Why Do I Bleed Heavy On My Period

Diagnosis Of Underlying Conditions

Blood clots in and of themselves aren’t a medical condition, but rather a possible symptom of another underlying condition. Your healthcare provider may start trying to diagnose the cause of your blood clots by asking you some questions, such as:

• How long does your period last?
• How heavy is your usual flow?
• Have you noticed changes in your flow over time?
• Have you been pregnant before?
• Have you ever had pelvic surgery?
• Do you use birth control and, if so, what kind?
• What medications are you on?

Next, your healthcare provider will do a pelvic exam. They may also want to do some tests to figure out what might be causing your blood clots. These tests may include:

Blood Clots Healthcare Provider Discussion Guide

Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.

Living With Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding can impact your life in a negative way. Not being able to predict when bleeding will begin can cause you to be anxious all the time. Also, heavy menstrual bleeding may limit your daily activities during your period. For some women, it even prevents them from leaving the house.

If you have heavy menstrual bleeding, try taking ibuprofen during your period . Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . NSAIDs can work to reduce the bleeding during your period.

You also should make sure that you are getting enough iron in your diet. Your doctor may prescribe an iron supplement to ensure that you dont become anemic.

Your Period Causes Days Of Pain So Bad Its Hard To Leave Your Bed

Unbearable pain also falls into the category of menstrual cycle problems that absolutely warrant a chat with your medical provider. Dr. Streichers rule of thumb is that if youre experiencing even an iota of period pain beyond what youre fine with, its too much.

The first step in dealing with period pain is typically to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, since they block hormone-like chemicals known as prostaglandins that cause uterine cramping. If that knocks out your cramps, awesome. If youre still curled up in the fetal position after a few hours, thats a sign that talking to a doctor makes sense for you, Dr. Streicher says. Youre likely dealing with severe dysmenorrhea , and doctors can help. Dysmenorrhea is the most commonly reported period problem, with more than half of women who get their periods experiencing it for one to two days each month, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is pain thats due to natural pain-causing chemicals associated with your period. Secondary dysmenorrhea is the result of a disorder in the reproductive system.

Also Check: Period Blood Stains On Sheets

Can I Figure Out How Much Im Bleeding

The easiest way, knowing that one soaked, normal-sized sanitary product holds about a teaspoon of blood loss. Keeping the Menstrual Cycle Diary or Daily Perimenopause Diary is a convenient way to assess the amount and timing of flow using either a count of soaked regular sized sanitary products or a measuring menstrual cup. . To accurately record the number of soaked sanitary products each day you need to recall the number you changed that were half full and multiply that to give the number of fully soaked ones. A maxi or super tampon or pad holds about two teaspoons or 10ml of bloodtherefore record each larger soaked sanitary product as a 2. In addition, record your best judgment about the amount of flow where a 1 is spotting, 2 means normal flow, 3 is slightly heavy and 4 is very heavy with flooding and/or clots. If the number of soaked sanitary products totals 16 or more or if you are recording 4s you have very heavy flow. To measure your flow using a menstrual cup with measurements, just add up the approximate amounts from each time you emptied it and record on the “# of pads/tampons” line.

Why Is My Period Heavy Then Light Then Heavy Again

In some cases, this can be completely normal however, in many cases having a period that starts heavy then goes light and heavy again is a sign of a hormonal imbalance or a sign of endometrial tissue blocking the cervix. In my free online masterclass, I give you insight into common hormone imbalances and how to fix these.

Don’t Miss: Brown Stuff Instead Of Period

How Do I Fix My On And Off Period

Periods that keep coming and going have many causes, but mostly are just a sign that your body and hormones need a little extra support. The cause of your stop-start period will determine the best treatment to restore a normal bleed. Below are some suggestions for a healthy period to try:

• Restore blood flow to the pelvic area: in the days leading up to your period and once you start bleeding, use a hot water bottle over your pelvis to encourage healthy blood flow

• Consider seeking out a Maya Abdominal Massage Therapist, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or acupuncturist

• Explore potential hormone imbalances and correct them naturally through diet changes and supplements

• Explore your emotional connection to your cycle. Is there anything you are holding on to that you need to let go of? Menstruation is the perfect time to go inwards and reflect on the previous month. What worked for you? What didnt? Where would you like to focus your energy in the upcoming month? Learn more about living in sync with the seasons of your cycle in this guest blog I wrote on Nicole Jardims website

Youre Spotting A Ton Between Periods

The weird thing about spotting is that its one of those period problems that can actually be totally normalto a certain extent. For example, spotting isnt necessarily worrisome if youve just started a new type of birth control, or are pregnant , Dr. Minkin says. But if nothing in your life has changed and you start spotting between periods, its time to check in with your doctor.

Oftentimes, something thats ultimately pretty harmless is causing this menstrual cycle problem, like a benign uterine or cervical polyp thats prompting you to bleed between periods. But spotting is also a common sign of pelvic inflammatory disease , which happens when sexually transmitted bacteria from infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea spreads to reproductive organs like your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In addition, pelvic inflammatory disease can cause issues like fever, strange vaginal discharge that smells bad, and burning when you pee.

If you have PID, your doctor will first address the STI in question with antibiotics, says the CDC, then treat your partner for an STI if necessary. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a leading cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility in women, so if you suspect you have it, getting quick treatment is of the essence.

Don’t Miss: Can You Donate Plasma On Your Period

When To See A Healthcare Provider

• If your menstrual bleeding is heavy and requires you to change your tampon or pad every couple of hours
• If the bleeding lasts longer than seven days
• If blood clots are larger than a quarter
• If there is an excessive amount of blood clots
• If you have extreme abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting
• If you have bleeding or clots while pregnant

Treatment: How To Stop Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

If you think you might have HMB, make an appointment to see your health care professional for a checkup. Often, theyll ask you questions about your periods and general health. They might also perform a physical examination.

After this, theyll be able to suggest a variety of treatments to help, which can include:

Recommended Reading: Usaa New Car Insurance Grace Period

Why Do Uterine Fibroids Cause Heavy Bleeding

Due to the fact that uterine fibroid tumors are connected to your uterine lining, the pressure of the fibroid against the uterine wall can cause the endometrial tissue to bleed more than it usually would. When you get your period, the uterine lining sheds and the uterus contracts the bleeding vessels of the uterus. These contractions, worse than a regular period, cause immense pelvic pain that is often associated with fibroids. It is believed that fibroids dont allow the uterus to contract properly, so its unable to effectively stop menstrual bleeding.

Another issue is fibroids produce growth factors that stimulate the blood vessels of the uterus and cause more blood in the uterine cavity, leading to heavy periods at night. If youre dealing with a heavy period while sleeping, your doctor should rule out uterine fibroids before anything else through a simple ultrasound exam.

What Does A 2

Bleeding for less than 3 days can be normal for some women, particularly if you have always had periods that lasted 2 days. If however, you have had a change from longer periods to shorter bleeds, it can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance.

Most commonly this change in period length is contributed to a decline in estrogen – the hormone responsible for building up the lining of our uterus which is shed at menstruation. Lower levels of estrogen mean that your body struggles to build a thick, healthy lining in preparation for a potential implantation of an embryo if you were to fall pregnant that cycle.

Shorter, lighter periods are often accompanied by a change in period colour from bright red to a light pink, watery period. Find out more about what your period colour and flow is telling you about your hormones in this post.

Don’t Miss: Primosiston To Stop Period

Uterine Polyps Or Fibroids

SAGE Open Medicine , uterine polyps often have no symptoms. However, they can cause health issues, such as heavy bleeding and infertility.

In some cases, uterine polyps become cancerous, so it is important to see a doctor. Treatment for uterine polyps may involve:

• watchful waiting to assess whether they pose a risk of becoming malignant
• hormone therapy
• surgical options, such as a hysteroscopic polypectomy

Fibroids are noncancerous growths in or around the uterine lining. According to the , people may not always experience symptoms. In those who do, the symptoms can be hard to live with and may include:

• heavy bleeding
• a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
• frequent urination

Treatment options typically include medications, such as birth control, or surgery to remove the fibroids.

What Does It Mean When Your Period Stops Early

Bleeding for less than 3 days can be normal for some women, particularly if you have always had periods that lasted 2 days. If however, you have had a change from longer periods to shorter bleeds, it can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. Most commonly this change in period length is contributed to a decline in estrogen – the hormone responsible for building up the lining of our uterus which is shed at menstruation. Lower levels of estrogen mean that your body struggles to build a thick, healthy lining in preparation for the potential implantation of an embryo if you were to fall pregnant that cycle.

Recommended Reading: New Hire 90 Day-probationary Period Template

My Period Stops Then Starts Again Then Stops

Have you ever gotten to the end of your period, delightedly thrown your pads or menstrual cup to the side and thought its all over for the month!, only to find blood on your underwear a day later?

Periods that stop, then start, then stop again are actually really common. When this happens, it can be very confusing and scary, but most of the time its nothing to worry about.

Why does my period stop then start again? is one of my most commonly asked period questions, so I thought it was about time to shed some light on some of the many reasons why this may be happening.

No Matter Which Period Problems Are Affecting You You Dont Have To Suffer In Silence

You have no reason to feel embarrassed about your periodor the many period problems that can come with it. Talk of menstrual cycle problems is becoming so much more common because, hey, sometimes theyre just the lot were dealt as people with vaginas. Celebrities are out here talking about menstruation) problems, too! Some pad commercials evengaspuse red blood, these days! What a time to be alive.

If youre having period problems, see your doctor for help. If they arent committed to relieving your symptoms, thats a sign you should try to find a more sympathetic medical professional who can help you find the best treatment.

Related:

Don’t Miss: Usaa Grace Period Auto Insurance New Car

What Is A Normal Period

There is a range of normal bleeding some women have short, light periods and others have longer, heavy periods.

Normal menstrual bleeding has the following features:

• Your period lasts for 3-8 days
• Your period comes every 21-35 days
• The total blood loss over the course of the period is around 2-3 tablespoons

What Causes Heavy Periods And Abnormal Bleeding

In girls, pregnancy and dysfunctional uterine bleeding are likely to cause abnormal bleeding.

As the age increases, you should also think about IUCD , fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic infection, polyps, hypothyroidism.

In perimenopausal women, consider endometrial carcinoma. General bleeding problems such as von Willebrand’s disease may be the cause as well.

It is an abnormal thing if you have to use 2 or more pads within two 2 hours.

Heavy bleeding can also be related to the following issues:

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding . This is a heavy and/or irregular bleeding in the absence of recognizable pelvic pathology. It is associated with anovulatory menstrual cycles. Anovulation is a medical term for the situation when the ovaries do not release an oocyte during a menstrual cycle. Therefore, ovulation does not take place.

Complications in pregnancy. Heavy periods can be due to a miscarriage and it can also be as a result of an abnormal location of the placenta .

Don’t Miss: 90 Day Probationary Period Template

When Should You See A Doctor About Abnormal Bleeding

“You need to see a doctor if you dont have a monthly period or have more than one period per month. Feeling lightheaded or dizzy when you stand is also concerning,” says Dr. Schrop. She also urges women to see a doctor if they experience bleeding after going through menopause, or if they experience bleeding while pregnant.

Finally, Dr. Schrop says to see a gynecologist if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Bleeding that requires more than one tampon or sanitary pad in an hour, for several hours in a row
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Bleeding after having sex
• Nipple discharge