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Many women experience heavy periods, but could it be a warning sign of something else?

Take the survey:

1. How long does your menstrual period usually last?

a. Less than 3 days

b. 3-7 days

c. More than 8 days

2. How often do you have heavy bleeding during your period?

a.  Rarely

b. Occasionally

c. Constantly

3. Do you experience pain during your period?

a. Yes

b. No

4. Do you bruise easily?

a. Yes

b. No

5. Do other close relatives experience heavy periods?

a. Yes

b. No

6. Have you discussed your heavy periods with a doctor?

a. Yes

b. No

RESULTS

1.  Menstrual Periods typically last somewhere between 3-7 days, and about 5 days on average.  Changes in hormones experienced by teens and women close to menopause can affect cycles and cause heavy bleeding.  However, some changes can be caused by serious medical conditions such as uterine fibroids, polyps,  bleeding disorders such as Von Willebrand’s disease, or worse endometrial cancer. If you experience periods lasting more than 7 days, especially if they are heavy, you should see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.

2.  If you often soak through a tampon or pad every hour for 2 hours or more; pass large blood clots; or your periods last in excess of 7 days, you are a heavy bleeder. It is imperative that you see a doctor if this abnormal bleeding lasts for more than 3 cycles.  Uterine fibroids, a noncancerous tumor that occurs in women of childbearing age, can be a cause of heavy bleeding.  Endometriosis, and condition where tissue that normally grows inside the uterus, develops on the outside of the organ.  Heavy periods can also be a warning sign of endometrial cancer.

3. It is common for women to experience cramps during their period, however pain can also be caused by fibroids or endometriosis.  Fibroids can cause pain, pressure, or a heavy sensationin the pelvic area during or between periods.  In those with endometriosis, the misplaced tissue can bleed causing cramping and pain, usually in the pelvis and lower abdomen.  This pain is usually worse before and during menstrual periods.

4. Heavy cycles and easy brusing can be a symptom of Von Willebrand’s disease, which is a disorder that  slows blood clotting.  Other signs of this disorder are frequent nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding that occurs after a minor cut, tooth extraction, or surgery.  Your health care provider can issue lab tests to determine if you have Von Willebrand’s disease and futher advise you on your treatment of the disorder.

5.  If heavy menstrual cycles run in your family, genes may play a role. The clotting condition Von Willebrand’s is hereditary.  Those with this condition often have a parent with bleeding issues.  Heredity can also be a factor in the development of endometriosis and endometrial cancer.  A woman has a higher risk if a first-degree relative had either condition/disease.  While doctors do not know the exact cause of fibroids, they believe that genetics can have an influence on its development.  A woman has a higher risk of experiencing fiborids if her mother or sister had fibroids.

6. There are several effective treatments for heavy periods.  Birth control pills can reduce bleeding caused by fibroids, endometriosis, or Von Willebrand’s disease.  Other medicines with a clotting factor can treat Von Willebrand’s disease and prevent bruising and further bleeding problems. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and advil can help reduce bleeding from fibroids.  Also prescription drugs can help to temorarily shrink fibroids.  Another method is to have a sugeon remove bothersome fibroids, cut off their blood supply, or remove the entire uterus.

With endometriosis, pain releivers may reduce the pain and other medications can slow the growth of abnormal, misplaced tissue by suppressing ovarian activity. The abnormal tissue may also be surgically removed, interrupting the pain sensation pathways, or may opt to remove the uterus and both ovaries. For women who are finished having children but do not want a full hysterectomy, an endometrial ablation is another option.  Surgeons may use a variety of methods to destroy the uterine lining such as; heat, laser beam, microwave, or electricity.  Once the endometrium heals and scars, the bleeding once experienced may lessen or stop all together.

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