Causes of Heavy Periods: Know the Triggers
Heavy period bleeding is associated with impaired quality of life and may signal serious health problems.
According to the NHS, one out of every three women of childbearing age undergoes heavy period bleeding, yet many fail to receive appropriate treatment.
This frequently occurs due to the lack of awareness about heavy period bleeding as a treatable medical condition.
Chronic or heavy period bleeding can give rise to complications like iron-deficiency anemia and others.
Fortunately, medical treatment, contraceptives, and surgical interventions can effectively manage heavy-period bleeding.
This article explores the causes of heavy periods and guides when to consult a gynecologist.
What are the possible causes of heavy periods?
Numerous potential factors can cause heavy period bleeding,
Hormone imbalances
The hormones the body produces, such as Estrogen and Progesterone, actively regulate the menstrual cycle, including the intensity of periods.
Conditions that disrupt hormone balance can cause heavy period bleeding in individuals.
These conditions include:
Anovulation
It is a condition where the ovaries do not release an egg during ovulation.
This can lead to absent or irregular periods and is a common cause of infertility.
When anovulation occurs, there is often an imbalance of hormones, particularly Estrogen and Progesterone, which can result in heavy period bleeding when a period does occur.
Thyroid disease
Thyroid disorders, more common in women than men, can impact women’s reproductive health.
Dysfunctions in the thyroid, like hyperthyroidism, can affect the hormones in both thyroid and reproductive systems.
This can lead to menstrual irregularities, with Hypothyroidism causing irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and missed periods.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Heavy period bleeding can indicate a medical condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, often abbreviated as PCOS.
Individuals with PCOS may show high levels of androgen hormones, resulting in symptoms like acne, increased facial or body hair, or even hair loss on the scalp.
During a regular menstrual cycle, fluid-filled sacs known as “follicles” develop on the ovaries.
In the case of PCOS, there can be an excess of these follicles or cysts on the ovaries, potentially disrupting the typical ovulation process.
This further triggers the hormonal disbalance in the body, leading to a heavy period flow.
Non-cancerous growths in the uterus
Benign growths in the uterus, and disorders that cause abnormal cell growth within the uterus is also one of the causes of heavy periods.
These causes include
Polyps
These are typically non-cancerous, small growths that can lead to irregular bleeding when located on the uterine wall.
Polyps can cause heavy periods by increasing surface area and blood vessel presence, disrupting normal menstrual flow.
Fibroids
Fibroids typically emerge during the reproductive years and are non-cancerous uterine tumors.
A decline in Progesterone levels, particularly in women aged 40 to 50, can stimulate the growth of fibroids.
Fibroids increase the amount of tissue in the endometrium and make it more vascular, so more blood flows into the tissue.
This leads to endometrium shedding excessive blood, affecting about 20% to 70% of women.
Adenomyosis
This condition occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the outer walls of the uterus instead of its lining.
It often results in uterine thickening and potentially developing a mass called an Adenomyoma.
Some of this mass’s tissue grows into the inner wall of the uterus.
The tissue still behaves as if it lined the uterus, thickening and bleeding with a woman’s monthly hormone cycle.
Adenomyosis is most frequently observed in middle-aged women, particularly those who have given birth.
Diabetes
Individuals with type 2 Diabetes face a higher likelihood of experiencing Anovulation.
Anovulation can lead to heavy periods because the absence of ovulation disrupts hormonal balance.
This results in a thicker uterine lining that sheds excessively during menstruation.
Other medical conditions
Heavy period bleeding is a symptom associated with various conditions, including bleeding and non-bleeding disorders.
Some common medical conditions that can contribute to heavy bleeding encompass –
Von Willebrand Disease
It is a bleeding disorder characterized by heavy period bleeding.
The deficiency of Von Willebrand factor, responsible for blood clotting, causes this condition.
Leukemia disorders
In these conditions, the ability of platelets to form effective blood clots may be compromised.
Platelets are essential for clotting and stopping bleeding.
When their function is impaired, it becomes difficult to control bleeding during menstruation, leading to heavier periods.
Medications
Blood thinners, such as Aspirin, or anticoagulants like Warfarin and Heparin, can increase period bleeding in individuals.
Approximately 70% of women who take anticoagulants may experience changes in their menstrual flow.
This is because blood thinners slow down the body’s natural blood clotting process and can even inhibit the formation of blood cells.
When to seek medical intervention
Excessive blood loss during monthly periods can significantly impact one’s body.
If experiencing severe or new symptoms related to heavy period bleeding, seeking emergency care is imperative.
The lining of the uterus, rich in iron, is shed during your period, leading to iron loss.
Heavy period bleeding can lead to anemia, a condition where the body lacks sufficient blood cells due to excessive blood flow.
Anemia can manifest as weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
If you encounter these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional as they may indicate other underlying causes.
Read our evidence-backed guide, Finding Relief: Treatment for Heavy Period
Conclusion
Heavy menstrual bleeding can profoundly impact one’s quality of life and may signal underlying health issues.
Hormonal imbalances, such as anovulation, thyroid disorders, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can disrupt the menstrual cycle and lead to heavy bleeding causes.
Non-cancerous growths in the uterus, like polyps, fibroids, and adenomyosis, can also trigger excessive menstrual flow.
Timely medical intervention is essential for those experiencing severe or new symptoms related to heavy period bleeding, like fatigue and iron loss in the body.
As mentioned above, prolonged heavy bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing weakness and other debilitating symptoms.
Increased awareness, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options can improve the lives of those dealing with heavy menstrual bleeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hormone causes heavy periods?
Imbalances in the hormones Estrogen and Progesterone can cause heavy periods. These imbalances can lead to excessive growth of the uterine lining, resulting in heavier menstrual bleeding during a woman’s monthly cycle.
Do fibroids cause heavy periods?
Yes, fibroids can cause heavy periods. Fibroids are non-cancerous uterine growths that can lead to more severe and prolonged menstrual bleeding and other irregularities.
Can Diabetes cause heavy periods?
Diabetes itself is not a direct cause of heavy periods. However, uncontrolled Diabetes can lead to hormonal imbalances that may contribute to menstrual irregularities, including heavy periods. Proper diabetes management is essential for overall health.
Can detoxing cause heavy periods?
Detoxing or cleansing diets are not scientifically proven to cause heavy periods directly. However, extreme dietary changes or rapid weight loss associated with some detoxing programs might disrupt hormonal balance and affect menstrual patterns, potentially leading to heavy periods in some cases.
Can ashwagandha cause heavy periods?
Ashwagandha, an herbal supplement, is not typically associated with causing heavy periods. However, individual responses to supplements can vary. If you experience unusual menstrual changes while taking ashwagandha, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.
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