Periods can be bothersome, especially if they are too heavy and painful. Do you have the same complaint? Do you feel nervous when periods are approaching? Do you have to cancel your daily activities because of periods? Is this the case with you? If yes, you must consult with a healthcare provider soon. They can help treat the condition. To get an expert opinion, you can visit the Best Gynecologist in Lahore.
Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, are a condition in which your periods are too heavy. Sometimes it happens due to a serious underlying health condition. Therefore evaluation with a healthcare provider is a must. If you have to change a pad or a tampon every hour, consult a healthcare provider for it.
Here in this article, we will explain why periods can be heavy.
What Causes Heavy Periods?
Heavy periods can happen due to various reasons, such as:
Hormonal Problems
To regulate your menstrual cycle, your hormones play a role. They form a protective layer in the uterus for a possible pregnancy that can protect the fetus. When fertilization does not occur, and the ovum does not get implanted, the lining known as endometrium sheds off in the form of period blood. Sometimes when you have a hormonal imbalance, the endometrium is produced too thick. Therefore when it sheds, you may have a complaint of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Sometimes, if you do not ovulate, your hormonal system can get imbalanced, forming a thicker endometrium. Eventually, it causes heavy menstrual bleeding.
Uterus Growth
Polyps and fibroids are tiny growths that can occur in the uterus. They are non-cancerous. However, they can lead to heavy menstrual periods. To know about it, your healthcare providers will perform an ultrasound. It can be detected in it. Sometimes, your healthcare providers may remove it surgically. While sometimes, medications can help them shrink.
Intrauterine Devices
Some women use intrauterine devices for contraception. Not always, but sometimes they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
Pregnancy Problems
It might happen that sometimes you are pregnant and you do not know about it. When you miscarry it, there is heavy menstrual bleeding. You may mistake it for heavy periods.
Another cause of heavy periods is ectopic pregnancy. It is a pregnancy in which the ovum embeds itself not in the uterus but in some other body part. Sometimes your body may get rid of it on its own in the form of heavy vaginal bleeding. While sometimes, your healthcare providers may remove it surgically. Ectopic pregnancy is not normal. Therefore it needs to be aborted soon. It can be life-threatening for the mother.
Cancers
Some cervical or ovarian cancers can also cause heavy vaginal bleeding. However, it is not a common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Bleeding Disorders
Certain bleeding disorders such as hemophilia- an inherited condition in which your blood can not clot properly may lead to heavy vaginal bleeding. Bleeding in haemophilia patients might be difficult to control. With it, your periods might be heavy and long.
Blood Thinners
Blood thinners are the medications that thin out your blood so that it does not clot inside your blood vessels. They are often prescribed to prevent myocardial infarction. When you take it, your periods may become heavier. Some other drugs can also make your periods heavy.
Some other health conditions that can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding are:
- Thyroid diseases
- Endometriosis
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
What Are The Complications Of Heavy Periods?
Apart from being bothersome, heavy menstrual periods can lead to following complications.
- Anemia
- Blood loss
- Pale skin
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
The Bottom Line
Periods when heavy, can become bothersome. They may also affect your daily life activities. Sometimes it can be due to serious underlying health conditions. Therefore you must consult with a healthcare provider. To get an expert opinion, you can visit a Gynecologist in Karachi.
