Table of Contents
Major Causes of heavy periods or menorrhagia
1. Hormone imbalance
There are several conditions that cause hormone imbalances. This includes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, insulin resistance and thyroid problems.
2. Polyps
Heavy or prolonged bleeding may also be caused due to small, benign growths on the lining of the uterus. These are called uterine polyps.
3. Dysfunction of the ovaries
If the ovaries don’t release an egg (ovulate) during a menstrual cycle (anovulation), it doesn’t produce the hormone progesterone, as it would during a normal menstrual cycle. This can thereby cause hormone imbalance and lead to menorrhagia.
4. Adenomyosis
When glands from the endometrium become embedded in the uterine muscle, it causes adenomyosis. This also often leads to heavy bleeding and painful periods.
5. Uterine fibroids
Noncancerous (benign) tumours of the uterus appear during a woman’s childbearing years and can lead to heavier or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
6. Intrauterine device (IUD)
Non-hormonal intrauterine device, that is utilized for birth control, is known to cause side effects like menorrhagia. So, doctors would recommend alternative birth control options.
7. Pregnancy complications
Miscarriage can lead to a single, heavy and late period. Heavy bleeding during pregnancy can also be caused due to an unusual location of the placenta, such as a low-lying placenta or placenta previa.
8. Cancer
Excessive menstrual bleeding can be caused by uterine cancer and cervical cancer. This can especially occur if women are postmenopausal or have had an abnormal Pap test in the past.
9. Inherited bleeding disorders
Bleeding disorders such as Von Willebrand’s disease is a condition in which an important blood-clotting factor is deficient or impaired. This disorder also leads to abnormal menstrual bleeding.
10. Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications, hormonal medications like estrogen and progestins, and anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or enoxaparin (Lovenox), can contribute to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
11. Other medical conditions
Medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease can be associated with menorrhagia.
