When it comes to our periods, many of us would consider our menstrual cycles “normal,” but there’s a whole segment of ladies that know this flow is heavier than “normal.”

Heavy periods, also referred to as menorrhagia, are characterized by blood loss of more that 8 teaspoons per cycle, although since we don’t go around measuring our menstrual flow, it’s not easy to know exactly how many teaspoons of blood you lose. Now if you use a Diva Cup instead of tampons and pads, then you might have a better idea of how much blood you pass with each cycle.

With that being said, a “heavy period” is still a subjective term mainly because periods vary from woman to woman in terms of days on your cycle, the time between each period, along with the actual amount of blood that is passed. Other than throwing a slight monkey wrench into our normal, everyday social activities, heavy periods are not necessarily a problem until they impose some aggravating inconvenience or physical issue such as anemia, which can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and light-headedness.

Much of the woman’s reproductive system is still a mystery to the medical profession. But if you’re suffering from heavy periods here may be some reasons why:

• Hormonal Imbalance – Hormones rise and fall regularly during the course of your cycle. Around the time of perimenopause though, these hormonal fluctuations may get out of whack, causing heavier periods. Thyroid disease can have the same effect on hormones gone haywire.
• Uterine fibroids – These are benign tumors that form in the uterus during childbearing years and they commonly cause heavy bleeding and/or longer periods.
• Polyps – Polyps are the same as fibroids, only smaller.
• Ovarian Dysfunction – You may experience heavy periods if for some reason, your ovaries are not ovulating properly.
• IUD (Intrauterine device) – Although a once popular form of birth control, heavier periods are a common result of using these

  What an IUD looks like inside of your uterus…

  devices.

• Miscarriage – One single very heavy period could be the sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
• Certain medications – Anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs can cause heavier periods too.
• Cancer – Uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer can certainly be the cause of heavy bleeding as well.
• Other medical conditions – Endometriosis, thyroid problems, pelvic inflammatory disease, or liver/kidney disease are also hidden culprits.

So if heavy periods plague you, go and see your doctor as soon as possible so that together you can rule out any problems that may require immediate attention and devise a health recovery plan. Most often, heavy periods signal hormonal imbalances that can be easily corrected but, of course, you want to be sure.

It isn’t necessary to get your panties in a bunch over heavy periods, especially if they come at regular intervals and you’re feeling well otherwise. (Sorry for the cheesy pun). Plus if you’re reaching your perimenopausal years, heavier periods almost pretty much come with the territory so brace yourself.

However, if you notice sudden, unusually heavy bleeding, or heavy periods accompanied by unusual discomfort, schedule an appointment with a trusted medical professional right away.

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