What Are The Reasons For Heavy Bleeding During Periods?

The reasons for heavy menstrual bleeding can be related to hormonal problems, uterus problems (polyps, fibroids, endometriosis), thyroid dysfunction etc. It can also be due to perimenopausal changes. If you have to change your sanitary pad/tampon nearly every couple of hours or if you are feeling dizzy or light-headed, then consulting with a specialist is important, in order to determine the reason behind heavy bleeding during periods.

What Home Remedy Can I Use To Stop Heavy Periods?

Some of the home remedies that can help you manage excessive menstrual bleeding are; ice pack to reduce blood flow; essential vitamin and nutrients to prevent anaemia, herbal teas for their hormonal balancing properties, etc. Keeping yourself hydrated during periods is also important to maintain blood volume. However, for abnormal and very heavy menstrual bleeding, it is important to see a specialist immediately to receive prompt treatment.

What Does Big Blood Clots In Period Mean?

While blood clots are perfectly normal as they are a natural part of menstruation, sometimes they are a sign of an underlying health condition. Menstrual clots are a combination of blood cells and tiny bits of tissues from the lining of the uterus. These are rarely a cause for concern. However, an excessive amount of blood clots along with extreme abdominal pain may require you to see a specialist, to determine if treatment is required.

What Foods Should You Avoid On Your Period?

Foods to avoid during your periods are caffeinated drinks, processed foods, dairy products, fatty foods, alcohol, fried foods, etc. These foods, more often than not, worsen your period symptoms, cause hormonal imbalance, trigger menstrual cramps, and increase the oestrogen levels. Having a well-balanced and nutritional diet during periods is important to compensate for excessive bleeding. Here, eating leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts & seeds, yoghurt etc can help you deal with the various period symptoms.

Do Periods Get Heavier As You Age?

While changes in the menstrual cycle are hard to predict, for some women, periods can get heavier and painful as they age. At the beginning (tweens and teens), your periods might be erratic and irregular as young girls typically don’t ovulate regularly. This might change in your 20s when you start ovulating, and your menstruation becomes predictable and consistent barring any medical condition. In your 30s, you are probably still regularly ovulating, and if you have been pregnant during this time, there can be a significant shift in your menstrual cycle. The 40s usually marks the beginning of perimenopause. However, generally, there is still 8 to 10 years before the actual menopause. During the perimenopause stage, you might experience estrogen level fluctuations, which could lead to missed periods, heavy bleeding, spotting between periods, or even longer stretches of PMS.

Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia) Treatment In London, UK

For woman of all ages, going for a regular well woman health screening and sexual health check-up is essential if they want to enjoy a healthy life. It is estimated that around 50% of women suffer from Menorrhagia at some point in their lives. This condition is quite prevalent and if not treated can have a negative impact on your overall physical, emotional and psychological health. The most common causes of Menorrhagia includes:

Hormonal Imbalance.
Thyroid Dysfunction.
Fibroids.
Polyps.
Endometriosis.
Polycystic Ovaries.
Perimenopausal Changes.
Endometrial Hyperplasia.

Different Diagnosis is suggested by the gynaecologist based on the symptoms. These general examination and tests help determine the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding, enabling the doctor to prescribe effective heavy periods treatments.

Some of the tests for identifying Menorrhagia are:

Blood Test – this includes complete blood count, iron count, haemoglobin and thyroid function test.
Ultrasound Scan – this is performed to check the uterus (womb) lining, ovaries and the pelvis.
Endometrial Biopsy – for this test, a sample tissue is collected from the inside of your uterus.
Hysteroscopy – During this test, a thin instrument is inserted into the vagina and cervix to examine your uterus.

Our women’s healthcare clinic offers effective tests such as hysteroscopy and Period Pain Treatment Scan in London. This can help us diagnose the condition causing the heavy bleeding and offer appropriate treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.

As a gynaecologist in London, Mr N. Agarwal would recommend the following Menorrhagia treatments, based on a women’s age, existing medical conditions & the result from various physical tests and examinations.

Contraceptive Pills – Aids in regulating menstrual cycles, helping reduce the heavy blood flow.
Tranexamic Acid – Oral medication that prevents excessive blood loss.
Mefenamic Acid – Another Oral medication for heavy periods, this is used to treat mild to moderate menstrual pain.
Mirena Coil – A form of contraception, the Mirena Coil is an intrauterine system (IUS) that can help reduce heavy periods.
Endometrial Ablation – This procedure includes removal of the Endometrial lining of the uterus, thus reducing bleeding or stopping it altogether.
Hysterectomy – a permanent procedure, wherein, the uterus and the cervix is removed surgically.

What is considered a heavy period, and when should I be concerned?

A heavy period, also known as menorrhagia, is a medical condition in which your period lasts for more than 7 days. Symptoms of this condition include changing your sanitary pad every hour, passing large blood clots, fatigue, anaemia, and other signs. If you experience any of these symptoms, speak to our specialist about your concerns.

What are the most common causes of menorrhagia?

Common causes of menorrhagia can include both structural and non-structural causes. Hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, bleeding disorders, and polyps are a few examples of these causes. For more information, we suggest you speak with our gynaecologist.

Can menorrhagia come back after treatment?

Based on the treatment method, yes, menorrhagia can come back. For instance, in medication treatment, the heavy bleeding can continue after the medicine is stopped. Hysterectomy, on the other hand, guarantees that your menorrhagia will not return.

Are heavy periods linked to fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis?

Yes, heavy periods can be linked to fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis. Consulting a gynaecologist becomes vital, as he will know the exact cause as well as the treatment method. Consult Mr Nilesh, an experienced gynaecologist treating a range of women’s health concerns.

Can heavy periods be a sign of other health issues?

Yes, heavy periods could certainly be a sign of underlying health issues. This could be due to hormonal imbalances, certain gynaecological conditions, blood disorders, and even treatments. It’s best to consult a gynaecologist to be sure about the cause.

Does stress play a role in causing or worsening heavy periods?

Yes, stress plays a vital role in causing or worsening heavy periods. In fact, its impact on your hormonal levels and hypothalamus is well-researched. Use of assessments under the guidance of an expert will help to understand the cause behind heavy periods. Schedule an appointment with Women’s Healthcare to know the exact cause, guided by our advanced diagnostics.

Is there a link between obesity and heavy menstrual bleeding?

Yes, obesity is directly associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. Various reasons, such as hormonal imbalance, PCOS, insulin resistance, and inflammation, could be the reason behind this. A holistic approach could be suggested by your gynaecologist. Contact us to get more details on this.

What is the difference between normal menstrual flow and menorrhagia?

One key difference between menorrhagia and normal menstrual flow is that menorrhagia lasts longer (more than 7 days). Other signs, such as passing large blood clots, fatigue, anaemia, and difficulty in daily activities, also differentiate menorrhagia from your regular menstrual flow. Speak to a specialist if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.

How do I track my period symptoms effectively for my doctor?

Both journaling and period tracking apps are excellent ways to track your period symptoms. By tracking this data, you can report it accurately to your doctor.

Can perimenopause cause heavy periods?

Yes, perimenopause can be responsible for heavy periods. This is caused by changes in your estrogen and progesterone levels. If you also notice changes in your periods, hot flashes, sleep or mood disturbances, we suggest contacting our specialist at Women’s Healthcare.

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Heavy Periods – Menorrhagia

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What Is Menorrhagia?

Symptoms of Menorrhagia:

Common Causes of Menorrhagia

Tests for Identifying Menorrhagia

Treatments for Menorrhagia

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