DISCLAIMER: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.
What causes heavy periods?
There are many different causes of heavy periods. They include:
1 of the ovaries not releasing an egg
A bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting normally
Hormone imbalances
A problem with the thyroid (a gland that makes hormones)
Side effects of some medicines, such as some types of birth control or "blood thinners"
Growths in the uterus called "fibroids"
How much bleeding is abnormal?
Signs that your periods are too heavy include:
Having to change a pad or tampon every 1 or 2 hours because it is completely soaked
Passing large lumps, or "clots," of blood
Is the bleeding an emergency?
See your doctor or go to the emergency department right away:
if you soak through 2 pads or tampons in 1 hour for 2 hours in a row.
If there is any chance of pregnancy. Bleeding during pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of an emergency condition.
When should we seek care?
Call your health care provider if you:
Are bothered by your bleeding, for example, if you:
Have periods that last for more than 8 days
Soak through a pad or tampon every 1 or 2 hours every time you have your period
Need to use both a pad and a tampon at the same time because you are bleeding so much
Need to change your pad or tampon during the night
Pass clots
Bleed in between periods
Get your period more or less often than once a month
If there is any chance of pregnancy
Have heavy bleeding plus any signs of low iron, such as:
Feeling weak
Feeling very tired
Having headaches
Having trouble breathing when you exercise
Feeling your heart beat too fast when you exercise
What tests are needed?
Your healthcare provider will decide if you need tests based on your age, symptoms, and individual situation. There are lots of tests, but you might not need any.
The most common tests used to find the cause of heavy periods are:
Blood tests – Blood tests to check for low iron levels, a bleeding disorder, hormone imbalances or other problems. (most common test)
Rarely needed: Pelvic ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to make a picture of your uterus, ovaries, and vagina. The pictures can show if you have fibroids or other growths.
Referral to Gynecology if the above testing does not reveal the diagnosis
How are heavy periods treated?
It depends on what is causing the heavy periods and if the periods are causing problems such as anemia.
You might not need treatment. If you do, treatments might include:
Birth control methods that contain hormones – These make your period lighter or stop your periods completely. They come as:
Pills
Skin patches
A ring that you put inside your vagina
Shots that you get every 3 months
An intrauterine device ("IUD") that your doctor inserts into your uterus
Medicines that reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen (sample brand names: Motrin, Advil, Aleve)