.info
kplrrln.info
fatcatoons.com
91guoys.com
signupforfreehosting.com
faithfirst.net
zjyc28.com
tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com
nhuan6.com
oldgardensflowers.com
lightupthefloor.com
bahamamamas-stjohns.com
ly2818.com
905onthebay.com
fonemenu.com
notanothermovie.com
ukrainehighclassescort.com
meincmagazine.com
av-5858.com
yallerdawg.com
donkeythemovie.com
corporatehospitalitygroup.com
boboyy88.com
miteinander-lernen.com
dannayconsulting.com
officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com
forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net
generictadalafil-canada.net
guitarlessonseastlondon.com
lesliesrestaurants.com
mattyno9.com
nri-homeloans.com
rtgvisas-qatar.com
salbutamolventolinonline.net
sportsinjuries.info
topsedu.xyz
xmxm7.com
x332.xyz
sportstrainingblog.com
autopartspares.com
readguy.net
soniasegreto.com
bobbygdavis.com
wedsna.com
rgkntk.com
bkkmarketplace.com
zxqcwx.com
breakupprogram.com
boxcardc.com
unblockyoutubeindonesia.com
fabulousbookmark.com
beat-the.com
guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com
magie-marketing.com
kingstonliteracy.com
guitaraffinity.com
eurelookinggoodapparel.com
howtolosecheekfat.net
marioncma.org
oliviadavismusic.com
shantelcampbellrealestate.com
shopleborn13.com
topindiafree.com
v-visitors.net
qazwsxedcokmijn.com
parabis.net
terriesandelin.com
luxuryhomme.com
studyexpanse.com
ronoom.com
djjky.com
053hh.com
originbluei.com
baucishotel.com
33kkn.com
intrinsiqresearch.com
mariaescort-kiev.com
mymaguk.com
sponsored4u.com
crimsonclass.com
bataillenavale.com
searchtile.com
ze-stribrnych-struh.com
zenithalhype.com
modalpkv.com
bouisset-lafforgue.com
useupload.com
37r.net
autoankauf-muenster.com
bantinbongda.net
bilgius.com
brabustermagazine.com
indigrow.org
miicrosofts.net
mysmiletravel.com
selinasims.com
spellcubesapp.com
usa-faction.com
snn01.com
hope-kelley.com
bancodeprofissionais.com
zjccp99.com
liturgycreator.com
weedsmj.com
majorelenco.com
colcollect.com
androidnews-jp.com
hypoallergenicdogsnames.com
dailyupdatez.com
foodphotographyreviews.com
cricutcom-setup.com
chprowebdesign.com
katyrealty-kanepa.com
tasramar.com
bilgipinari.org
four-am.com
indiarepublicday.com
inquick-enbooks.com
iracmpi.com
kakaschoenen.com
lsm99flash.com
nana1255.com
ngen-niagara.com
technwzs.com
virtualonlinecasino1345.com
wallpapertop.net
nova-click.com
abeautifulcrazylife.com
diggmobile.com
denochemexicana.com
eventhalfkg.com
medcon-taiwan.com
life-himawari.com
myriamshomes.com
nightmarevue.com
allstarsru.com
bestofthebuckeyestate.com
bestofthefirststate.com
bestwireless7.com
declarationintermittent.com
findhereall.com
jingyou888.com
lsm99deal.com
lsm99galaxy.com
moozatech.com
nuagh.com
patliyo.com
philomenamagikz.net
rckouba.net
saturnunipessoallda.com
tallahasseefrolics.com
thematurehardcore.net
totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com
velislavakaymakanova.com
vermontenergetic.com
sizam-design.com
kakakpintar.com
begorgeouslady.com
1800birks4u.com
2wheelstogo.com
6strip4you.com
bigdata-world.net
emailandco.net
gacapal.com
jharpost.com
krishnaastro.com
lsm99credit.com
mascalzonicampani.com
sitemapxml.org
thecityslums.net
topagh.com
flairnetwebdesign.com
bangkaeair.com
beneventocoupon.com
noternet.org
oqtive.com
smilebrightrx.com
decollage-etiquette.com
1millionbestdownloads.com
7658.info
bidbass.com
devlopworldtech.com
digitalmarketingrajkot.com
fluginfo.net
naqlafshk.com
passion-decouverte.com
playsirius.com
spacceleratorintl.com
stikyballs.com
top10way.com
yokidsyogurt.com
zszyhl.com
16firthcrescent.com
abogadolaboralistamd.com
apk2wap.com
aromacremeria.com
banparacard.com
bosmanraws.com
businessproviderblog.com
caltonosa.com
calvaryrevivalchurch.org
chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com
cheminotsgardcevennes.com
cooksspot.com
cqxzpt.com
deesywig.com
deltacartoonmaps.com
despixelsetdeshommes.com
duocoracaobrasileiro.com
fareshopbd.com
goodpainspills.com
kobisitecdn.com
makaigoods.com
mgs1454.com
piccadillyresidences.com
radiolaondafresca.com
rubendorf.com
searchengineimprov.com
sellmyhrvahome.com
shugahouseessentials.com
sonihullquad.com
subtractkilos.com
valeriekelmansky.com
vipasdigitalmarketing.com
voolivrerj.com
zeelonggroup.com
1015southrockhill.com
10x10b.com
111-online-casinos.com
191cb.com
3665arpentunitd.com
aitesonics.com
bag-shokunin.com
brightotech.com
communication-digitale-services.com
covoakland.org
dariaprimapack.com
freefortniteaccountss.com
gatebizglobal.com
global1entertainmentnews.com
greatytene.com
hiroshiwakita.com
iktodaypk.com
jahatsakong.com
meadowbrookgolfgroup.com
newsbharati.net
platinumstudiosdesign.com
slotxogamesplay.com
strikestaruk.com
trucosdefortnite.com
ufabetrune.com
weddedtowhitmore.com
12940brycecanyonunitb.com
1311dietrichoaks.com
2monarchtraceunit303.com
601legendhill.com
850elaine.com
adieusolasomade.com
andora-ke.com
bestslotxogames.com
cannagomcallen.com
endlesslyhot.com
iestpjva.com
ouqprint.com
pwmaplefest.com
qtylmr.com
rb88betting.com
buscadogues.com
1007macfm.com
born-wild.com
growthinvests.com
promocode-casino.com
proyectogalgoargentina.com
wbthompson-art.com
whitemountainwheels.com
7thavehvl.com
developmethis.com
funkydogbowties.com
travelodgegrandjunction.com
gao-town.com
globalmarketsuite.com
blogshippo.com
hdbka.com
proboards67.com
outletonline-michaelkors.com
kalkis-research.com
thuthuatit.net
buckcash.com
hollistercanada.com
docterror.com
asadart.com
vmayke.org
erwincomputers.com
dirimart.org
okkii.com
loteriasdecehegin.com
mountanalog.com
healingtaobritain.com
ttxmonitor.com
bamthemes.com
nwordpress.com
11bolabonanza.com
avgo.top