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Womens Health > Menstruation Forum > Possible causes for heavy menstrual bleeding
Menstruation is a woman's normal monthly menstrual period. But what are the signs of abnormal periods? When is vaginal bleeding serious?...
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Q: Possible causes for heavy menstrual bleeding
asked by: DoctorQuestion on May 26th, 2009
I have had painless, easy periods for 26 years! Regular as clockwork. Heavy for a day, then petering off over 5 days.

For the last 4 months I have been having heavy periods, with bright red blood...with quite a lot of pain. Severe back ache & a dragging feeling in my uterus, etc. They are very heavy for a few days, then just disappear. Blood always bright red & thin. Feel quite light-headed & nauseous. Still regular as clockwork though!

I am vegan....so the light-headed feeling could be slight anaemia (I'm studying nutrition....so aware of these factors).

I had Misoprostol 18mths ago (6 weeks into pregnancy) and had an awful time. Bled REALLY heavily for 6 weeks. Lost an awful lot of blood. Almost went to casualty a couple of times. Periods got back on track after a few months - but seem to have gone crazy now!

I am concerned this could be early symptoms of endometriosis or fibroids?? I am SO used to easy periods, this seems VERY out of character....

Please advise......


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Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD
replied on June 1st, 2009
Menstruation Answer A6697


There are many causes for heavy menstrual periods. Hormonal imbalances are one of the most frequent causes. It might be caused by a pathological process in the body, but birth control pills might also cause it. Uterine tumors (uterine fibroid tumors) are frequently a cause for heavy menstrual bleeding, too.

The treatment includes both surgical and non-surgical methods. Once menopause occurs, uterine fibroids tend to shrink due to their estrogen-dependence.

Cervical and endometrial polyps are benign tumors originating from the vaginal mucosa or from the inner lining of the uterus called the endometrium. Certain cancers might cause the heavy menstrual bleeding, too.


It is possible that other causes than tumors might be detected. Pelvic inflammatory disease might affect the tissue of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. If the uterus is affected, then the menstrual bleeding might be heavy. In the end, blood coagulation disorders might prolong the time needed for the bleeding to stop thus causing it to be longer and heavier.


As you can see, there are a variety of causes for heavy menstrual bleeding. Therefore, visiting your gynecologist is recommended. A set of tests (physical examination, hormonal laboratory tests, ultrasound scan or other visualizing methods) might be needed to detect the exact cause for the heavy menstrual bleeding. The therapy would depend upon the detected cause.




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