Heavy bleeding occurs with each cycle, lasting longer than seven days. It is a problem for many women, with 15%-20% of women experiencing heavy bleeding during their lifetime. Lake Mary heavy bleeding can seriously impact the quality of life and sometimes requires medical intervention.

Here are the causes of heavy bleeding

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This disorder affects women who don’t ovulate regularly and can lead to cysts on the ovaries. A lack of ovulation causes the body to produce more estrogen and testosterone than normal, which leads to irregular periods, acne, and sometimes obesity. Heavy bleeding is one of the symptoms of PCOS.

Endometrial hyperplasia and cancer: This condition happens when tissue that lines the uterus grows too much (hyperplasia), making it thicker than usual, leading to heavy bleeding or even painful periods. Over time, this tissue can become cancerous without proper treatment. See your doctor immediately if you have heavy bleeding or pain during your period, along with other symptoms such as vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pressure.

Infertility treatment: If you are having fertility treatment, you may experience heavy bleeding, especially when taking hormones or having an intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of side effects like heavy bleeding and spotting between periods.

Endometriosis: This condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This tissue responds to hormones during your period, just like inside your uterus, which can cause heavy bleeding. Endometriosis tends to show up after age 30, but younger women can also have it and not know it until they have symptoms like heavy periods or pain during sex that won’t go away with over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen.

Uterine polyps: Uterine polyps are growths on the inner surface of your uterus that may bleed heavily during your period or randomly throughout your cycle. They usually go away on their own after a few months but sometimes require surgery to remove them permanently if they don’t shrink away on their own.

Uterine fibroids: These growths of muscle cells build up inside the uterus as a woman ages. They can cause abnormal bleeding during menstruation or between periods. Fibroids may also cause pain, especially during intercourse or bowel movements.

Stress: Heavy bleeding is often linked to stress. If you feel stressed or worried about something, your body may respond by releasing hormones that cause vaginal secretions to increase, which can make your period heavier.

Hormonal birth control pills: These medications contain hormones that cause your body to have more frequent or heavier periods. Some women have spotting between periods, but for others, the bleeding becomes much heavier than normal.

There are many causes of heavy bleeding, most commonly low-dose birth control pills or other hormone therapy to regulate the menstrual cycle. Other causes include uterine fibroids, polyps, or sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Some medications can also contribute to heavy bleeding. Unprotected sex can lead to severe complications during your periods, such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, so it is important to use protection if you engage in sex during your period. If you are suffering from severe bleeding Christopher Quinsey, MD can help.