Heavy menstruation, referred to as menorrhagia, is not just a hassle; it can also be a warning sign of something more serious. It’s not something that can be brushed off the carpet. Consistently heavy flow should not be taken lightly. If you’re soaking through pads or tampons every couple of hours, waking up in the middle of the night to change, or passing large clots frequently, it may be time to ask deeper questions. For those searching for solutions and often looking up ‘gynaecologists near me’, it’s important to understand the potential causes and available care options.
Understanding What Constitutes a Heavy Period
Before we get on to what could be the cause, it's important to know what is categorised as a heavy period. If you're bleeding for longer than seven days or losing more than 80 ml of blood per cycle, it is heavy menstrual bleeding. Women experiencing menstrual bleeding experience fatigue, shortness of breath (caused by anaemia), and interference with daily functioning.
Common Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
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Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are responsible for maintaining the menstrual cycle. When these hormones become unbalanced, specifically when estrogen is high and progesterone is low, it can cause the uterine lining (endometrium) to thicken more than normal. The additional thickening results in a heavier-than-average period when the lining finally sheds.
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Uterine Fibroids or Polyps
Fibroids are benign tumours of fibrous and muscular tissue that occur in or on the uterus. Polyps are soft, small growths that occur on the lining of the uterus. Both may intensify menstrual bleeding by expanding the area of the uterine lining or interfering with the normal contraction of the uterus at menstruation. Fibroids, particularly submucosal fibroids (those that extend into the uterine space), are highly linked with heavy or prolonged menstrual periods.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder where the ovaries secrete excess androgens (male hormones), interfering with ovulation. When ovulation fails to occur on a regular basis, the endometrial lining continues to accumulate without shedding, which can lead to irregular but extremely heavy periods when menstruation does occur.
PCOS is usually accompanied by acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, and infertility. It's a significant but underappreciated cause of heavy menstrual bleeding and is diagnosable by ultrasound and hormone testing.
4. Endometriosis or Adenomyosis
Endometriosis happens when tissue that looks like the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or lining of the pelvis—and leads to inflammation, cramping, and heavy bleeding.
Adenomyosis, in contrast, consists of endometrial growth within the uterine muscle walls, creating a bulky, tender uterus. Both conditions result in common heavy, painful, and prolonged periods, and often clots, as well as chronic pelvic pain.
5. Bleeding Disorders
Conditions like Von Willebrand disease can impair blood clotting, making menstrual flow abnormally heavy.
6. Medications or Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
Some medicines, like blood thinners (warfarin or aspirin, for instance), may hinder typical clotting and lead to excessive bleeding. Certain copper-based, non-hormonal IUDs can intensify and prolong menstrual cramps and bleeding and might do this to a larger extent in the first months of insertion.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If heavy menstruation becomes a consistent pattern every month, or if it occurs suddenly, then it's better to discuss this with an expert. Dizziness, tiredness, or paleness indicate anemia and must be addressed in time. Rather than waiting or self-medication, seeking a professional gynaecologist can result in early diagnosis and treatment.
What Sets Cloudnine Apart
When selecting where to go for help, quality care and trust are non-negotiable. Cloudnine Hospital, the best gynaecology hospital in Faridabad, is known for its patient-centred approach. Whether it is dealing with heavy periods, pregnancy issues, or fertility problems, Cloudnine provides end-to-end care. The hospital has some of the best gynaecologists in the area, backed by cutting-edge diagnostics and compassionate staff. Their staff makes sure every woman is heard, her symptoms are not dismissed, and treatment is tailored for her body and life.
Your Options for Managing Heavy Periods
Based on the reason, your physician may recommend:
- Hormonal therapies such as birth control pills, IUDs, or hormone therapy
- Iron supplements to treat anaemia
- NSAIDs to minimise blood loss and alleviate pain
- Surgical procedures such as endometrial ablation, myomectomy (fibroid removal), or hysterectomy for extreme cases
Always consult your physician about these options to balance the pros and cons.
Final Thoughts
Heavy monthly periods shouldn't be brushed off as "normal." They can disrupt your life, deplete your energy, and be an indicator of underlying health problems. Proper care begins with awareness and prompt consultation. If you're looking for the best gynaecology hospital in Faridabad, Cloudnine is your trusted haven for women’s wellness. So, if your period is heavier than normal, don't wait—speak up, get screened, and take charge of your wellbeing.
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