All women may experience unusually heavy menstrual bleeding during their menstrual periods from time to time. In most cases, unusually heavy bleeding may not signify something in particular. But, how can you know when your bleeding is abnormally heavy? By keeping a menstrual diary! Take notes during every menstrual cycle on how often you needed to change your pads or tampons. You may even choose to rate the level of bleeding by using a scale from 1 to 5. If your notes reveal that you are changing your tampon or pads more often that 1 to 2 hours and that your menstrual cycle lasts more than a full week, you may be experiencing menorrhagia.
Here are some common causes of menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding:
- Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that can cause heavy bleeding. Fibroids are more common in women in their 30’s. Although the cause of uterine fibroids still remains unknown, there are several treatment and surgical options available to you. Visit your doctor and go over your treatment options.
- Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances are very common during adolescence or menopause, and are one of the most common causes of menorrhagia. Hormonal imbalance refers to the fluctuation of our hormonal levels, which can often lead to extensive bleeding. Such imbalances can be controlled and managed with different treatments or with the use of the contraceptive pill. It is highly suggested that you visit your doctor before taking any hormonal medications or treatments.
- Endometrial polyps: Like fibroids, endometrial polyps are non-cancerous and are characterized as growths that protrude from the lining of the uterus.
- Bleeding disorders: These occur when it is hard for a person to stop bleeding. The most common type amongst women is von Willebrand Disease (VWD). Treatments involve the release of stored clotting factors in the blood.
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Source: http://womenshealth.about.com/od/abnormalbleeding/a/causemenorrhagi.htm
