Every month in a woman in her childbearing years, the lining of the uterus builds up in preparation for pregnancy. If a pregnancy does not occur, the uterus sheds the thick lining. This process, called menstruation or menstrual bleeding, varies from woman to woman and will usually occur every 28 days, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. A woman may experience bleeding that is heavier than normal or that lasts for more days than usual. This condition, referred to as menorrhagia, may occur for many reasons. Treatment for the condition depends on the reason for the excessive bleeding.
Hormones
A hormone imbalance may cause a disruption in the menstrual cycle balance. The female body produces estrogen and progesterone to regulate the menstrual cycle. An increase or a decrease in either hormone may cause excessive menstrual bleeding. Many adolescent females have an imbalance in sex hormones and can experience heavy bleeding, according to KidsHealth from Nemours. Changes in birth control pills or taking hormone supplements may cause changes in menstrual bleeding.
Blood Disorders
Blood disorders, such as factor VII deficiency and von Willebrand disease, can cause a woman to lose excessive amounts of blood during a menstrual period. These inherited blood disorders prevent the platelets in the blood from clotting properly. Women taking medications that thin the blood may also experience heavy menstrual periods.
Fibroids
Fibroids may develop in the uterus. These uterine fibroids are benign growths inside the uterus that bleed easily. These tumors, more common in women older than 30, may cause heavy bleeding and possibly blood clots, according to Medline Plus.
Inflammation and Infection
Any inflammation or active infections in the uterus, cervix or fallopian tubes, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, may increase the risk of excessive menstrual bleeding. Along with the increased amount of bleeding, women can experience irregular periods and bleeding after sexual intercourse. Cancer of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, may cause excessive bleeding.
Stress
Any stress on the body can change menstrual periods. Women may experience a decrease or an increase in menstrual bleeding when undergoing stressful situations. Stress on the body ranges includes changes in routines, such as diet or exercise, weight fluctuations and illness in the body.
Intrauterine Device
A nonhormonal device inserted into the uterus, called an intrauterine device or IUD, works to prevent pregnancy and can cause an increase in menstrual bleeding. Excessive bleeding will decrease once a physician removes the IUD.
