Abnormal bleeding during the menstrual cycle is a frequent gynecologic problem. If vaginal bleeding occurs between a woman’s menstrual cycles, in instances when the flow is significantly heavier than typical for a particular individual or after menopause, it is abnormal. There are several reasons for abnormal vaginal bleeding. It does not always signal a serious condition on its own. It has been linked to uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), intrauterine device (IUD) use, and birth control use in some instances.
So, how do you know when it’s time to see your doctor and when it’s not? We’ll go over the many Causes of heavy Uterine Bleeding during your period and when you should seek medical help.
Is excessive menstrual bleeding a cause for concern?
Yes, excessively monthly bleeding might be dangerous; you develop anemia if you lose so much blood. Anemia is a disorder caused by a deficiency of iron in the body. Without treatment, anemia can be life-threatening.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away or get medical help right away:
- You pass blood clots and soak through your regular pads or tampons every hour for two or more hours.
- You’re dizzy or lightheaded, and you feel like you may faint.
In addition, some illnesses that might cause severe period bleeding, such as cancer, need prompt medical attention. You can Discuss any concerns associated with your period bleeding with a woman healthcare expert. Your gynecologist may also guide you about the Causes of heavy Uterine Bleeding during your periods and ways to treat the condition.
How can I recognize abnormal bleeding during periods?
Vaginal bleeding is, of course, a normal part of the menstrual cycle. So, when it comes to your period, what constitutes abnormal bleeding? Women typically release 40 milliliters of blood over four to seven days during a menstrual period. This might be abnormal if you have heavy or lengthy periods and bleeding between periods.
- During your period, abnormal vaginal bleeding might cause the following symptoms:
- Bleeding lasts for more than eight days.
- Heavy blood flow during your period, such as soaking through multiple sanitary pads or tampons per hour for several hours
- Changing your pad or tampon in the middle of the night
- interrupting your daily activities due to heavy bleeding
- Bleeding or spotting in the intervals between periods
- Cramping and exhaustion
- After menopause, you may experience vaginal bleeding.
What are the Causes of Abnormal uterine bleeding?
While it is difficult to identify the specific cause in many cases, there are various reasons why a woman may suffer irregular uterine bleeding. The following are some of the major reasons for irregular uterine bleeding:
- Hormonal disorders – Hormones control your menstruation cycles. If the delicate balance of estrogen and progesterone is incorrect, you may have an excess of the endometrial or uterine lining. During your period, this endometrium is shed. The menstrual cycle can be interrupted by disorders such as hypothyroidism (low thyroxine levels), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and hyperprolactinemia.
- Ovulatory dysfunction – When the ovary does not release an egg every month, this is known as infertility. This usually happens at the beginning or end of a woman’s reproductive years, either during puberty or menopause.
- Endometriosis – Endometrial tissue might develop on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic organs. Even though it’s outside your uterus, it behaves like healthy endometrium, shedding and heavy bleeding every month.
- Infection – Intermenstrual bleeding can be caused by simple vaginitis (e.g., candida or bacterial vaginosis), although gonorrhea and chlamydia can produce larger bleeding due to the extensive discharge mixed with the blood.
- Medication – Anti-inflammatory medicines, hormonal treatments like estrogen and progestins, and anticoagulants like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and enoxaparin (Lovenox) can all contribute to excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Blood thinners can also be one of the Causes of heavy Uterine Bleeding.
- An intrauterine device (IUD) is a contraception device that acts as a foreign body within the uterus, causing heavier periods.
- Hormonal contraceptives – The combination oral contraceptive pill, injections of long-acting synthetic progesterone, a rod containing slow-release progesterone (implanted in the upper arm), and intrauterine system devices are all examples of this (progesterone-releasing contraceptive devices inserted into the uterus). Progesterone-only therapies are known to trigger a lot of spots.
- Fibroids – Fibroids are noncancerous growths inside the uterus that are tiny. They can be as little as a grain of sand or as huge as a massive mass, and they can impact the size of your uterus. If fibroids are discovered in your uterus, your doctor may prescribe that they be removed to relieve your heavy periods.
- Polyps – Polyps linked with fibroids. These can result in severe menstrual bleeding, between periods, or bleeding after sexual activity.
- Bleeding disorders – Leukemia and Von Willebrand disease are two examples of these problems. Because of severe bleeding during monthly cycles and the potential of serious hemorrhage after delivery, bleeding disorders can cause more complications for women.
- Cancer – Most uterine cancers begin in the uterine lining, although some cancers develop in the muscular layers of the uterus. They are the most common in women after menopause.
What are the treatments for heavy menstruation bleeding?
Although there is no treatment for bleeding problems, medicine can help many individuals manage their symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to take your medication more frequently. The following are some of the treatment options for abnormal menstrual bleeding:
- Medication includes Prostaglandin inhibitors, hormone replacement treatment, and antibiotics.
- If you are anemic due to heavy bleeding, you may require iron supplements to normalize your red blood cell counts.
- Surgical removal of tumors, polyps, and fibroids.
- Any underlying illness, such as hypothyroidism or a bleeding condition, must treated.
- A surgical hysterectomy to remove your uterus is usually for treating severe illnesses like cancer.
These treatment options may vary for a patient depending on their Causes of heavy Uterine Bleeding. Also, the doctor may suggest some natural remedies or lifestyle modifications to treat the issues.
Conclusion – Heavy periods are rarely life-threatening, but they can be if you lose too much blood. They can make you feel tired and run down, and they can also cause anemia. If your iron levels are low, your doctor may advise you to take an iron supplement. If you increase the quantity of iron in your diet, you may prevent anemia. Red meat, seafood, eggs, and beans are all high in iron. Also, if abnormal bleeding causing different various severe symptoms, you can consult a gynecologist at Yatharth Hospital Noida extension.
