Heavy menstrual bleeding is problematic for many women. It has several causes, some of which can indicate the presence of reproductive system disorders. Physicians use a patient's history, physical examination and diagnostic testing to determine the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding. Once a cause has been identified, a treatment plan can be developed.
Hormonal Imbalance
Physicians from Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center cite hormonal imbalance as one of the reasons for heavy menstrual bleeding. The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones that are produced by the hypothalamus, which is a gland located in the brain. The adrenal and pituitary glands also produce hormones that are related to menstruation. When hormone production is at abnormal levels, the amount of bleeding experienced during a menstrual period can increase.
Polyps
Cervical or endometrial polyps can contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding. According to the National Institutes of Health, cervical polyps are benign tumors that grow on the cervix, which is what connects the uterus to the vagina. They can be caused by inflammation, abnormal responses to estrogen and problems with the blood vessels in the cervix. Endometrial polyps are benign tumors that grow on the lining of the uterus. When polyps are small, they usually don't cause any problems. When they become large, they can push through the opening of the cervix and cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
Uterine Fibroids
The Mayo Clinic defines uterine fibroids as noncancerous growths that grow in the uterus. They are common in women who are in their childbearing years; they don't increase a woman's risk of developing uterine cancer. Two of the major symptoms of uterine fibroids are heavy menstrual bleeding and menstrual periods lasting longer than seven days. Fibroids that grow in the inner cavity of the uterus are the type that are associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, They can cause difficulty if a woman is trying to become pregnant.
Reproductive Cancers
Cervical and endometrial cancer can contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding. According to the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, cervical cancer occurs when cervical cells multiply rapidly and invade other tissues. Approximately 80 percent of cervical cancer cases are known as squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma, the second-most common, comes from glandular cells in the cervix. The University of Virginia Health System defines endometrial cancer as the finding of cancerous cells in the endometrium. The presence of either cancer can result in abnormally heavy bleeding during the menstrual period.
Bleeding Disorders
Bleeding disorders that make it difficult for the blood to clot normally can result in heavy menstrual bleeding. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder that makes it difficult for the blood to clot properly. People with this disease have abnormally low amounts of clotting. Women who take blood thinners may also experience heavy menstrual periods. The Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital lists warfarin, dicumarol and anisinidione as prescription blood thinners. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs can also thin the blood and make it harder to stop bleeding.
