4 Conditions That Might Be Causing Your Heavy Periods

Heavy periods are more than just an uncomfortable reoccurrence. They could be an indication of an underlying health condition or a reaction to a contraceptive method. Learn more about the conditions that could be causing your heavy periods.

About one in three women complain about heavy periods. However, while it’s a fairly common concern, you shouldn’t ignore it. Women who leave it untreated can suffer from anemia and poor immune function. 

Usually, a period is considered heavy when it lasts more than seven consecutive days; you must use a new tampon every couple of hours and have large blood clots.

If you suspect that your period may be heavy, read on. Below, we asked our experts at The Ashford Center to review some conditions that could be causing your heavy periods. 

1. Uterine fibroids 

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths on the uterus. These growths can cause your menstruation to be heavier in many ways, including making it harder for your uterus to contract and stop the blood flow, dilating nearby blood vessels, and putting pressure on the uterine lining, which can cause more bleeding. 

Fortunately, uterine fibroids can be removed, and with their removal, menstruation becomes lighter. 

2. Estrogen dominance 

Excess estrogen causes your endometrial lining to become thicker. This can lead to heavier periods. 

Estrogen dominance usually appears due to exposure to endocrine disruptors and hormone treatments. In some women, having a higher body fat percentage can also increase the level of estrogen in the body. 

3. Endometriosis 

Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrial lining grows outside the uterus. And even though it’s outside, it still acts like a regular endometrial lining while you menstruate, shedding and causing bleeding. 

It’s quite common for women suffering from endometriosis to experience heavy, painful periods. 

4. Adenomyosis

Much like endometriosis, adenomyosis is a condition that affects the endometrial lining. In this case, the endometrial lining grows inside the muscular wall of the uterus. 

Unfortunately, as you menstruate, it can cause bleeding and inflammation inside the uterus. The uterus may also increase in size as a consequence of endometrial tissue growing inside of it. 

You don’t have to live with heavy periods anymore 

Fortunately, heavy periods are manageable through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, or endometrial ablation. Our experts use endometrial ablation to remove the endometrial lining, thus making you stop menstruating. It can be useful in the treatment of endometriosis and adenomyosis. 

This procedure is recommended if you don’t want to have any more children. 

If you’d like to learn more about the many treatment options for heavy periods, contact us to schedule an appointment at our office in Athens, Georgia.