Excessive Bleeding, Or Menorrhagia Needs Medical Attention

Menstrual Bleeding

Key takeaways

  • Hormone imbalances, certain medications, uterine polyps, and bleeding disorders can cause a woman to have heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).
  • HMB aka Menorrhagia is defined as any period that lasts longer than 7 days.
  • Understanding the causes and symptoms behind Menorrhagia.
  • Understanding the causes and symptoms of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.
  • If your periods last for more than one week and you experience symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, needing to change your tampon/pad every hour, pelvic pain and so on, it is best to get a medical diagnosis.
  • Menorrhagia and other AUBs can be diagnosed with simple tests like blood tests (to check for anemia and rate of blood clotting), and PAP smear tests (to check for infections and cancerous cells).
  • Understanding how menorrhagia and abnormal uterine bleeding can be treated.

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  1. EHC - Women with Bleeding Disorders
  2. BMC Women's Health - Heavy menstrual bleeding among women aged 18–50 years living in Beijing, China: prevalence, risk factors, and impact on daily life
  3. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada - Abnormal Pain and Menstrual Bleeding.
  4. Mayo Clinic - Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
  5. NHS - Heavy periods
  6. Cleveland Clinic - Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  7. John Hopkins Medicine - Menorrhagia

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Frequently asked questions

Get the information you need.

Menorrhagia is a medical condition in which menstrual bleeding is unusually heavy or lasts longer than normal. A period is generally considered heavy if bleeding lasts more than seven days or if a person needs to change sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row. This excessive bleeding can disrupt daily activities and may lead to complications such as fatigue or iron-deficiency anemia if left untreated.

Common symptoms of menorrhagia include soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour, needing to use double protection to prevent leakage, bleeding for longer than a week, and passing large blood clots. Some people may also feel tired, weak, or short of breath due to excessive blood loss, which may indicate anemia.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can occur for several reasons. Hormonal imbalance between estrogen and progesterone is one of the most common causes. Other causes include uterine fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, bleeding disorders, or certain medications. In some cases, underlying medical conditions affecting the uterus or blood clotting may also lead to heavy periods.

You should seek medical attention if your period lasts longer than seven days, if you need to change sanitary protection every hour, or if heavy bleeding interferes with daily life. It is also important to consult a doctor if you experience severe fatigue, dizziness, or symptoms of anemia. Early diagnosis can help identify underlying causes and prevent complications.

Treatment for menorrhagia depends on the underlying cause and severity of bleeding. Doctors may recommend medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal therapy, or contraceptive pills to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce blood loss. In some cases, procedures or surgery may be considered if medications are not effective.