Heavy menstrual bleeding, also termed menorrhagia, is a common menstrual abnormality. While heavy menstrual bleeding can affect any woman, it is more prevalent when a woman is in her teenage years or before menopause; the risk is even higher if the woman is also overweight, has a hereditary bleeding disorder or uses blood thinners. The Mayo Clinic notes that in a normal menstrual blood flow, a woman loses 2 to 3 tbsps of blood; a patient with heavy menstrual bleeding loses 5 1/2 tbsps instead. The heavy bleeding can interfere in the woman's life, and can make her period uncomfortable.
Needing Multiple Sanitary Pads or Tampons
With heavy menstrual bleeding you might need to use one or more pad or tampon each hour for multiple hours in a row, change your pad or tampon during the night or, if using a sanitary pad, use two pads at once for extra protection. If you soak at least one pad or tampon per hour for multiple hours, contact your doctor.
Irregular Duration
Women with heavy menstrual bleeding also have longer periods, which can last more than seven days. Epigee, a website focusing on pregnancy and reproductive issues, notes that women can have short or irregular menstrual cycles, resulting in more than one period a month. In addition, women with heavy menstrual bleeding may also have bleeding between periods.
Anemia Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic states that women with menorrhagia may also have signs of anemia, a deficiency of healthy red blood cells. If you also have anemia, you may experience unusual fatigue during your period and may also have shortness of breath.
Blood Clots and Cramping
Besides heavy bleeding, you may also have cramping throughout your period. If the period is incredibly painful, is accompanied by some back pain, and you find it difficult to function, you might have another condition called dysmenorrhea. On closer observation, you may notice blood clots---clumps of solid blood---in your menstrual blood.
Uterine Growths
The Mayo Clinic notes that uterine fibroids and polyps, which are benign growths on the uterus, can cause menorrhagia. Both growths appear during childbearing years, though polyps are caused by a hormone imbalance, resulting in extra shedding of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) during menstruation. Uterine cancer can also cause heavy menstrual bleeding, though benign growths are more common. Surgical removal of the growths may be recommended if drug treatment is not successful. Check with your doctor to determine if you have any of these conditions.
