What causes heavy periods? — That depends on your body and individual situation. There might be nothing wrong with you at all. Things that cause heavy periods include:

�œOne of your ovaries not releasing an egg during one or more months

�œGrowths in the uterus called “fibroids”

�œA bleeding disorder that prevents your blood from clotting normally

�œSide effects of some medicines, such as some types of birth control or blood thinners

�œA problem with your thyroid (a gland that makes hormones)

How much bleeding is normal when I have my period? — During a normal period, bleeding lasts between 4 and 8 days. Signs that your periods are too heavy include:

�œHaving to change a pad or tampon every 1 or 2 hours because it is completely soaked

�œPassing large lumps of blood, called clots

Is my bleeding an emergency? — See your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you soak through 4 or more pads or tampons in 2 hours. Any bleeding is an emergency if you are pregnant.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Call your doctor or nurse if you:

�œAre pregnant or think you could be pregnant

�œHave a period that lasts for more than 8 days

�œSoak through a pad or tampon every 1 or 2 hours, and this happens every time you have a period

�œNeed to use both pads and tampons at the same time because you are bleeding so much

�œNeed to change your pad or tampon during the night

�œPass clots that are bigger than 1 inch wide

�œBleed in between periods.

�œHave irregular periods that happen more or less often than once a month

�œHave pain and bad cramps in your lower belly before or while you are bleeding

�œAre having trouble getting pregnant

�œHave any of symptoms listed above and are low in iron. Signs of being low in iron include:

�œFeeling weak

•Feeling very tired

•Having headaches

•Having trouble breathing when you exercise

•Feeling your heart beat too fast when you exercise

Are there tests I should have? — Your doctor will decide which tests you should have based on your age, symptoms, and individual situation. There are lots of tests, but you might not need any.

Here are the most common tests doctors use to find the cause of heavy periods:

�œBlood tests – Blood tests can check if you are pregnant, or have hormonal changes, a bleeding disorder, low iron levels, or other problems.

�œEndometrial biopsy – For this test, the doctor will take a sample of tissue from inside your uterus. The sample can be viewed under a microscope to look for problems.

�œPelvic ultrasound – This test uses sound waves to make a picture of your uterus, ovaries, and vagina. The pictures can show if you have fibroids or other growths.

�œHysteroscopy – For this test, the doctor will use a small instrument to look inside your uterus.

How are heavy periods treated? — That depends on what is causing your heavy periods and whether you want to get pregnant soon. You might not need treatment. If you do, treatments might include:

�œBirth control methods that use hormones. These make your period lighter or stop your periods completely. They come as:

•Pills

•Skin patches

•A ring that you put inside your vagina

•Shots that you get every 3 months

•An intrauterine device (IUD), a plastic device that your doctor inserts into your uterus.

�œMedicines that thicken blood and slow bleeding

�œMedicines that reduce swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Motrin, Advil) or mefenamic acid (brand name: Ponstel)

�œMedicines that contain a hormone called “progestin.” These are taken for a week or so every few months.

�œMedicines that make the ovaries stop working for a short time

�œSurgery to remove fibroids or other growths, or an ablation

Information courtesy of UPTODATE